Governor John Lynch has made progress on getting his the man he wants to head the Department of Environmental Services.
In an agreement announced yesterday, current DES commissioner, Michael Nolin said he will step down from his job in November -- although under the deal, he will remain on the state payroll until the end of the year.
New Hampshire Public Radio's Josh Rogers has more.
Michael Nolin's announcement comes five weeks after Governor John Lynch tapped Manchester attorney Tom Burack to replace him as the state's top environmental official. In a statement Nolin called it a great honor to have led des for three and a half years, and promised to smooth the transition or his successor. That transition has so far been thwarted by the Executive Council. The majority, along with many state business interests, had backed Nolin remaining on the job…..While many environmental groups favored Burack…….The Governor, meanwhile had said he's never reappoint Nolin……Though he's has never said why…… But given that adamance, even staunch Nolin supporters, like District 2's Peter Spalding admit Nolin is probably wise to move on.
"Staying as DES commissioner was clearly not a long term strategy for Mike Nolin."
But even with Nolin's departure, Tom Burack's confirmation remains uncertain…….Councilor Spaulding, for one, says he remains concerned by Burack's employment at by a law firm that represened Bio Energy, the owners of a waste-burning power plant……….District One Councilor Ray Burton, meanwhile, says he's so far unpursuaded that Burack -- who now chairs the state's lchip conservation program -- has what it takes do the job..
"I just didn't see the necessary backbone to run an agency that tends to be quite controversial in terms of planned growth and job creation in the state of nh."
A Lynch adminstaion spokesperson says the Governor Lynch does not believe Burack has any conflicts of interest regarding Bio Energy…….and adds that the Governor remains confident he's the best person to lead the department….Lynch could bring Burack's confirmation to a council vote as early as Wednesday.
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