Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - July 28, 1997
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Daley leaves policy post to take environmental judicial position

OLYMPIA - Ann Daley, who has served since January as policy director for Gov. Gary Locke, has resigned to accept a key position with the state agency that referees environmental disputes involving local and state regulatory decisions on land use, water rights, air and water pollution and hazardous and solid waste. Significant decisions facing the board include cases over water rights in Yakima, Atlantic net pen salmon, dairy farm waste run-off, the port terminal facility proposed for Cherry Point, and a number of shoreline development cases.


Daley, a single mother of two teenage daughters, said she decided to seek the new post when the position opened and after grappling with a difficult conflict that faces millions of single working parents raising teenagers.


"In many ways, I have been training for the policy director role for much of my 27-year career," she said. "However, I was excited about the opportunity at the Pollution Control Hearings Board and the chance to make a change that will allow me to spend more time with my family.


"So although the decision to make the change was most difficult, my responsibilities to my family must be my first priority," she added.


The Pollution Control Hearings Board is a three-member panel charged with ruling on appeals of decisions on permits, penalties and other regulatory actions by the Department of Ecology and local air pollution control agencies. The board appoints its own chair and vice chair from among its members.


Governor Locke said Daley did a superb job leading his staff of policy advisors. "Ann has been an excellent member of my senior staff and a wise and trusted advisor on many tough issues," Locke said. "I will sorely miss her insight and extensive experience in state government. Nevertheless, I support her decision to put her family first, and I'm very pleased she wants the challenge of the Pollution Control Hearings Board.


"Her high integrity and reputation for fairness will be critical to effectively balancing the need for environmental protection with the economic prosperity our state is enjoying," Locke added.


Daley sought an appointment to a vacancy created by the resignation of Richard Kelley of Seattle. She will serve the remainder of Kelley's six-year term, which expires June 30, 2002. She begins her new post Aug. 25 at an annual salary of $73,886.


Locke said he is looking for a replacement and hopes to name a new policy director soon. Sue Crystal will serve as the acting policy director.


"Protecting our unique and priceless natural environment while allowing development necessary for a vibrant economy is a tremendous challenge I'm eager to tackle," Daley said.

» Return to this month's News Releases

» View News Release Archive