ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – On Wednesday, Delta Conservation District Board Chair Joe Kaplan once again addressed allegations made against him by Bob Barron, one of three Delta County commissioners recalled in Tuesday’s election.
In March, Barron accused Kaplan of discriminating against the county regarding its enrollment in the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP). He said Kaplan directed a MAEAP technician to request permission from the Conservation District before assisting the county with projects. Kaplan has repeatedly denied Barron’s allegations.
At Wednesday’s Conservation District Board meeting, Kaplan read a letter written by MAEAP technician Holly Moss on the district’s behalf.
He read, “‘The Delta Conservation District Board of Directors, specifically Chair Kaplan, has not directed me to seek permission before supporting the county in MAEAP activities, should assistance be requested.'”
Kaplan then said to the board, “I think maybe the confusion is as a public entity, Delta County parks and forestlands belong to everyone. The only reason I’m aware of MAEAP is because I’m a user or stakeholder in O.B. Fuller Park.”
Barron was the county’s liaison to the district. Following the recall, the new Board of Commissioners will be selecting a new one.
