The former chairman of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources board who refused to step down after his term expired last year has finally made the decision to relinquish his post. Last week, Dr. Fred Prehn sent a letter to Gov. Tony Evers to inform him of his decision to resign from the panel, effective December 30.
Prehn, who is a practicing dentist from Wausau and also owns a cranberry marsh, was appointed to the board in 2015 by then-Governor Scott Walker. His term ended on May 1, 2021, but has refused to give up his duties because Republican lawmakers had yet to hold a hearing on his replacement.
In April 2021, Evers appointed Sandra Dee Naas and Sharon Adams to fill vacancies created by the expiring terms of two board members, including Prehn's.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled in June 2022 that Prehn could remain on the panel because the State Senate had not confirmed any of Evers' nominees to the board at the time.
In his letter to the governor, Dr. Prehn said 'I have always said I will vacate my seat when the Senate confirms my replacement or when I choose to do so... unfortunately, it took the Supreme Court to confirm my decision to stay on at great expense for the taxpayer and an immense personal price.'
Prehn's presence on the board ensured the group was made up of a 4-3 conservative majority.
Categories: Wisconsin, Government & Policy