Falk demands Walker fire DNR leader

Associated Press

Updated: Apr 30, 2012 3:30 PM

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Democrat Kathleen Falk wants Republican Gov. Scott Walker to fire state Department of Natural Resources Secretary Cathy Stepp.

Falk made the demand Monday at a news conference after the Wisconsin State Journal reported that the number of DNR environmental permit violation notices dropped to a 12-year low in 2011. Stepp told the newspaper she wants to refocus the DNR on customer service.

Falk says the DNR has become Walker's lapdog. Walker spokeswoman Julie Lund says Walker supports Stepp. She says it's possible to create jobs and protect the environment simultaneously but extremists want the governor to pick one or the other.

Falk is one of five Democrats who will face off in a May 8 primary. Gov. Scott Walker will face Arthur Kohl-Riggs in next week's Republican primary. The general recall election is June 5.

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