Prior to 2009, bipartisan commissions controlled the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources with the power to hire directors of the respective departments.
We strongly support this historical commission system of government. Commissions should provide oversight and set policy for the department, conduct appeals, and employ a director. The historical commission system creates continuity, transparency and program accountability. We support restoring all duties of the agriculture and natural resources commissions, including the ability to employ a director.
Future Natural Resources Commission (NRC) appointees should be balanced, not only in their passion for outdoor recreation but also with ecological and business environments. A farmer representing production agriculture should be on the NRC.
We insist the Michigan Legislature or Governor create a commission for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. We urge appointments to include agricultural representation in proportion to other interests and to follow guidelines like those listed above.