George Meyer, the former head of the state Department of Natural Resources and no stranger to controversy, has been appointed by Mayor Dave Cieslewicz to the board of the embattled Madison Water Utility.

Meyer replaces former board member Larry Studesville, who resigned last week, and joins the board at a crucial but difficult time when the utility it oversees is grappling with charges of poor management, lack of communication with the public and inadequate attention to water quality problems.

Cieslewicz said Meyer's skills at dealing with bureaucracies, such as the DNR, will lend the board a new and relevant dimension as it struggles to correct management flaws at the utility.

"He's got the environmental background," Cieslewicz said. "More importantly, he has a background of running large bureaucracies."

That's important, Cieslewicz said, because the problems facing the water utility have been as much about managing the water supply as about the water itself.

Water Commissioner Jon Standridge, who has been outspoken in calling for change at the utility, praised Meyer's appointment. He said the selection of Meyer is an indication of the mayor's concern about the need for reform.

"I think it shows the mayor is worried about the utility and is paying attention," Standridge said.

The appointment will require the approval of the Madison City Council and Meyer would serve for five years.

"It's a chance to give back to the community a bit," Meyer said of his appointment.

Meyer worked at the DNR for 32 years, starting in 1970 as a law clerk and working his way up to the top job at the agency. He was secretary from 1993 until 2001.

After leaving the agency, Meyer taught at Lawrence University in Appleton and now is executive director of the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation.

He has been an outspoken advocate on environmental issues, often testifying before the state Legislature for the wildlife federation on issues ranging from deer management to water quality.

At the DNR, Meyer was frequently thrust into controversial situations. He saw the agency through years of work and debate on the now-defunct proposal to build a mine near Crandon in northern Wisconsin.

And when he was the agency's chief lawyer he was frequently seen at northern boat landings during the late 1980s and early 1990s when efforts by the state's Chippewa bands to re-establish treaty rights resulted in riots.

"He's a straight shooter," Cieslewicz said of Meyer. "He doesn't mince words. He tells it like it is."

Water board member and Madison Ald. Lauren Cnare, 3rd District, also welcomed Meyer's appointment.

"I am delighted," Cnare said. "He brings an important element, his experience with water resources. . . . And he's an environmental advocate. He's got credibility. He comes with that."

Meyer joins the board as it struggles with its own mission in the face of controversy. The board recently re-elected incumbent Priscilla Mather as its president, defeating challenger Standridge, who had called for more aggressive oversight and management by the board.

Meyer said that while he doesn't favor micro- management, he does believe a board should be strong in its oversight.

"The board does have a responsibility to see that the organization is being run responsibly," Meyer said. "There has to be accountability."

Meyer also said he favors open communication in dealing with the kinds of problems the utility has faced in recent months.

"I believe very strongly that when there is an issue, the sooner and the more straightforward you can be with communication to the public, the better."