Governor reprimands IRRRB commissioner over Radinovich hiring

REGIONAL— Gov. Tim Walz has issued a letter of reprimand to Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Department Commissioner Mark Phillips in the wake of a hiring decision that prompted statewide media coverage.
The Timberjay broke the story of the agency’s hiring of the DFL’s unsuccessful Eighth District Congressional District nominee, Joe Radinovich, in its April 19 edition. The story raised serious questions about the fairness of the hiring process.
Radinovich announced on Thursday, April 25, that he was stepping down from the position.
Gov. Walz issued his letter of reprimand to Phillips the same day, telling the commissioner that his handling of the hiring process “fell far short of my expectations.”
The letter stated Phillips failed to follow the state’s “requirement that all classified positions be posted competitively for at least seven days and recommendation that such positions be posted for 21 days are designed to ensure inclusiveness, openness, and transparency in the hiring process for classified positions.”
The governor has since moved to ensure that all state agencies follow a 21-day posting requirement for all state government positions.
“As a matter of policy, I want to ensure that the state hiring process for classified positions
is inclusive, competitive, open, and transparent to encourage people across Minnesota to consider state service,” Walz stated in his letter to Phillips. “By following the new 21-day posting period, I am confident that we will receive well-qualified applicants from all corners of Minnesota and with diverse and interesting backgrounds and experiences. The inclusiveness, openness, and transparency of this process is important to show the public our values as an Administration—to show Minnesotans that we are worthy of their trust.”

Radinovich resignation
In a short resignation letter, Radinovich said the circumstances surrounding his hiring had taken the agency's focus off of its core mission. “It’s my intent to refocus the public’s attention on the important mission of the IRRR through my action today.”
The story had generated extraordinary news coverage around the state since the Timberjay first published it on April 19. That coverage included significant reporting of the issue in newspaper and on radio and television in the Twin Cities metro area, and even nationally as the story hit the Associated Press wire service. The widespread coverage intensified the pressure on Gov. Walz as well as officials with the IRRR to address the issues raised by the Timberjay investigation. GOP lawmakers, who took advantage of an opportunity to embarrass the new DFL governor, appeared eager to express their displeasure over the hiring.
That made Radinovich’s decision something of a relief for officials at the IRRR. “We appreciate his concern for the agency and the region it serves,” stated IRRR Communications Coordinator Sheryl Kochevar. “We accept his decision to step down.”
Rep. Sandy Layman, R-Grand Rapids, lauded Radinovich’s decision to leave. "This is an appropriate step that will help restore the credibility of the IRRRB. I care deeply about improving and maintaining the integrity and reputation of the IRRRB because it does critical work for the residents of the Iron Range.”
DFL lawmakers agreed. “I think he (Radinovich) did the honorable thing,” said Rep. Rob Ecklund, DFL-International Falls. “It’s a mess that wasn’t necessarily his fault. I think he got put in a tough spot.”
Radinovich’s resignation likely won’t be the last word on the subject. “This incident was embarrassing for the IRRRB, and I have many questions that still need to be answered about the process and the involvement of the governor's office,” said Layman.

GOP seeks hiring changes
Earlier in the week, House Republicans moved to put Gov. Walz’s three-week posting requirement for new hires into state statue. An amendment to the Job’s and Energy bill currently making its way through the Legislature would have a codified the new policy, specifically referencing the IRRR’s hiring policies.
“This simple step can prevent incidents like this in the future, and I hope we will examine other ways to tighten up agency hiring practices in the final weeks of session,” said Layman.
But the measure hit a stumbling block this week and left House Republicans crying foul.
Yet, according to Ecklund, GOP lawmakers missed the deadline to file the amendment which prompted a House vote to allow it to advance anyway. But that vote failed on a largely party-line vote in the DFL-led House.
While Ecklund said he felt the move was a good idea, he felt the timing was wrong.
“It was pure politics,” he said noting that the House may take up the issue again next week as part of a financing bill.
Ecklund added that he did not think the IRRR board should have a say in agency hiring, as was suggested by GOP lawmakers. He said the IRRR has its own human resources policies, as does every state agency.