MADISON – The Wisconsin Supreme Court today ruled today that Wausau dentist Frederick Prehn may continue to serve on the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Board until the GOP-controlled State Senate confirms his successor despite the fact that his term expired more than a year ago. Senator Melissa Agard (D-Madison) released the following statement:
“Our democracy does not work if those in the majority party are willing to shun the transitions of power that have historically been adhered to and are a part of any healthy democracy. Fred Prehn is a symptom of the disease in the anti-democracy movement of the Republican Party.
“Fred Prehn must step down from the Natural Resources Board. No Supreme Court ruling can supersede the importance of institutional norms that are vital to our democratic system of government.
“The actions of one petty, obstinate individual should never interfere and conflict with abiding by the rules that have, historically, been mutually agreed upon. When your term is up, it’s time to go. It is pathetic that my 12-year old son understands the concept of allowing the next person in line to have their turn better than Fred Prehn. At this point, Mr. Prehn’s antics have become nothing short of embarrassing.
“While Mr. Prehn can ultimately do the right thing and step down from his position, Senate Republican leadership is complicit in this anti-democratic exercise. I am calling on my Republican colleagues to confirm the Governor’s nominees – not just for the Natural Resources Board, but for all the positions in which they have failed to even hold a vote.”
