IDFG: Ambushed by politicians

Gov. Otter has decided to go with people who can fund political campaigns or Super PACS. Two members of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game Commission aren’t being re-appointed. In the last few years, IDFG Commission has been open to all the public. They obeyed their first legal obligation, to protect ALL of Idaho’s wildlife for all Idaho residents. Gov. Otter is in the process of undermining that progress.

The two commissioners listened to the public, not the governor, the Legislature, or big money contributors. Now they must go; how dare they ignore the powerful. The chairman of the Idaho House Natural Resources Committee stated the IDFG Commission doesn’t understand their position — the Legislature knows best. Oh sure, like the Legislature actually listens to Idaho’s residents. The IDFG Commission holds numerous public meetings each year and submits to public surveys.

This Legislative session had numerous bills introduced to limit the Commission’s ability to protect our wildlife. Several bills introduced by Rep. Kathy Sims sought to begin the dismantlement IDFG. Only Sen. Mary Souza was willing to listen to concerns of people who hunt, fish, or just love our wildlife. All the other North Idaho elected officials were not. I know, I sent them all emails.

The IDFG Commission was created by public initiative in 1938, to protect wildlife from politicians. Not a single penny of Idaho taxes goes to the IDFG, yet politicians must have control. Give me a break.

JOHN MOORE

Coeur d’Alene