Converted
04-10-2005, 01:53 PM
By Neil Santaniello
Staff Writer
Posted April 9 2005
http://sun-sentinel.com/news/sfl-pwater09apr09.story
Gov. Jeb Bush has endorsed the South Florida Water Management District's
second-in-command, Carol Wehle, as his choice for the agency's new
executive director, the Governor's Office said Friday.
Bush's backing likely will make Wehle, who joined the district in November
2001, a shoe-in to replace retiring district chief Henry Dean, some
district officials said.
Dean, who was paid $184,766 a year, plans to leave the 16-county water
supply, drainage and environmental restoration agency June 1 after spending
four years at its helm.
Bush interviewed Wehle, the district's assistant executive director, and
two other candidates.
His choice is not intended to dictate who the governing board -- comprised
of Bush-appointed members -- should choose, Governor's Office spokesman
Russell Schweiss said.
"It is simply a recommendation," he said. "They ultimately make their own
choice."
The board is scheduled to discuss the issue Wednesday and vote on Dean's
replacement, which Bush and the Florida Senate must approve.
A civil engineer, Wehle was brought to the district by Dean, whom she
worked under at the St. Johns River Water Management District. She is a
former Brevard county commissioner and has a bachelor's degree from the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
She could not be reached for comment Friday despite attempts by phone.
The other two candidates vying for the job are Chip Merriam, a district
deputy executive director, and Ernie Barnett, ecosystem projects director
for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
District Board Chairman Kevin McCarty said he intends to vote for Wehle as
the most qualified for the job.
"She knows this stuff," McCarty said. "The fact the governor endorsed her
is just icing on the cake."
Neil Santaniello can be reached at nsantaniello @sun-sentinel.com or
561-243-6625
http://sun-sentinel.com/news/sfl-pwater09apr09.story
Staff Writer
Posted April 9 2005
http://sun-sentinel.com/news/sfl-pwater09apr09.story
Gov. Jeb Bush has endorsed the South Florida Water Management District's
second-in-command, Carol Wehle, as his choice for the agency's new
executive director, the Governor's Office said Friday.
Bush's backing likely will make Wehle, who joined the district in November
2001, a shoe-in to replace retiring district chief Henry Dean, some
district officials said.
Dean, who was paid $184,766 a year, plans to leave the 16-county water
supply, drainage and environmental restoration agency June 1 after spending
four years at its helm.
Bush interviewed Wehle, the district's assistant executive director, and
two other candidates.
His choice is not intended to dictate who the governing board -- comprised
of Bush-appointed members -- should choose, Governor's Office spokesman
Russell Schweiss said.
"It is simply a recommendation," he said. "They ultimately make their own
choice."
The board is scheduled to discuss the issue Wednesday and vote on Dean's
replacement, which Bush and the Florida Senate must approve.
A civil engineer, Wehle was brought to the district by Dean, whom she
worked under at the St. Johns River Water Management District. She is a
former Brevard county commissioner and has a bachelor's degree from the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
She could not be reached for comment Friday despite attempts by phone.
The other two candidates vying for the job are Chip Merriam, a district
deputy executive director, and Ernie Barnett, ecosystem projects director
for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
District Board Chairman Kevin McCarty said he intends to vote for Wehle as
the most qualified for the job.
"She knows this stuff," McCarty said. "The fact the governor endorsed her
is just icing on the cake."
Neil Santaniello can be reached at nsantaniello @sun-sentinel.com or
561-243-6625
http://sun-sentinel.com/news/sfl-pwater09apr09.story