WDFW Director

[Intruder]

Has anyone heard anything regarding a new Director for the WDFW?  I've also heard rumors that the wildlife commission may be phased out soon.  Anyone hear anything on that front?

[InsideWDFW]

The search for a new Director is on hold until July.

Also hate to bust bubbles, but the WDFW Commission is sticking around.

[SpotandStalk]

As much as we dislike the Commission sometimes, the bill that would abolish it is a BAD deal.  With the absence of a Commission, DFW would be managed by appointed individuals from our Governor.....NOT SOMETHING WE WANT.

[actionshooter]

As much as we dislike the Commission sometimes, the bill that would abolish it is a BAD deal.  With the absence of a Commission, DFW would be managed by appointed individuals from our Governor.....NOT SOMETHING WE WANT.

+1

[Snapshot]

SB 5127 - 2009-10

Concerning the governance of the department of fish and wildlife.

 
History of Bill
as of Friday, March 13, 2009 10:04 PM

 
  Sponsors: Senators Jacobsen, Haugen
 
  2009 REGULAR SESSION
    Jan 14  First reading, referred to Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation. (View Original Bill)
    Feb 2  Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Ocean & Recreation at 1:30 PM.

---------------------------------------------------------------
[Click on and listen to the hearing below and forward to the part listed about bill #5127. The bill starts at about the 1 hr 15 minute mark and last for about 38 minutes.]

http://www.tvw.org/media/mediaplayer...0364272&bhcp=1

----------------------------------------------------------------

  [History continued]

Feb 25  Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Ocean & Recreation at 8:00 AM.
      NROR - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. (View 1st Substitute)
      Minority; do not pass.
      Minority; without recommendation.
      Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
    Mar 9  Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.
    Mar 12  1st substitute bill not substituted. (View 1st Substitute)
      Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
      Third reading, passed; yeas, 33; nays, 15; absent, 0; excused, 1. (View Roll Calls)
  IN THE HOUSE
    Mar 13  First reading, referred to Agriculture & Natural Resources.

_____________________________________________________________

IF Senate Bill 5127 were to get out of the House committee it went to today and IF the House passes it, then the Commission as we know it will be gone and we the people will lose out on being able to influence the season-setting process. If I understand it correctly, the department will have the power to do whatever it damn well pleases.

[Skyhigh]

As much as we dislike the Commission sometimes, the bill that would abolish it is a BAD deal.  With the absence of a Commission, DFW would be managed by appointed individuals from our Governor.....NOT SOMETHING WE WANT.

 she appoints the commission members now, whats the difference?   I liked the idea that was floated around of making the commission elected...

[Buckrub]

As much as we dislike the Commission sometimes, the bill that would abolish it is a BAD deal.  With the absence of a Commission, DFW would be managed by appointed individuals from our Governor.....NOT SOMETHING WE WANT.

Who do you think appoints the commissioners?

[SpotandStalk]

I am not saying the current system is necessarily good, because the current Commission is in shambles BUT, as it currently stands, the DFW director is appointed by the Commission.  This bill would give the power back to the governor to appoint the Director.  The Commission process may be flawed but it is a process that gives us a chance to voice our opinions (such as the last meeting in Ellensburg). This bill basically gives all authority to the department, and the so called "commission" becomes an advisory board with all power residing in the Director. Changes to hunting/fishing seasons and regulations could be done without any public input.  Just IMHO and interpretation of the process though.

[Snapshot]

The worse thing about SB 5127 as it is currently written is that it takes all regulatory authority away from the commission. No one worth a hoot is going to want to be a part of any "advisory committee".

Currenty the Governor appoints commissioners but then the Senate is then supposed to confirm them. The Senate hasn't done so for four of the current commissioners, possibly because of the coup that forced out Commissioner Shiosaki who was in line to become chairman. [Senator Jacobsen talked about that in the February 2 hearing regarding SB 5127; see the link above.]

Sky, An elected commission would mean they would have to be paid. Right now they aren't paid. It is voluntary (and it looks good on a resume').