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* Gov. Rauner’s office has filed the paperwork to formally appoint Rep. Wayne Rosenthal to head the Department of Natural Resources.
Illinois Review has a piece on possible replacements…
The Illinois Bulletin reports Christian County GOP Chairman Seth McMillan and Omphghent Township Trustee Rob Werden of Prairietown were initially the most pro-active, reaching out to chairmen and asking for their support. Since then Macoupin County attorney Kevin Polo from Gillespie and Montgomery County Board Chairman Roy Hertel are also interested. A fifth candidate emerged over the weekend, former regional superintendent for Christian and Montgomery Counties, Marchelle Kassebaum.
* You may remember Rob Werden because I’ve often written about him here.
Rob is a farmer, sportsman, entrepreneur, former high school agriculture teacher, current director of the Madison County Career and Technical Education System and a very good friend of mine who was born and raised in rural Madison County.
The guy works harder than just about anyone I have ever known and he’d be excellent for that seat. But Madison doesn’t have nearly enough weighted votes to put him in, so he’s gonna need help from at least one more county to make it over the top.
I’m obviously rooting for Rob to win, but I told him when we first talked about this that he shouldn’t expect any special treatment if he ends up getting the seat. I said the same to my dear friend Porter McNeil when he ran for the House. Friends are important to me, but this is business.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Jan 21, 15 @ 12:26 pm
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Curious to know if Rosenthal will try convincing the Governor to start unfreezing some of those grants caught up in EO 15-08 - especially the ones with dedicated funds already in place.
Freezing state grants might sound great in an Inauguration Day headline but it’s wreaking havoc with local park and forest districts trying to plan their summer construction seasons.
And lots of GOP legislators represent those districts caught up in the ill-defined “freeze”.
Comment by A. Nonymous Wednesday, Jan 21, 15 @ 12:34 pm
Good guy nice backround BUT not even in the same ballpark as former Director Manning(type) which I think some of us where hoping for, a pro not a pol. but best of luck an those of us that take to field I’m sure will support you and your uphill battle with obvious budget constraints.
Comment by Railrat Wednesday, Jan 21, 15 @ 1:35 pm
If they’re really friends, and they really know you…they’d expect nothing less.
Good for Rosenthal.
Comment by A guy Wednesday, Jan 21, 15 @ 1:42 pm
This is about as much of a slam dunk appointment as Governor Rauner could have made. I think everyone gets along with Rep. Rosenthal. He is not hyper-partisan and (I believe) will prove to be the right guy who will be able to push potential revenue generating measures for state parks.
Comment by Team Sleep Wednesday, Jan 21, 15 @ 1:43 pm
A “sustainable funding” package was passed for DNR a couple of years ago. It included an increase in the vehicle registration fee in lieu of a park entrance fee.
Various other fees were raised and some new fees were established.
I’m not sure what other fee increases or new fees are feasible.
If GRF is cut, could be grim.
Comment by Sir Reel Wednesday, Jan 21, 15 @ 1:59 pm
===If they’re really friends, and they really know you…they’d expect nothing less.===
Yeah, but Rob still wants help if he has to recoat the concrete floor n his office.
lol
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jan 21, 15 @ 2:27 pm
And you should be there…..with a helper and a 12 pack of decent beer. Or better yet..
Comment by A guy Wednesday, Jan 21, 15 @ 2:32 pm
A new administration would be a good time to review whether the same agency charged with promoting outdoor sports, recreation and conservation should be regulating coal mining and oil drilling. Those missions seem pretty different to me.
Comment by Wordslinger Wednesday, Jan 21, 15 @ 3:59 pm
Agreed word. I know of people down in Perry County who have been waiting on a permit for quite awhile. It appears to be held up due to “politics”…I am told.
Comment by LINK Wednesday, Jan 21, 15 @ 4:41 pm
During the past administration IDNR put a cap on most coal project permits. “Not enough review staff.”
Comment by Keyser Soze Wednesday, Jan 21, 15 @ 5:06 pm
It’s official after approval by the Senate appointments committee. Why the rush to declare this a done deal, Rich?
Breaking: Rich Miller defends statehouse insider and status quo. Gasp!
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jan 21, 15 @ 8:21 pm
===Why the rush to declare this a done deal, Rich?===
It isn’t? You must know something I don’t.
lol
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jan 21, 15 @ 8:24 pm
Different Missions , for sure Wordslinger .
BUT the Coal Interests got their Guy in as head of DNR, and kicked in big to the Gov. , SO Change seems unlikely.
Comment by x ace Wednesday, Jan 21, 15 @ 9:21 pm
I’m having déjà vu. Wasn’t former legislator and Director Brunsvold who was appointed director of DNR under Blago a well respected and nice guy when appointed? That sure didn’t go well for DNR! Brunsvold appointed his hunting buddy to be Executive Director of the Illinois Consevation Foundation who had no professional fund raising experience.His tenure there produced an audit of the ICF with over a hundred audit findings that ruined the credibility of ICF.
Comment by Johninchicago Thursday, Jan 22, 15 @ 12:31 pm