Ex-Hurricane Chief Claims Whistleblower Status

Looks like Bill Proenza, the recently reassigned National Hurricane Center Director, is not about to let his job slip away from him unchallenged. In a McClatchy News Service story posted Aug 3, Proenza's lawyers claim that he is being punished for speaking out against NOAA management on several occasions. They maintain that Proenza's situation is protected under federal "Whistle Blower" laws.

You may recall that Proenza was ousted from his position as Director last month, after a petition calling for his removal was signed by more than half the staffers at the Center. The petition was presented to NOAA senior management, who undertook a 'snap inspection' of the Center, and promptly reassigned Proenza to other duties.

Now Proenza is demanding his job back, claiming retaliation from NOAA management, notably NOAA Administrator Conrad Lautenbacher, Jr.

The story continued to develop this week, as noted in several more McClatchy News dispatches. Two of the articles reported views expressed by members of Congress. As reported in the Miami Herald on Aug 6 , Reps Brad Miller, D NC, and Nick Lampson, D TX, called on NOAA to reinstate Proenza to his former position as a regional director of the National Weather Service. They support Proenza's claim that he was unfairly removed as Director of the Hurricane Center.

Then, again in the Herald on Aug 7, Proenza is quoted as saying "I still have a job to do..." as Director of the Hurricane Center, to which he wants to return. Other than saying he would "consider whatever opportunities" that may arise, Proenza declined to say whether he would take his old job as regional National Weather Service director in Fort Worth TX.

This little drama should wrap up soon: NOAA is expected to make a decision within the next week or so.



Regards,
Stormy