O’Mara named DNREC Secretary
“When I was sworn in, I took an oath to protect Delaware’s natural resources. Nominating Collin O’Mara lives up to that oath.”
The appointment has won support in the state Senate and also attracted some critics who cite O’Mara’s age and lack of expertise in green technology. They say O’Mara may be too green for green leadership.
Energy expert
O’Mara said he accepted the $125,000 a year position at the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) in part because of Markell’s vow to better protect the state’s environment.
“Delaware has incredible beaches and waterways, and the governor is dedicated to wind power. I’m excited about the opportunity – especially given the governor’s position about the environment,” O’Mara said.
O’Mara serves as a public policy adviser on green energy in the San Jose, Calif. city manager’s office. He said he was the primary architect of San Jose’s economic development and sustainable energy strategies, which have created jobs, improved energy efficiency and improved recycling in the city of roughly 930,000 – more residents than the entire state of Delaware.
O’Mara, who is from the Syracuse, N.Y. area, graduated from Dartmouth College in 2001. In 2005, he graduated from Oxford University where he was also a Marshall scholar studying the British Parliament and government. At Oxford, he graduated with honors and a master’s degree in politics and economics.
In 2007, the U.S. Green Building Council certified him after O’Mara received training for sustainable green building practices.
Chad Tolman, energy chairman of the Delaware chapter of the Sierra Club, said, “He’s obviously extremely bright. He’s really on the same page as Gov. Markell, who is very aware of the value of good environment and performance on the part of DNREC.”
Tolman said state officials have not acted as good environmental caretakers and have not taken the state’s natural resources seriously. Tolman pointed to cancer clusters and high dioxide levels in the air.
“I think getting some new, fresh blood in DNREC will help,” he said. “DNREC is really about protecting the health and welfare of the public, and Collin is the one to do it.”
Local lawmakers wary
Sen. George Bunting, D-Bethany Beach, said some lawmakers are cautious of O’Mara’s ability to lead the state’s 800-plus DNREC employees.
“I’ve been hearing calls about his background and age to run a large department. There is going to be some controversy over his nomination,” Bunting said. Bunting called O’Mara bright but said a 29-year-old is too young for such a position. “He has a lot of credentials, but a lot of it doesn’t relate to this field,” he said.
Sen. Bob Venables, D-Laurel, said he nominated DNREC Acting Secretary Dave Small for the post. Venables also said the state might fare better with someone who has years of contacts and knowledge.
“We could save salary by moving Dave up with no assistant,” Venables said. “I’ve heard senators comment on the nomination but none negative. They do say he’s a pretty young guy at the same time.
“They also say his education is not in the environmental category,” he said. “But I think George Bunting’s questions are legitimate.”
Venables said he supports O’Mara’s confirmation. “I’m going to trust Jack’s judgment. I have no reason not to. I really think he will probably be confirmed,” Venables said.
Venables cautioned that when then-Gov. Mike Castle brought in DNREC Secretary Toby Clark, also from California, some officials resented Clark’s strong-arm tactics. Clark served as head of DNREC from 1989 to 1993.
Republican Sen. Gary Simpson of Milford could not be reached at press time.
Sen. Karen Peterson, D-Wilmington, said she supports the nomination.
“His qualifications are beyond reproach. What it takes in that job is a good administration, not someone who’s worked in all divisions,” she said.
Peterson, who became New Castle County Council President at 30, said, “The fact that he doesn’t know the players is an advantage. He’s not stuck. He’s not beholden to anybody in Leg Hall.”
She also said DNREC players in place, who have worked in the system for years, can get O’Mara up to speed about local legal particulars and complying with the Administration Procedures Act. “You can’t keep doing the same thing and expect different results. The age thing doesn’t bother me,” said Peterson.
“The governor has made it clear he is looking for fresh ideas and bold leadership from his cabinet secretaries, said Joe Rogalsky, Markell’s communications director, “and Collin will certainly provide both.”
The state Senate is expected to hold a hearing to confirm O’Mara Wednesday, March 25, after the Senate Executive Committee meets.
