Western States Water Council 2005 Report

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Council Staff and Membership Changes/News Jim Alder resigned as WSWC Legal Counsel in order to accept a position with the law firm of Clyde, Snow, Sessions & Swenson in Salt Lake City. Jim joined the Council staff in 1997 as a law clerk after graduating from Brigham Young University. He was appointed legal counsel after passing the Utah Bar exam. Jim said, "I greatly appreciate the opportunity I've had to figuratively wet my feet in the field of water law with the Council. I have enjoyed working with some fantastic people during my tenure.... I am thankful for the chance the Council has provided me to learn and gain experience, and to establish contacts that will hopefully be maintained for years to come." We wish Jim the best in his new position and a successful future.18 Arizona Rita Pearson Maguire resigned as Director of the Department of Water Resources in order to spend more time with her 12 -year old daughter. "This is a time in her life that I do not want to miss. "19 Rita served as a WSWC member for eight years and her knowledge and expertise will be missed. Joseph C. Smith, was appointed by Governor Jane Dee Hull as the new Director. He has been Deputy Director since 1994, and has 20 years experience in Arizona State Government. He has also served as Director of the Governor's Budget Office, Comptroller in the Department of Administration, and Assistant Director of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). Dr. Karen L. Smith, the Department of Environmental Quality's Water Quality Division Director, was named as an alternate Council member. Governor Hull said, "She will not only ably represent Arizona's perspective, but her insight and experience will be of great value to the WSWC as it considers the myriad of complex water policy issues confronting the West. 1120 California Ed Anton retired from the State Water Resources Control Board, but continues to serve as an alternate member of the Council. He has continued working with the Board as a private consultant. Kansas Tom Stiles and Karl W. Mueldener, with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) were named as alternate members by Governor Bill Graves. Karl is Director of the KDHE Bureau of Water, and Tom is Chief of the Office of Watershed Planning. Governor Graves said, "The work of the Council is important to Kansas, and I want to ensure we stay engaged and informed." "Western States Water, Issue #1409, May 18, 2001. 19 Western States Water, Issue #1410, May 25, 2001. 20 Western States Water, Issue #1411, June 1, 2001. 33