Wisconsin DOT secretary to step down

Wisconsin Transportation Secretary Mark Gottlieb has offered his resignation effective Jan. 6 and will be replaced by Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) Secretary Dave Ross, Gov. Scott Walker announced yesterday. 

Ross will begin his new duties on Jan. 7, according to a press release issued by Walker's office.

Prior to joining the Walker administration, Ross served two terms as the mayor of Superior, Wis., and was self-employed for more than 20 years in the upholstery business.

"Dave Ross has been an outstanding leader for our administration at the DSPS since 2011," Walker said. "Dave has always looked to improve the way government operates, and I am confident he will bring the same innovative, taxpayer-first approach to the DOT."

Walker's press release did not indicate why Gottlieb offered to resign. Walker spokesman Tom Evenson told The Associated Press that Gottlieb decided to retire so he could spend more time with family, according to a report in the Wisconsin State Journal.

However, his resignation comes ahead of what is expected to be a difficult battle with state lawmakers over the transportation budget as part of the 2017-2019 state budget, according to the newspaper.