Reacting to the unshakable criticism surrounding the ongoing Flint water crisis, Gov. Rick Snyder this afternoon announced a substantial shakeup in his administration.
The shuffling of the deck comes one day after Snyder engaged in the risky strategy of blaming “career bureaucrats” for the Flint mess and said his staff at the state environment quality and health departments had deceived him.
It also comes several weeks after Snyder substantially altered his PR team within the governor’s office and hired two outside PR firms to help him weather the storm. The new dismissals and appointments alter that lineup substantially.
Here is the press release put out by the governor’s office moments ago:
Gov. Rick Snyder today announced several senior staff changes within his executive office, as well as a new director at the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).
“Improving the culture of state government to ensure we are continuing to put people first is as important in my office as it is across all departments,” Snyder said. “The people I’m appointing to these new roles understand that our state faces many challenges right now but that in Michigan we don’t shy away from problems – we tackle them head on to make things better for everyone.”
Elizabeth Clement, currently the governor’s deputy chief of staff and Cabinet secretary, will become chief legal counsel. Clement has been with the executive office since January 2011, and previously served as deputy legal counsel. She replaces Jim Redford, who was previously named interim director of the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency.
Mike Zimmer, director of the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, will become the governor’s Cabinet director, responsible for coordinating efforts with department directors and staff. The new director for LARA will be Shelly Edgerton, who is currently chief deputy director of the department. Edgerton’s appointment is subject to advice and consent of the state Senate.
Beth Emmitt, who has served as the governor’s director of scheduling since January 2011, will take over as deputy chief of staff. She previously served for eight years in the executive office of former secretary of state Terri Lynn Land.
Anna Heaton, currently the governor’s deputy press secretary, will become press secretary. Heaton has worked for the governor since March 2015. Prior to joining the executive office, Heaton was deputy director of (GOP) caucus communications under former House speaker Jase Bolger.
Josh Paciorek, communications manager for the governor, is being promoted to deputy press secretary. Paciorek has been with the executive office since January 2015.
In a related story, the Captain of the Titanic has ordered the chairs rearranged.
A new Director at LARA? Does that mean complaints will be investigated or are they still shredding all complaints regarding GLWA Non-Compliance? I pay fees to LARA for License’s but when I make valid, concise complaints, cite the MCL being violated I am told “Lawyers from Lansing are looking for ways to increase revenue”. That is not what a Enforcement Arm of Michigan Government should be doing, they need to enforce the Law, not raise License Fee’s.
All he did was shuffle deck. And as article indicates, all are “Career Bureaucrats” too, so what has changed? Oh, I know, Tax Payers from every nook and cranny of State of Michigan are on the hook. What is he going to do when Federal Government tells State of Michigan to rip out and replace every pipe in ground and buildings and dwellings that Flint River Water came in contact with? Who is going to be left holding bill for this RINO Governors mistakes?