Recall hopeful demands Walker fire DNR leader

Democrat Kathleen Falk wants Republican Gov. Scott Walker to fire state Department of Natural Resources Secretary Cathy Stepp.

Falk made the demand Monday at a news conference after the Wisconsin State Journal reported that the number of DNR environmental permit violation notices dropped to a 12-year low in 2011. Stepp told the newspaper that she wants to refocus the DNR on customer service.

Falk said the DNR has become Walker’s lapdog.

Walker spokeswoman Julie Lund said Walker supports Stepp. She said it’s possible to create jobs and protect the environment simultaneously but extremists want the governor to pick one or the other.

Falk is one of four Democrats who will face off in a May 8 primary for the right to challenge Walker in a June 5 general recall election.