Below is an excerpt from Jim's Field Notes (Jim Abrams) Dec. 15, 2018
“Along the Way:
Mike DeWine worked hard to gain voter’s confidence so that he could land the state’s top office. During that time he solicited and gained the support of the well-known and respected conservation expert, Michael Budzik.
Budzik, a retired chief of the Ohio Division of Wildlife, wasn’t sure he wanted the job. His value of Ohio’s natural resources and his many conservation-minded contacts are an invaluable part of his life and he has always represented them with an earnest dignity and a savvy ability to get things done.
While Governor John Kasich had appointed him as his liaison between the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the governor’s office during his last election, that relationship didn’t end well.
After Kasich’s successful reelection, his apparent concern for sportsmen dissipated. Feeling duped, Budzik left the job and was openly critical of the direction DNR was heading. The dismantling of the Division of Wildlife’s leadership, realigning of some divisions and an apparent spending-spree seemed to fortify his concerns.
Feeling as though he had been used as window dressing to capture votes, gaining Budzik’s confidence and support was going to be a tough job. To DeWine’s credit, he patiently listened to Budzik’s unabashedly expressed concerns.
They exchanged ideas, worries and management philosophies and soon discovered common ground. They had each found an ally; one to offer critical insights and a link to the outdoor community during his bid for governor, the other a proponent for the sound management of Ohio’s natural resources.
Now, Governor-elect Mike DeWine seems to be off to a great start. He has named Mary Mertz as his selection to be the next Director of DNR; an agency which encompasses the Divisions of Wildlife, Parks and Watercraft, Forestry, Natural Areas and Preserves, Oil and Gas, Geological Survey, Water Resources, Mineral Resources, Engineering, and the Offices of Coastal Management and Real Estate and Land Management.
Ms. Mertz holds a law degree from The Ohio State University’s Moritz College of Law, a Master of Arts in International Affairs from George Washington University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from The American University.
During the Voinovich administration, Mertz both developed the administrative agenda for and served as the Governor’s liaison to eight state agencies in the environmental, natural resources, and criminal justice areas.
She is obviously bright, capable and well versed in state management and with those inside the halls of the statehouse. Like any good manager, her first step will be to create a team of competent advisors and leaders. While she is yet to be confirmed by the legislature, Mertz and DeWine have placed Mike Budzik on the DNR Director’s staff.
This is excellent news for all outdoor enthusiasts around the Buckeye State. With Budzik’s experienced advice and Mertz’s desire to be a positive force in promoting and protecting our natural resources, I’m sure that we can expect additions and changes in the near future.“
“Along the Way:
Mike DeWine worked hard to gain voter’s confidence so that he could land the state’s top office. During that time he solicited and gained the support of the well-known and respected conservation expert, Michael Budzik.
Budzik, a retired chief of the Ohio Division of Wildlife, wasn’t sure he wanted the job. His value of Ohio’s natural resources and his many conservation-minded contacts are an invaluable part of his life and he has always represented them with an earnest dignity and a savvy ability to get things done.
While Governor John Kasich had appointed him as his liaison between the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the governor’s office during his last election, that relationship didn’t end well.
After Kasich’s successful reelection, his apparent concern for sportsmen dissipated. Feeling duped, Budzik left the job and was openly critical of the direction DNR was heading. The dismantling of the Division of Wildlife’s leadership, realigning of some divisions and an apparent spending-spree seemed to fortify his concerns.
Feeling as though he had been used as window dressing to capture votes, gaining Budzik’s confidence and support was going to be a tough job. To DeWine’s credit, he patiently listened to Budzik’s unabashedly expressed concerns.
They exchanged ideas, worries and management philosophies and soon discovered common ground. They had each found an ally; one to offer critical insights and a link to the outdoor community during his bid for governor, the other a proponent for the sound management of Ohio’s natural resources.
Now, Governor-elect Mike DeWine seems to be off to a great start. He has named Mary Mertz as his selection to be the next Director of DNR; an agency which encompasses the Divisions of Wildlife, Parks and Watercraft, Forestry, Natural Areas and Preserves, Oil and Gas, Geological Survey, Water Resources, Mineral Resources, Engineering, and the Offices of Coastal Management and Real Estate and Land Management.
Ms. Mertz holds a law degree from The Ohio State University’s Moritz College of Law, a Master of Arts in International Affairs from George Washington University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from The American University.
During the Voinovich administration, Mertz both developed the administrative agenda for and served as the Governor’s liaison to eight state agencies in the environmental, natural resources, and criminal justice areas.
She is obviously bright, capable and well versed in state management and with those inside the halls of the statehouse. Like any good manager, her first step will be to create a team of competent advisors and leaders. While she is yet to be confirmed by the legislature, Mertz and DeWine have placed Mike Budzik on the DNR Director’s staff.
This is excellent news for all outdoor enthusiasts around the Buckeye State. With Budzik’s experienced advice and Mertz’s desire to be a positive force in promoting and protecting our natural resources, I’m sure that we can expect additions and changes in the near future.“
