Falk hires environment guy

Why doesn't the Cap Times join her staff?

Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk could not have found a better addition to her staff than Dave Merritt, the veteran environmental, consumer and clean government advocate who will join the county executive's staff Feb. 16.

Merritt, a former executive director of the Citizens Utility Board and the Dane County Clean Air Coalition, has long been a sought-after adviser and board member for regional and national groups that are developing practical responses to the challenges facing working families and the communities in which they live.

Merritt's responsibilities will be broad. He will advise Falk on strategies for promoting sustainable economic development, strengthening the county's substantial agricultural base, expanding and improving transportation options and protection of natural resources. In particular, he will coordinate the county's pioneering green energy and green jobs initiatives.

That's a lot of responsibility. But Merritt can handle it; in fact, if past is prologue, he will excel in his new position. And he will bring a smart, progressive perspective to the work, in reflection of the fact that he is very much in sync with the values and ideals of Dane County.

Falk, a solid manager with a reputation for attracting able assistants, has done the county a significant service by bringing Merritt on board.

She's also costing us more money, folks.