The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission currently has two vacancies. None of the current Commissioners have expertise with the Sportfishing Industry, nor has there been expertise from our industry since NSIA started in 1993. During that time there have been several talented and knowledgeable advocates from the Commercial fishing Industry. The current commercial fishing voice is filled by Laura Anderson. NSIA did not and does not object to Commercial fishing know how on the Commission. What our members do object to is complete lack of expertise in the economics of our Industry on the Commission!
The decision to fill these vacancies is being made by the Governor’s office and the Senate RIGHT NOW!
Call or write your Senator (find her/him by using the hyperlink on the word Senate) and ask them to speak with the Governor regarding this huge oversight. Ask them if they know of ANY Commission or Board in Oregon that regulates an industry and does not have one single member from that industry on the Commission? Our retailers sell ODFW License, our Industry creates over 11,000 jobs and pays millions to the State of Oregon in state, local, payroll as well as excise taxes. Our industry takes people out fishing, we introduce new participants, we promote Oregon sport fishing and most importantly, we know the customer. ODFW needs this sort of expertise to have a more successful Commission. Send a cc of your email to the Governor’s staff in charge of this issue.
As always, be polite and speak in your own words. No one likes to get form letters, but Senators do want to hear from their constituents.
Do it now before it’s too late!
Example:
Honorable Senator _______,
My names is Sally Steelhead and I run Steelhead Bait and Tackle in Lebanon Oregon. My store employs 12 in our small community. I am writing to ask that you contact our new Governor, Kate Brown, regarding the urgent need to have a representative from the sport fishing industry on the fish and wildlife commission. I find it inconceivable that the Commission does not have anyone with expertise in my industry, and can’t help but wonder if that isn’t a large part of the difficulties the agency is having in connecting with our customers. The Fish and Wildlife make decisions that have deep and lasting effects on my company and the entire industry. Like every other regulatory board in this state, ODFW needs someone from my industry to help the agency succeed.
Sincerely,
Sally Steelhead
Main Street,
Lebanon, Or
541.222.2222
cc: Richard Whitman