State Sen. Mark Schoesler wants to know why the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is trying so hard to fill what he views as a non-essential job with a six-figure salary, at the same time that state agencies have been instructed to propose spending reductions, according to a news release from Sen. Schoesler.
The DNR website states the exempt position of “Director for Equity, Environmental Justice, and Civil Rights” was posted June 16. The application window was scheduled to close on Wednesday, but the closing date has been extended. The position has a listed salary range of $131,000 to $153,000 annually. Since it became vacant earlier this year the duties are reportedly being handled by a deputy director.
“This management position that DNR wants to fill really seems unnecessary, especially when the state budget continues to have problems due to spending outpacing revenue,” Schoesler, R-Ritzville, said. “DNR says its mission is to ‘manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington’s lands and waters.’ This vacant position doesn’t seem mission-critical, especially seeing how this has been one of the worst years in state history for wildfires. You’d think DNR would want to marshal its limited resources toward fighting existing wildfires and having enough money on hand to prevent future wildfires.”
Gov. Bob Ferguson yesterday amended his emergency declaration to add Benton, Columbia, Grant, Kittitas and Whitman counties. The emergency declaration previously included Chelan, Douglas, Ferry, Okanogan, Spokane, Stevens and Yakima counties.
Last Friday, the governor declared a state of emergency for Walla Walla County due to wildfire impacts to the Mill Creek Watershed. According to a news release from his office, tens of thousands of Walla Walla residents rely on the watershed for their drinking water.
