Senators to question DNR board about director’s ouster

A state Senate committee voted Wednesday to question the Department of Natural Resources board about deceptive practices surrounding the ouster of the wildlife agency’s popular director.

The State’s Sammy Fretwell reports that a memo released on Tuesday shows that Board Chairwoman Caroline Rhodes, who was appointed by Gov. Nikki Haley after the Republican governor cleaned house in early 2011, was lying when she told DNR Director John Frampton the entire board wanted him to retire. Sanford-appointed board members John Evans and Norman Pulliam were not even aware of Rhodes’ move, according to the memo:

“It does appear there was a calculated decision made not to bring Mr. Evans and Mr. Pulliam into the conversation until after director Frampton was asked to resign,” according to the memo from [Republican Sen. Ronnie] Cromer to fellow committee members … “I lay the responsibility for this activity squarely at the feet of Chairwoman Rhodes.”

On Wednesday, members of the Fish, Game and Forestry Committee defended Frampton’s service at DNR and criticized the Haley appointees’ decision to go behind other board members’ backs. “It’s clear the director was pushed out the door,” commented Sen. Vincent Sheheen (D-Kershaw).

Republicans and Democrats alike — most notably former Gov. Mark Sanford — have criticized the board’s decision to oust Frampton. “We have a nationally-recognized Department of National Resources,” Sen. Brad Hutto (D-Orangeburg) said on Wednesday. “Is this really the direction they’re taking?”

Sen. Yancey McGill (D-Kingstree) accused Gov. Nikki Haley’s office of orchestrating Frampton’s ouster in order to get a new director who will more closely follow the governor’s bidding. “Who’s next? What agency is next to change?” he asked.

It’s unknown when senators will question the DNR board, but count on Palmetto Public Record to continue to follow this story and bring you updates as soon as they become available.