Panel Urges Rejection Of Licensing Nominee

The Senate Resources and Environment Committee is recommending the full Senate oust former state Fish and Game Commissioner Richard Schwarz of Idaho Falls from his seat on the Outfitters and Guides Licensing Board.

The committee voted 8-4 on Monday to send Schwarz’s appointment to the full Senate with the recommendation that it refuse to confirm him.

Only Chairman Laird Noh of Kimberly and fellow Republican John Hansen of Idaho Falls joined Democrats Mary Lou Reed of Coeur d’Alene and Clint Stennett of Hailey in opposing the recommendation.

The remaining Republicans and Democrat Lynn Whitworth of Pocatello objected to Schwarz in the face of Republican Gov. Phil Batt’s letter congratulating Schwarz on his selection by the Fish and Game Commission for the licensing board.

Noh said that Schwarz intended to fight for confirmation by the full Senate despite the recommendation.

But his appointment was opposed by outdoor groups including off-road vehicle users, apparently because of his outspokenness on environmental issues and his position as a regional representative for the Greater Yellowstone Coalition until a year ago.