ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, May 9, 1996 TAG: 9605090082
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: SCOTT HARPER AND DAVID M. POOLE STAFF WRITERS
MEMO: NOTE: Shorter version ran in Metro edition.
Conservative talk-show host G. Gordon Liddy's daughter has been named deputy director of the state Department of Conservation and Recreation - a job that was eliminated two years ago in Gov. George Allen's drive to downsize government.
Alexandra ``Sandy'' Liddy Bourne, an unsuccessful Republican candidate last year for the Virginia House of Delegates, will assume the $50,000-a-year post May 20, according to state officials.
The appointment was announced at a department staff meeting Monday by Secretary of Natural Resources Becky Norton Dunlop, who, like Bourne, is from Northern Virginia and is active in GOP circles.
Dunlop has been roundly criticized by state auditors, environmentalists and lawmakers for hiring political allies to help manage Virginia's environmental agencies.
At least one Democrat saw that trend continuing.
``I find it ironic that a government that would shrink bureaucracy would then create a job for what looks like purely political reasons,'' said Del. Linda ``Toddy'' Puller, who defeated Bourne in November for the District 44 seat.
``I never heard her mention the environment during the campaign, so I don't know what her interest is in this department,'' Puller added.
Bourne, a former nurse who was appointed by Allen to the state Board of Nursing last year, did not respond to what she called ``rumors and back-stabbing.''
``Our purpose is to maintain clean water and soil. ... And I'm willing to work with everyone to do so,'' she said.
Tom Hopkins, deputy secretary of natural resources, said Bourne was hired because of her experience in soil and water issues. She was elected to the Northern Virginia Water and Soil Conservation District in 1993.
Bourne's main responsibility, Hopkins said, will be communication with local soil and water boards about implementing tributary strategies required by the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act. Virginia is lagging behind other states in that task and now faces deadlines set by the General Assembly this year.
``She wasn't hired because she lost an election,'' Hopkins said.
Bourne was the only candidate interviewed for the job, which until its elimination two years ago was held by a state employee with 29 years' experience.
LENGTH: Medium: 52 linesby CNB