Douglas spokesman to take over forest and parks
|
|
Jason Gibbs |
Toolbox
By Louis Porter Vermont Press Bureau - Published: November 13, 2008
MONTPELIER – Jason Gibbs, the spokesman for Gov. James Douglas for the last six years, will become the new commissioner of Forest, Parks and Recreation.
Gibbs was tapped for the post by Douglas and Jonathan Wood, the former forest and parks commissioner who is now at the head of the entire Agency of Natural Resources. The job change was announced Wednesday.
"I am a native Vermonter, an Eagle Scout, an avid outdoorsman, a snowboarding coach and someone who hikes and bikes and climbs and paddles and snowboards as often as my schedule can possibly permit," Gibbs said. "I believe passionately in all of the areas encompassed by Forests, Parks and Recreation."
Gibbs worked in public affairs for Fletcher Allen Health Care and for Boston's Public Affairs for the Central Artery/Tunnel Project – better known as the Big Dig – before starting to work for Douglas in his first campaign for governor.
He is also the governor's liaison to the National Governors Association, the Coalition of Northeastern Governors and the Agency of Natural Resources.
"Secretary Wood and Governor Douglas believe I have the skills and the passion for Vermont's natural resources to compliment the excellent team that already exists at Forests, Parks and Recreation," Gibbs said.
Some are not so sure.
"I thought that Jason Gibbs was the governor's spokesperson. I did not know he had any knowledge of what it would take to manage state forests and state parks," said Christopher Kilian, director of Vermont office of the Conservation Law Foundation. "He will have to make actual, substantive decisions. That will put him in a new role."
"I can't say I see a clear rationale to why the governor would appoint someone with that background to that post. I would expect he would want someone who has some actual expertise in this area," Kilian added.
Gibbs' job will be to oversee the management of the state's park system and management of its forests. Those aspects of the landscape – and the economic activity related to them – are important to the state, Gibbs said.
"They are also a big part of who I am as an individual," Gibbs said. "My focus will be on protecting and improving these resources and making as much of a contribution to the Forest, Parks and Recreation team as I possibly can."
"Jason is smart, energetic and experienced in the intricacies of policy and government," Douglas said in a statement.
"Most importantly, he is knowledgeable and passionate about Vermont's natural resources and wholly dedicated to serving the people of Vermont. Jason's talents will be a great fit at the Department of Forest, Parks and Recreation."
39