EPA Region 10 Administrator Pt 2
I'm Bob Larson. The EPA has a new Region 10 Administrator in former Alaska Commerce Director Chris Hladick, named last week to replace former Administrator Dennis McLerran.Save Family Farming director Gerald Baron says Hladick's background could be a real plus moving forward ...
GERALD BARON ... "I think, coming out of his department of commerce background and has worked with the cities there, you know, I think he is going to take a more balanced approach where Mr. McLerran certainly aligned himself very strongly with the anti-farm groups and organizations that were really trying to do harm to farmers and consequently, he was a disaster as far as farmers are concerned and we're still concerned about his role with the Puget Sound Partnership, his role on the Leadership Council there. So, in contrast, I think having someone who can be seen as fair and open and honest and willing to listen to all sides is a step in the right direction."
He says since so much of Alaska is rural, Hladick might be a great selection to understand the needs of farmers.
I asked Baron if he was expecting any big changes?
GERALD BARON ... "No, you know, I think it's a matter of 'wait and see', but again we're optimistic that it's going to be a big change, you know, not necessarily pro one side or pro the other, but it's more balance and competence and that's what we're really looking to see."
Baron says they will give Hladick some time to get settled before going to meet him and address the concerns they've had in recent years under McLerran's leadership.