Ahh, you gotta love Washington and the games they play in that fair city along the Potomac. While Dubya nominated Mary Bomar to succeed Fran as the Park Service's next director, the administration doesn't want people talking about her until she's confirmed.
Here's the official word sent out to the ranks from the agency's Washington HQ:
"Keep in mind that Mary Bomar will not be doing any press or news media interviews prior to her confirmation hearings," Park Service spokesman David Barna said in the memo. "The
following is a statement you can use with the news media:
"'The men and women of the National Park Service are delighted that
the president has chosen a member of our family to serve as director.'
"
Is the state of the Park Service so sensitive or classified that Ms. Bomar can't reveal her views on the agency and the park system, or that the rank-and-file needs to be told how to respond when asked about her nomination? Staying on message is one thing, but this seems a bit over the top.
Personally, I'd like to know a little bit more about her background. True, she's been the Northeast regional director since July 2005, and from 2003 until then she was superintendent of Independence National Historical Park (kind of ironic, don't you think, with her British birthright) in Philadelphia.
And prior to that assignment Ms. Bomar was the first superintendent of the Oklahoma City National Memorial, the Park Service's first Oklahoma state coordinator, acting superintendent at Rocky Mountain National Park, and assistant superintendent at San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. And she began her Park Service career as chief of administration at Amistad National Recreation Area in Texas.
She seems to have a good background in the administrative underpinnings of the Park Service, but some might question her experience and familiarity with on-the-ground, out-in-the-parks law enforcement, interpretive and resource management issues. I guess we'll just have to wait until the confirmation hearings to glean some insight into her experience in those years.
Too, I'm kinda curious about her previous career with the Defense Department. According to the Park Service, Ms. Bomar worked in an unspecified "managerial capacity" for the DOD.
Keep To the Script, Folks
Published Date
September 8, 2006
Story Categories:
Support National Parks Traveler
Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.
EIN: 26-2378789
Support Essential Coverage of Essential PlacesA copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.
Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:
- Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
- Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
- Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
- North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
- Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
- Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
- Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.
National parks and their natural resources belong to you. The National Parks Traveler works to ensure you know how these essential places are being cared for.
Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter
Unsubscribe at any time.
Donate Popup
The National Parks Traveler keeps you informed on how politics impact national parks and protected areas.
Support Our Mission
Help support us– the one source for journalism dedicated to our National Parks.
National Parks Traveler is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit.
INN Member
The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.
Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.
Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.
You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.
Comments