I’m concerned this idea will never see the light of day left in the hands of Lenny Young, so I’m making it public.
Why were no cuts made in the executive division where salaries are the highest? If cuts are really necessary, this would be universally true and not exclusive to those who fall below the executive level. Instead of a reduction, this division grew by one Executive Policy Director today. Not sure if this new exec will have a personal assistant but it seems to be the norm within the most expensive division in the agency. This would also be the least productive division unless increasing bureaucracy counts.
I’m not the only one thinking this way. Sarah Lacy of TechCrunch says 73% of executives need to fire themselves. (here) This goes back to the whole idea of using free software at a time when there’s a budget crisis. I’ll get back to that topic soon enough. For now, here’s my final attempt as a state employee to save money.
_____________________________________________
From: DRESSEL, JOSH (DNR)
Sent: Tuesday, June 30, 2009 8:47 AM
To: YOUNG, LENNY (DNR)
Cc: Redling, Bob (DNR)
Subject: budget idea
The top 9 executive managers each have personal assistants, and others within the executive division may as well. These managers make up nearly $2 million in salaries + benefits and their assistants over $1 million in additional salary + benefits. Forest Practices currently has 4 secretaries for nearly 45 DNR employees. Tomorrow, both of these numbers will be reduced yet executive management's numbers will remain the same and then grow when the Executive Policy Advisor position is filled. Using Forest Practices as the model, 1 secretary per every 11 people has proven sufficient and would be no different for the executive division.
Individuals at the executive level have the skills necessary to maintain their own calendars and agendas as well as draft their own correspondence. A Blackberry, far less expensive than a personal assistant, would make this easier to do. When individuals at the highest pay scale do less work, a very negative message is sent. Most importantly, reducing the number of personal assistants communicates a real dedication from the DNR that those with decision-making authority are taking the current budget issues seriously and making selfless rather than self-serving decisions.
The talent of the personal assistants is probably best utilized within other divisions of the DNR.
Josh Dressel
IT Specialist
Department of Natural Resources
360.902.1545
