DNR RE BNR wrote:
Thank you for your letter.I have forwarded your letter to the Board of Natural Resources Members.
From: Josh Dressel
Sent: Wednesday, July 01, 2009 9:54 AM
To: DNR RE BNR
Subject: $600,000 savings claim
Importance: High
Dear Board of Natural Resources,
I attempted to contact Peter Goldmark to clarify a discrepancy found on the DNR's website and also published in various media outlets. However, I have yet to receive any response at all, even an acknowledgement of receiving the email. Copies were sent to Governor Gregoire, Representative Reuven Carlyle, associates at the Washington Policy Center, and fellow bloggers. The matter of a public inquiry not being responded to is serious enough but the subject of the email is far more concerning.
The following information was posted on the DNR's website on March 24, 2009 (here):
“When Commissioner Goldmark took office, he restructured Executive Management by replacing four supervisors with one department supervisor and three deputy supervisors, and eliminating 11 funded exempt positions. The restructuring, coupled with reduced salaries for DNR’s leadership team, will save the Department over $600,000 in the next biennium."
In the employment section of the DNR's website (here) are current recruitments for 5 WMS managers, 5 exempt management positions, and the Executive Policy Advisor which has already been filled. This is all 11 of the positions Commissioner Goldmark took credit for eliminating and dissolves any savings over the next biennium.
I trust the Board of Natural Resources will be able to encourage Commissioner Goldmark to respond. At a time when our state is going through a very serious recession, public employees like Commissioner Goldmark should take inquiries like this just as seriously as anyone below the executive level would.
Your time is appreciated and I hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely,
Josh Dressel
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