[Updated] This blog has been tracking the forced decline of the once-proud, no-longer-science-based Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources as directed by Scott Walker's hand-picked team of "chamber of commerce" bots.
That group of private-sector bellhops is led by tiny deer-slayer,
ex-developer, Halloween treats organizer and openly hostile DNR ranter Cathy Stepp.
There was even a management firm's video of Stepp's hostility which captured her dismissal of staffers she griped that she couldn't easily fire - - employees too tied into an Earth Day mentality and who refused to share her appreciation for "inspired" Scott Walker - - but the video was taken down.
So add this revealing excuse-making Stepp stepped in to before the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board - - the public oversight board which Walker with her approval unsuccessfully tried to budgetary turn into a mere advisory body - - as reported by The Wisconsin State Journal:
Thanks to Kewaunee County farmer and activist Nancy Utesch for her strong opinion piece on these matters and her continuing fight for - - wait for it - - clean drinking water guaranteed by the DNR - - in the Year 2016.
More props to Lynn Utesch for taking that activism to the next level.
That group of private-sector bellhops is led by tiny deer-slayer,
ex-developer, Halloween treats organizer and openly hostile DNR ranter Cathy Stepp.
There was even a management firm's video of Stepp's hostility which captured her dismissal of staffers she griped that she couldn't easily fire - - employees too tied into an Earth Day mentality and who refused to share her appreciation for "inspired" Scott Walker - - but the video was taken down.
So add this revealing excuse-making Stepp stepped in to before the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board - - the public oversight board which Walker with her approval unsuccessfully tried to budgetary turn into a mere advisory body - - as reported by The Wisconsin State Journal:
Stepp recalled her days as a McDonald’s restaurant manager as she talked about how state employment rules have hobbled the DNR. Stepp said she could quickly mobilize her fast-food employees when a busload of customers arrived unexpectedly, but the DNR can’t react that nimbly to retirements.There you have it, career DNR employees - - those not wiped out in the last budget's termination of scientists. Your boss would rather you were minimum-wage burger flippers she could order around.
Thanks to Kewaunee County farmer and activist Nancy Utesch for her strong opinion piece on these matters and her continuing fight for - - wait for it - - clean drinking water guaranteed by the DNR - - in the Year 2016.
More props to Lynn Utesch for taking that activism to the next level.
Snort..Tiny deer slayer.
ReplyDeleteWhen is the EPA going to "STEPP" in and start taking action to correct the ways of Walker and his DNR?
ReplyDeleteAll us old DNR folks wish MisStepp would have stayed at Mac D's.
ReplyDeleteTo understand Stepp read a book called "Going from Good To Great". It is her game plan. She used to quote from it. The premise is you build a tight inner circle and reward them greatly finsnancially. Everyone else, the great majority, are pawns to be used and discarded at will. To make sure the "wrong" people get off your bus you make conditions so unbearable they leave. No kidding, its a real book. Read it and you will see exactly why she manages people like burger flippers, in essence DNR employees are less important than that to her plan. Only the msnagement upper level matters, above the Bureau Chief level.
ReplyDeleteThis? https://www.harpercollins.com/9780066620992/good-to-great. Please add more information if you'd like, or email me: jer45y1@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteRight. One of the ways she tries to motivate is using the phrase going from good to great. I can see from the shuffling that has gone on in the last year how she promotes people she thinks can do the most for her.
ReplyDeleteYes, it is Good to Great, a red cover (used to be anyway). Its important to remember Stepps goals are not to make money, serve the public, or protect the environment. Its to make WI "Open for Business" and do whatever Scotty says. When you really really recognize that, everything makes sense. Staff and funding reductions, ignoring environmental laws and principals, using rhetoric to mislead peole - its all fine according to her business philosophy. Those things arent her defined goals, serving Scotts rich businessmen is. In the back of the book in the question is asked "How do you get the wrong people off the bus?" The author specifically states you make things so uncomfortable people leave or retire. You also do away with civil service. Cathy is actually very good at what she does, its just the environment, staff, the public are mere tools and really really only exist to serve her and her bosses goals. To expect any environmental protection or humane treatment of employees doesnt make sense once you understand her philosophy. She and Walker are quite evil.
ReplyDeleteInteresting. This explains why she cares so little about alienating staff - that is actually her goal. And Walker's goal too. Does she require buy-in from upper management before promoting them? Please spill more beans.
ReplyDeleteI am only guessing now, but I imagine that is one reason there has been so much turnover. The upper management- some buy in some dont. Her goals are as mentioned, but its probably not a comprehensive plan. I look it as she found a book and philosophy that she basically agreed with and got some additional ideas and direction from, but of course that is is only one of many factors.
ReplyDeleteThe main point is she has absolutely no interest in the environment or the agency or its people. They are all mere tools for her use. She is grossly unqualified to be Secretary and a leader in public service, a detriment to good government. Her goal is to get rid of all these terrible impediments to big business doing whatever they damn well please. 'We dont need no stinkin butterfies or clean water, they can buy bottled water and swim at the Kalahari' is her idea . Actually I doubt any environmental ideas ever cross her calloused mind.
One more example, Peoplesoft is the new pay and reporting system used by the DNR and other agencies. It is universally hated. Cumbersome and difficult. People still dont always get paid and it literally can take hours to submit a time report. People have gotten fired for complaining. Cathy likes it because it serves to keep employees subjugated and always unsure. Employees either submit to extensive headaches, late pay, refused expense accounts and the rest or leave or get fired. This helps get the wrong people off the bus. For the lower 96 per cent of employees, only the subservient and cowed fit her purposes. You may think I am exaggerating, but Peoplesoft is a disaster and hated while Cathy says everyone loves it and its working (like Walker says about jobs). They both lie with impunity and get away with it.