What does a former DNR secretary think of the change at the Department of Natural Resources?
For one thing George Meyer had no idea a change was in the works and he met with Scott Hassett earlier this week.
Meyer, who is now Executive Director of the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation, says Matt Frank is a good man, a good manager and a good lawyer who worked closely with him and the DNR on environmental protection issues as the one time head of Legal Services at the Justice Department.
But Meyer thinks Frank will have to get up to speed quickly in the natural resources area.
As for the legacy of Scott Hassett, the former DNR secretary thinks Hassett has done a good job especially trying to work as a political appointee rather than being able to work independently.
Meyer was hired when part time citizen's boards decided natural resource policy and hired the department head. Governor Tommy Thompson convinced the legislature to make it a cabinet position appointed by the governor.
Meyer stayed on as DNR secretary until replaced by Governor Scott McCallum.
