MADISON, WI (WTAQ) – Former state representative and Dane County Executive Jonathan Barry has been named the new secretary of the state Public Lands board.
He replaces Tia Nelson, who left after the board raised concerns about her long-time involvement with fighting climate change.
The vote to hire Barry was 2-0 this week. State Treasurer Matt Adamczyk abstained, saying he didn’t know enough about the new leader.
The board previously banned agency staffers from talking about climate change, after Adamczyk raised concerns over Nelson’s previous involvement with the issue. The ban was later reduced to prohibiting her involvement while on the job.
The Public Lands agency was relatively obscure until Adamczyk’s concerns — and until it became the only major remaining duty for Adamczyk and Secretary of State Doug La Follette.
Lawmakers transferred most of their duties to other state agencies.
Public Lands handles trust funds, and gives loans and grants to local governments and schools.
(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)
