Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the appointments to several positions in his administration, including a new commissioner for the tumultuous Department of Environmental Conservation.
Joseph Martens, who has served as President of the Open Space Institute since 1998,
directing and overseeing land acquisition, sustainable development,
historic preservation and farmland protection, will be the new head of DEC.
He replaces the interim commissioner who was put in place after Pete Grannis was fired, most likely for telling truth to power, while the public reason was insubordination.
Cuomo said that Martens will bring the highest level of stewardship to our state's
beautiful natural resources. "Joe knows how to strike the critical balance between defending our natural resources from pollution and destruction while at the same time fostering a climate of economic renewal and growth. His experience and record as a competent and productive manager will breathe life into this vital agency," said Cuomo.
The move was applauded by green movement guru Robert Kennedy Jr., who said, "Joe is an outstanding choice to lead such a vital agency at such at an important time."
Other appointments include the return of Dede Scozzafava, who will serve as Deputy Secretary for Local Government at the Department of State.
Scozzafava, a Republican, gained notoriety when she endorsed a democrat during the special election for the 23rd Congressional District seat in 2010.
The other appointment is Joseph Percoco as the Executive Deputy Secretary. He recently served as the Campaign Manager for Andrew Cuomo 2010 and formerly worked as Special Counsel to Cuomo in the AG's office.
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