North Michigan News

State Representative Ken Borton has announced his intention to support staff members of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) who wish to express opposition to their leadership's plans for forest clear-cutting. Borton, a Republican from Gaylord, extended an invitation for DNR employees to reach out to his office with their concerns.

"I imagine many frontline DNR employees have been put into impossible situations regarding these proposals," stated Borton. He highlighted the difficult choice faced by staff between opposing state land use plans and maintaining their employment. "Frontline workers at the DNR should feel confident that if they voice their frustrations with my office their anonymity will be protected."

Evidence of discontent within the DNR surfaced last week through a report by MLive, which revealed over 900 pages of emails obtained via a Freedom of Information Act request. These documents indicated significant frustration and opposition among DNR personnel.

Borton also criticized an attempt by the governor during last year's budgeting process to remove protections preventing disciplinary action against state employees who communicate with legislators. Although this effort was unsuccessful, Borton expressed concern that it might still deter government workers from speaking out against perceived mismanagement.

The ongoing designation of whistleblower protections as "unenforceable" by Governor Whitmer is seen by Borton as undermining these safeguards.