Purported DNR memo raises ire of Republicans

and Mike Wells ~ Southeast Missourian

Saying he was outraged and alarmed, Missouri Senate President Pro Tem Peter Kinder, R-Cape Girardeau, demanded Gov. Bob Holden either disavow or accept responsibility for a purported Department of Natural Resources memo that threatens staff members with termination if they share with lawmakers budget-cutting ideas.

Kinder made his plea at a press conference Friday at the Show Me Center, joined by House Speaker Pro Tem Rod Jetton, R-Marble Hill, and House Majority Floor Leader Jason Crowell, R-Cape Girardeau.

The document -- unsigned and without DNR letterhead -- opens by saying: "Warning: If a senator or representative asks you for ideas about how to reduce the department's budget, do not do it. This is a firing offense."

A DNR employee gave a copy to Rep. Mark Bruns, R-Jefferson City, on Thursday, Kinder said. The employee remains anonymous for fear of losing his job.

"We are owed some explanations, not only those of us in the House and Senate, but all Missourians," Kinder said.

If DNR Director Steve Mahfood approved the policy, he should be fired, Kinder said.

"If Director Mahfood had no knowledge of the memo, we need to be asking who is running the Department of Natural Resources," he said.

Neither the document's authenticity nor its author has been verified. House Speaker Catherine Hanaway, R-Warson Woods, said Thursday the GOP did not contact DNR about it before speaking to media of their outrage.

Connie Patterson, a DNR spokeswoman, said based on its content, which includes status updates on various bills pending in the legislature, the document appears to be someone's notes from a Feb. 20 internal meeting, which she attended.

"I did not hear that this was a firing offense," she said. "I never heard those words."

Holden's spokeswoman, Mary Still, said department officials should provide assessments of what impact specific cuts would have, but it isn't their responsibility to do lawmakers' job for them by suggesting cuts.

"Republicans are in the leadership positions, so it is their job to set their own priorities. It is not something we can do for them," Still said. "What they are trying to do is divert attention from cuts that are going on in this building at this very moment."

Kinder called Still's comments "glib" and an attempt to dispose of the serious issue.

mpowers@semissourian.com

(573) 635-4608

mwells@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 160