Take The Politics Out Of Wildlife Post

When Bob Turner, director of the Washington Fish and Wildlife Department, was asked to comment on Referendum 45, he referred reporters to the governor’s office. It made it seem as if he is controlled by the governor. That perception, whether true or not, is the problem. Turner’s position is appointed by the governor and backers of Referendum 45 say that should change. We agree.

If Referendum 45 passes, the director will be appointed by members of the Fish and Wildlife Commission. That’s how it was from 1933 to 1987. Power shifted eight years ago when then-Gov. Booth Gardner granted a 12 percent budget increase to the department in exchange for the right to appoint the director. It was an unwise move then and it’s less wise now in this climate of government distrust.

The governor will retain the power to appoint men and women to the commission, but the measure would require the governor to maintain a “balance of interests” on the nine-member board. That means conservationists, hunters, landowners and sports and commercial fishermen will all work together as stewards of the state’s natural resources. Voting yes on Referendum 45 would open up government and guarantee that the director will return his (or her) own phone calls.

Allow justices to choose their own leader

Some Washington state Supreme Court justices loved filling the role of chief justice. It allowed them to use their organizational and people skills. Others disliked the job. Didn’t matter. All were obligated to serve two-year terms. A proposed constitutional amendment on the ballot - Substitute Senate Joint Resolution 8210 - would allow the justices to choose their own leader for a four-year term.

The amendment would also pave the way for reducing the number of justices from the current nine. The constitution does not require nine. But it does require that the governor fill any vacancies on the court. Court reform, now in the works, might lead to a plan for a smaller court. Forty-four other states have only seven justices on their supreme courts. SSJR 8210 will make it possible for the number of justices to drop through attrition, if the Legislature decides seven would be better.

So this proposal simply opens a door to reform, leading perhaps to a smaller court (and a $1.4 million savings).

Both of these proposals, Referendum 45 and SSJR 8210, would lay the groundwork for stronger leadership and greater efficiency in two important areas of our state government.

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