This could be the first time the Senator has ever stepped inside of a library. Yes Alan, those are BOOKS, and please take your hat off when you are inside of a building.
You can also submit comments through this website. Notice that he is asking for “comments and complaints”. He is definitely not fishing for examples of jobs well-done or pleas for more enforcement, funding, and manpower.
The RIVER ALLIANCE of Wisconsin has a very accurate description of what is going on, and what you can do, in its current C.A.N.O.E. newsletter:
Don't They Have Something More Important To Do?
Campaigns for next fall's elections are getting underway, so it's time to trot out everyone's favorite target, DNR. Senators Lasee (De Pere) and Zien (Wheaton) lead the new "Senate Select Committee on DNR Regulatory Reform" to study DNR's so-called overzealous enforcement of environmental regulations. We've seen this one before - rile up a few folks, then win a few points by proposing legislation to weaken environmental rules, and follow that with a few more staff cuts at DNR. The committee will hold hearings some time after the first of the year to hear complaints against DNR, and Senator Lasee is seeking email complaints.
Well, we've got a few complaints of our own, but they're probably not what the committee hopes to hear.Sometimes due to political pressure, and more often than not, sheer lack of adequate funding and staffing, DNR can not provide the enforcement we depend upon to protect our resources. We've all seen examples - the new subdivision under construction with rivers of mud flowing off site into the nearest stream; the questionable wetland fill permit granted; the house built too close to the water. We suggest using Senator Lasee's email form, and the upcoming hearings if you've got the stomach for it, to let the committee know what DNR does right, as well as personal experiences with lack of enforcement. Glad the wardens have nabbed poachers? Angry that DNR couldn't respond to a problem in a timely way? Think DNR needs more stormwater inspectors? Let Senator Lasee know
Lasee is definitely no friend of the environment. His last score from the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters was dismal 11%. During the current legislative session, he has NEVER voted for the environment.
1 comment:
I was at the hearings. I think the person taking the speaking sign-up sheets must have dropped them before giving them to the Senator, because people sure weren't called on in the order in which they were received! That's the nice explanation. Or you could say that perhaps the Honorable Senator was stacking the deck.
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