DEC Commissioner Grannis Fired!
Posted: Sat Oct 23, 2010 9:26 pm
On Thursday, October 21, 2010, NYS Governor Paterson's aide Larry Schwartz fired DEC Commissioner Grannis after learning that Grannis had written a letter criticizing Peterson's attempt to layoff another 209 employees. The letter was then leaked to the press. Larry Schwartz asked for Commissioner's resignation by telephone. But, Grannis refused, and Schwartz instantly fired Grannis. Larry Schwartz and the Governor Paterson cited reasons for firing DEC Commissioner Grannis as insubordination and poor performance.
DEC Commissioner had already removed 260 employees out of their 2,000 employee staff. Paterson now wanted another 209 jobs removed. This would make the reduced over 20% of the overall staff. If Cuomo is elected, he promises to remove another 20%. It is assumed that Paladino would removed even more.
But, is the firing that important? It is reasonably assumed that Cuomo would replace Grannis with his own pick in January of 2011. Obviously, Paladino would have his own DEC Commissioner. Leaving the job several months early would not make that much of a difference to Grannis.
Over the years, the DEC has continued to cut back more-and-more on hiking project, and most have been replaced with volunteers. Grannis also removed the Assistant Forest Rangers. Most of the funds have been transferred over to the environmental causes. Most hikers take the attitude that they will find a way to make due with whatever situation the DEC presents or is forced into. Many are suggesting that they create more volunteer programs to fill the gaps.
Many of the environmental groups are very upset by the removal of DEC Commissioner Grannis. Grannis has been a champion of many environmental groups.
New York State gets a large part of their revenue from Wall Street. When Wall Street crashed, so did the tax revenue. This has caused significant problems with the overall NYS budget. Paterson has grappled with the reduction and has fought hard to get other lawmakers to see the revenue problem. The new governor will continue this trend.
DEC Commissioner had already removed 260 employees out of their 2,000 employee staff. Paterson now wanted another 209 jobs removed. This would make the reduced over 20% of the overall staff. If Cuomo is elected, he promises to remove another 20%. It is assumed that Paladino would removed even more.
But, is the firing that important? It is reasonably assumed that Cuomo would replace Grannis with his own pick in January of 2011. Obviously, Paladino would have his own DEC Commissioner. Leaving the job several months early would not make that much of a difference to Grannis.
Over the years, the DEC has continued to cut back more-and-more on hiking project, and most have been replaced with volunteers. Grannis also removed the Assistant Forest Rangers. Most of the funds have been transferred over to the environmental causes. Most hikers take the attitude that they will find a way to make due with whatever situation the DEC presents or is forced into. Many are suggesting that they create more volunteer programs to fill the gaps.
Many of the environmental groups are very upset by the removal of DEC Commissioner Grannis. Grannis has been a champion of many environmental groups.
New York State gets a large part of their revenue from Wall Street. When Wall Street crashed, so did the tax revenue. This has caused significant problems with the overall NYS budget. Paterson has grappled with the reduction and has fought hard to get other lawmakers to see the revenue problem. The new governor will continue this trend.