Motive For Resignation Requests Unknown Fish And Game Commissioner Says He’s Never Talked To Batt

Fish and Game Commissioner Richard Meiers said Friday that he has never talked with Republican Gov. Phil Batt and has no idea why the new chief executive has asked for his and the other commissioners’ resignations.

“We have had no information as to what problem he has,” said Meiers, who was appointed by retired Democratic Gov. Cecil Andrus and has been his regular hunting partner.

Although Batt’s letter said his request “in no way reflects upon your service,” he publicly lambasted the commission a day later in his budget message for what he called its “ever-increasing ambition.”

“I will take steps to diminish their interest of the department in regulating the everyday lives of Idahoans,” Batt declared, claiming the commissioners have become so autonomous “they defy the very governor who appointed them.”

The commission was at odds with Andrus over his proposal last year to expand the Mountain Home Air Force Base training range, which Batt also supported.

But incoming Commission Chairman Keith Carlson said earlier this week before receiving the resignation demand that his brief meeting with Batt shortly after the election was pleasant and did not involve criticism of commission actions.

Since then, Carlson and other commissioners have declined to comment.

Batt denied his resignation request had anything to do with his reported intent to dismiss veteran Fish and Game Director Jerry Conley, who has the support of Carlson, Meiers and other commission members.

“I think Conley has been an excellent director,” Meiers said.

He also labeled as pure speculation the suggestion that the commission is in disfavor because it is on the opposite side of Batt in the salmon restoration debate. The commission supports Andrus’ drawdown plans.