Doyle vetoes DNR secretary bill

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Gov. Jim Doyle has vetoed a bill that would hand the power to appoint the state Department of Natural Resources secretary to a citizen board.

The governor currently has the power to appoint the DNR's leader. But conservationists have complained that system introduces politics into outdoors decisions.

Under the bill, the board that controls the DNR would appoint the secretary with confirmation by the state Senate.

Doyle had long supported board appointment but changed his stance earlier this year.

He says in a statement Friday the DNR can make more environmental progress with a direct line to the governor and the gubernatorial process provides more accountability for citizens.