Evers wants to change who appoints DNR secretary, as Gov. Walker looks for replacement

Last secretary was appointed back in mid-90s 

MADISON, Wis. — Democratic candidate for governor Tony Evers doesn’t want the governor to have the power to appoint the secretary of the Department of Natural Resources.

Evers announced Tuesday that he favors returning to having the Natural Resources Board make the appointment. Evers is the state superintendent and one of several Democrats running for the chance to take on Republican Gov. Scott Walker next year.

Evers announced his support for changing the DNR secretary appointment process after current DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp resigned last month. Walker is considering who to appoint to replace her.

Democratic State Sen. George Meyer, back in Feb., pushed for the same thing. Meyer was the last secretary to be appointed by a board back in 90s.

In late December, the DNR eliminated references to climate change.

Evers says only an independent DNR secretary can restore DNR’s mission of serving the needs of all Wisconsin citizens, not just big corporations.

The DNR secretary has been appointed by the governor since 1995.