Neal Young will return to the Arizona Department of Economic Security in a few weeks, this time as the governor’s pick to head the massive agency. In past years, Young led several of the department’s divisions, including the Business and Finance Division. But Young said the responsibility of taking over one of the state’s largest agencies still makes him nervous, even after all of his public service experience.
Young, who spent the last eight years working with the city of Phoenix’s Human Services and Housing departments, said he is unfamiliar with the members at the Capitol and will have to learn quickly their names and where they stand on preserving the funding for the department’s programs.
The Governor’s Office is a different story. Young said he is confident that he can count on Jan Brewer, who has more than once gone to bat for DES programs since taking office in January, to continue to be an advocate for the department.
As for lawmakers learning Young’s name, that won’t be a problem. And, by the way, he probably has heard all the jokes about his almost-famous moniker (the singer/songwriter Neil Young spells his first name differently).
Have you always wanted to work in public policy?
People would ask me in college, and I would say I wanted to be in public service. At first I spent some time as an auditor with the Auditor General’s Office. Those skills I learned as an auditor were very helpful when I went to DES the first time. Working with the less fortunate is a very compelling mission. It is a great opportunity to make positive changes in their lives and the systems that we use to serve them.
Why did you decide to leave DES to work with the city?
In 2000, it was just time for me to make a change. It was a great opportunity to learn more about human services and the city.
Is there a particular sector you have worked in that you really felt at home in?
I tend to enjoy all of the work that I have performed, and the reason is that I play for the team. I like to be involved. Their issues become my issues. I liked tackling those issues and helping them make progress. I have really enjoyed it all. I wouldn’t say there was one area that was just the one.
Were you surprised when you were first approached about heading DES?
It is certainly an honor and a privilege. I think there are some big challenges there, and I am looking forward to tackling them and getting them done. But certainly it is a privilege just to be on the short-list and an honor to be chosen.
Did the challenge of the budget crisis make you hesitant to accept the governor’s offer?
You certainly weigh those things when considering whether to accept. It is going to be a challenge. It is a challenging position.
I have been at DES before for a number of years, and I just have a lot of respect for the programs. I know how hard people are working there to provide the things people need. I know it is going to be hard, but I think we will manage just as best as we can.
Are there things you have learned while working with the city of Phoenix that will be beneficial at DES?
No, not really. Both departments help people in need, but the housing department works only with housing needs. There is a parallel there. I think a lot of clients at public housing have had contact with DES and will continue to do so. There are some parallels.
Do you agree with the cuts DES chose to make after receiving lump-sum reductions in fiscal 2009?
I know that they had to cut over $153 million in general fund expenditures, and I think they had to do so in only a few months. I think it is very difficult to make that size of a cut over that short period of time, so it is going to impact anything.
But where there decisions you think you would not have made had you been in charge?
No.
Have you thought about where you would cut if additional lump-sum reductions were handed down in fiscal 2010?
The key is going to be doing some assessments. I have to see what the budget is. I plan to work closely with the deputy directors and the assistant deputy directors to make responsible choices as to what those cuts would look like if indeed the budget would be cut.
Are there any programs that you think should not be on the table when considering making cuts?
We always have to be concerned about the safety of vulnerable children and adults. You definitely have to try to preserve those services as best you possibly can. It is not going to be easy. Everyone has a difficult job to do working on this budget, including the Legislature. We just have to make the best possible choices knowing that preserving the safety of those children and adults has to be a very high priority.
Are there any specific programs?
No.
Do you think the state should try to meet all the requirements needed to draw down federal stimulus dollars for DES programs?
I think stimulus funding is a great opportunity to help put people back to work and to help circulate money in our economy. That is critical at this time.
I think if the funding is not made available, it needs to be understood by lawmakers that without some of these supports it could be very difficult for people to retain their jobs. Lawmakers just need to be aware that there are repercussions for not qualifying for those funds. I think the department has been doing its job to make people aware of that.
Do you think lawmakers are losing sight of providing successful programs because they are so worried about the budget?
I think we are in unprecedented times. The decisions that have to be made are extremely difficult. It is my understanding that the department has been briefing legislators about possible impacts, and I think they have done a good job. I know it will be my job to brief them on the impacts as well.
They just have such a difficult job with the budget that I am not too concerned right now that they are going to lose sight of the larger picture. I think there are enough people there to help them.
Do you have any relationships with specific lawmakers that will be beneficial?
No.
Do you anticipate the governor to continue to go to bat for DES programs?
My experience so far, with all my discussions with them, is that the governor is very supportive of DES. I don’t anticipate that changing. I think she has a very clear understanding of the impacts that these programs have on these people, and the impacts the cuts have on the programs. I anticipate she will continue to be an advocate for the programs.
Have you spoken with the governor directly?
Briefly. She called to ask me if I would join her administration, but it was a 30-second phone call. She is a very busy woman.
Have you been provided with any advice or insight from the Ninth Floor about how to run DES?
Not too much. I think the Governor’s Office understands that I have this other job that I am going to be doing through next week. I think they are probably preparing to give me some feedback about what needs to be done.
But, to date, there hasn’t been any “you must do this” or “you must do that.”
Are you concerned that a lot has changed with the department since your departure?
I guess we’ll find out.