DNR's Stepp says a Foxconn was the plan all along

I've copied below out-going WI DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp's resignation email sent to all employee last week.

For context, you might want to read, either before or after, three additional posts (and I will add this post to my ever-expanding "Foxconn Fever Primer"):

*  This one about the agency's so-called "alignment" - - her intentional recasting  of the DNR as a business-driven department - - a process that Stepp self-aggrandizingly praises without knowing or caring that with her own words she validated the critics who said her corporate focus at Walker's behest undermined the DNR's legacy mission and public policy obligations;

*  This post about the agency's declining mission and morale as Stepp implemented Walker's "chamber of commerce mentality" - - the consequences of their 'alignment' of the DNR into a state defect Department of Commerce which began when Walker took over in 2011;

*  And finally a post from last week in which people with first-hand knowledge of the DNR summed up and blasted Stepp's tenure.

You can compare those three posts with Stepp's clueless perspective on the DNR she's leaving in shambles - - an agency where career professionals will try and save what water and wetlands they can in the face of the approaching Foxconn bulldozers which Stepp herself acknowledges in her email was "exactly" the Walker plan for the state and a weakened DNR all along.

When we started our alignment plan two years ago we had no idea a Foxconn project was on the horizon but it’s exactly what we accomplished in alignment that makes us even more ready than we were two years ago to work on this transformational project in a One DNR spirit. 

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Hi everyone! I’m pleased to announce that I have accepted an appointment as Deputy Regional Director for the EPA’s Region 7 office in Kansas City beginning the beginning in early September. 

This has all come together quite rapidly.

The White House presented me with an opportunity that I couldn’t ignore. It is an exciting time for me professionally and also for my family. I’m excited about the possibility of bringing some of the reforms we’ve been able to put in place here in Wisconsin to the national stage. There is so much to share about what we have all done together.

Of course, with the excitement comes the thought of having to leave the DNR, the wonderful leadership team that has provided so much support and guidance these past six and a half years and the dedicated people who work at the DNR. 

You all strive every day to protect our resources and serve the citizens of Wisconsin under the watchful eyes of the public. It has been an honor to sing your praises.

No one gets to this point in their careers without the help of so many people along the way. I have too many of you to thank individually. You opened your hearts and minds to me; shared your work experiences with me; and taught me so much.

You have both enriched and enlightened me in so many areas of my life. More people see us now as an agency that makes decision using sound science, the law, and common sense. We assist people and businesses in understanding the law so they can proceed with their plans and not be delayed by bureaucracy. 

This approach protects the environment and benefits Wisconsin economically as well.

Thanks to your input, understanding, and patience the DNR is in a better position to survive future challenges through our strategic alignment effort-something that will always give me a sense of pride in the Wisconsin DNR. 

In fact, our alignment efforts are already paying off. When we started our alignment plan two years ago we had no idea a Foxconn project was on the horizon but it’s exactly what we accomplished in alignment that makes us even more ready than we were two years ago to work on this transformational project in a One DNR spirit. 

Special thanks to those in our DNR family, past and present, who were willing to serve in our leadership team.  To my Kurt, Ed, Holly, division administrators and their deputies, secretary’s directors---thank you.  I slept easier at night knowing I had the best team in state government on the job.  

As a Wisconsinite, that word “forward” will always have special meaning. I look forward to the new challenges this opportunity presents and I encourage you to keep moving the Wisconsin DNR forward. You have a great team of leaders solidly in place.

With appreciation, love, and respect,

Cathy Stepp
Secretary 
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

101 S Webster Street

Madison, WI 53703