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Among government's many duties, none is more important than the
responsibility to deliver information that is accurate and forthright. At its
essence, governing is an agreement between leaders and their constituents that is
built on a foundation of respect and trustworthy communication.
Last fall senior leaders of the state departments of natural resources and
environmental quality departed from this responsibility. They engaged in a
campaign to politicize facts, disseminate misinformation to the press, and harm
the credibility of this magazine and the Michigan Land Use Institute. Their
behavior was a breach of the public trust, a violation of professional ethics, and a
dangerous precedent that should unnerve all citizens with a vested faith in
democracy.
The political maneuver was prompted by an article on the costs of operating
the DNR and DEQ published in the Summer/Fall 1998 issue of the Great Lakes
Bulletin. The article, based on data supplied and confirmed by both agencies,
concluded that Michigan will spend $100 million more to oversee environmental
programs this year than it did before the DNR was split in two in 1995. The
article also said the largest percentage increase in costs occurred in
administrative expenses.
Three weeks after the Bulletin was published, the Michigan Senate Fiscal
Agency, a legislative research group, reached entirely consistent conclusions in a
separate assessment of the DNR and DEQ budgets.
The findings embarrassed the Engler Administration, which has assured the
public that splitting the DNR and creating two different agencies would lower
costs and improve efficiency. Instead of acknowledging these facts, however, the
DEQ and DNR sought to divert the public's attention.
The DEQ's chief spokesman, for instance, told the Traverse City Record-
Eagle that the data he had provided the Institute was suddenly "the wrong
numbers." In the same article, the DNR's spokesman released new and
unconfirmed budget figures that he said showed the DNR and DEQ
administrative positions and costs had actually decreased since 1995.
The Institute has drawn important lessons from this situation that we trust
will resonate with our members and all citizens:
• Public officials can be expected to present the results of their policies in the
best possible light. They have an obligation, though, to do it truthfully.
• It is the duty of citizens and public interest organizations to critically
examine government policies.
• Respect for opposing points of view and openness to criticism is a vital part
of establishing new public policy. Animosity expressed by public officials or
citizens never helps.
The Institute's mission to make useful information available to our members, state leaders and the press is a vital part of the American tradition of free exchange of ideas. We remain ready and willing to work in partnership with all parties in government for the use and protection of Michigan's natural resources. |
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