"I believe that every agency ought to publish its spending online. Government that is open and honest will always be able to withstand the light of day."
- Rick Perry, Governor of Texas
If I’ve accomplished nothing else, maybe I at least helped thwart an attempt by DNR management to engage in frivolous discretionary spending. Months of planning went into a project to soundproof Peter Goldmark’s already private office. One estimate showed a total cost of $58,078.
From: GILLIS, EDIE (DNR)
Sent: Wednesday, March 04, 2009 1:11 PM
To: YOUNG, PATRICIA (DNR)
Subject: options for office
The Commissioner would like to pursue the option for adding the clearstory extensions to his office only---with the $4500 price tag.
Would you CONFIRM that this will indeed soundproof the office and provide the confidentiality that Commissioner requires?
Thanks~ Edie
Edie Gillis
Senior Advisor
Office of the Commissioner of Public Lands
Washington State Department of Natural Resources
On Saturday, April 18, executive management came to the sudden conclusion this project was “unnecessary spending.” Hmm maybe there’s something to this public awareness after all.
From: GILLIS, EDIE (DNR)
To: YOUNG, LENNY (DNR)
CC: GOLDMARK, PETER (DNR)
Sent: Fri Apr 17 11:48:33 2009
Subject: Commissioner’s office wall
Lenny,
Re: Walls for the Commissioner’s office
Since taking office, we have noticed difficulties associated with the Commissioner not having full walls surrounding his office. The cubicle wall-system has severely limited the Commissioner’s ability to have confidential conversations regarding important agency business (legal issues, complex negotiations, staffing and budget conversations.) The final estimate has come in from GA and to build a full-length, floor-to-ceiling wall will cost $19,000.
During these unprecedented budget times, we must dramatically limit discretionary spending; despite the difficulties we have had finding private rooms for the Commissioner’s meetings. So at this point I recommend that we don not seek to build an office wall for the Commissioner.
Edie Gillis
Senior Advisor
Office of the Commissioner of Public Lands
Washington State Department of Natural Resources
From: GOLDMARK, PETER (DNR)
Sent: Saturday, April 18, 2009 9:58 AM
To: GILLIS, EDIE (DNR)
Subject: Re: Commissioner’s office wall
Edie,
I agree. We must curtail all unnecessary spending, including any modifications to my office. So, please let GA know that we will not be making any changes or expending any resources on the office.
Peter
I’m curious about this claim of a final figure of $19,000. Not only is there the previously mentioned $58,078 estimate, but a memo dated March 2, 2009 from Patricia Young states:
2. The estimate for walls and doors from GA and the Haworth clear story above the existing reconfigured panels in the conf. area total $50,000.
The entire public disclosure request can be seen here.
