Culver names Larson to replace Walding at state liquor agency

DES MOINES – Gov. Chet Culver's decision Wednesday to change leaders at the state's Alcoholic Beverages Division drew mixed reviews from lawmakers who saw Lynn Walding as a government reorganization trailblazer.

Culver announced that he has selected deputy state treasurer Stephen Larson of Johnston to replace Walding as ABD administrator effective May 1. Larson's appointment to a four-year term is subject to confirmation by a two-thirds majority of the Iowa Senate.

“Stephen Larson's record of service is unparalleled in state government,” Culver said in announcing the leadership change. “He is the perfect choice to lead the Alcoholic Beverages Division. He brings to this position a commitment to transparency and accountability, as well as years of service protecting the taxpayers of Iowa.”

Not everyone was happy, however, with the news that Walding's 10-year run as division administrator would come to an end.

“I'm very upset about this,” said Sen. Brad Zaun, R-Urbandale, who praised Walding's administrative skills and fairness, saying he worked with him in his former capacity as mayor of Urbandale and as a state senator.

“It seems to me that because of the dysfunction that's going on in the governor's office that he's just the fall guy,” Zaun said. “ I think the governor should reconsider because I think he is one of the best, most qualified people that works for the governor. I find it very disappointing.”

Sen. Randy Feenstra, R-Hull, echoed Zaun's concerns, saying he had Walding as an instructor while getting a master's degree at Iowa State University and praised him as “one of the true patriarchs of government reform in our state.”

“The guy is running a great operation,” Feenstra said, noting that Walding's division generated $105 million in revenue -- $86 million to the general fund last fiscal year. “I just saw him as being a leader who was on the cutting edge of government reform and to hear that he is being let go by Culver is extremely disappointing.”

Walding said he was told by Culver administration officials this week that the governor intended to name a new division administrator and, beyond that, “there was no explanation given.”

“It's his prerogative,” Walding said in an interview. “He decided to go in a different direction.”

Walding was first appointed by former Gov. Tom Vilsack in February 2000 to oversee the divison that is in charge of the state's liquor warehouse and wholesale operation as well as enforcing state laws regulating beer, distilled spirits, and wine. The office also has been active in enforcing Iowa's smoke-free laws at establishments that hold state liquor licenses.

Before taking the division administrator post, Walding served for 19 years as an assistant attorney general within the state's Justice Department. He also has been an adjunct professor of public administration at Iowa State University.

“I have had a great run and I have enjoyed every minute of the past 10 years serving Iowans in that capacity, and will continue to do so to the best of my abilities for the next two months until my term ends on May 1,” Walding said in a statement. “Finally, I want to thank Govs. Vilsack and Culver for that opportunity and I now look forward to planning the next phase of my career.”

Culver thanked Walding for his service to the state and wished him well in his future endeavors.

Larson, a West Burlington native, has worked in the state treasurer's office since 1984, serving as administrator of the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt and working with unclaimed property.

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