MADISON, WI (WSAU) — Midwest Environmental Advocates is now asking for text messages between Natural Resources Board Chairman Fred Prehn and others regarding his refusal to leave the board.
The group filed a lawsuit in Dane County on Tuesday, saying they’ve discovered that Prehn communicated about his tenure on the board via text in addition to other forms of electronic communications such as email.
Prehn has caused a buzz by continuing to chair meetings of the state NRB even though his term expired this spring. Governor Tony Evers has appointed a replacement for Prehn, but that requires the confirmation of the State Senate who has yet to set a hearing date for her.
Prehn’s continued presence on the board gives appointees of former Governor Scott Walker a majority.
In their suit, MEA claims that Prehn violated open meetings laws by discussing his status on the board through text message, then not turning those messages over as part of a previous open records request.
Earlier this summer MEA asked for emails from Prehn, which revealed that he had been communicating with groups such as Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce along with high-ranking Republicans in the State Legislature about staying on as Chair past his term’s expiration.
“This legal action is about holding Dr. Prehn accountable to the law, just like any other government official,” said MEA Staff Attorney Rob Lee through a press release. “Text messages related to government business are public records that officials have a duty to preserve and provide access to. The people of Wisconsin deserve a government that conducts its business lawfully and with transparency.”
Prehn has maintained that it is within his right to remain on the board until a new member is confirmed by the legislature.
