To the editor:
Emails that surfaced in the wake of the recent bobcat debate brought forward some very interesting and disturbing facts about the interaction between the Fish and Game Commissioners and the Fish and Game Department.
The emails clearly showed how the chair of the Commission was basically “scripting” the department as to what they should and should not say as the recent bobcat hearing drew near. This kind of meddling into the activities of the Fish and Game Department is very troubling, and can only result in a department being pulled in many different directions at the whim of an 11-member board of commissioners.
Why does Fish and Game need 11 commissioners? The state runs considerably larger departments, such as Health and Human Services or the Department of Environmental Services with one appointed commissioner. But Fish & Game has 11. Someone said, “That assures representation from all counties.” Sorry, we have 424 elected members of the General Court who can do that. And, in addition to its Concord headquarters, there are four regional Fish and Game offices and dozens of enforcement officers. There are ample avenues for input
It’s time to ask why the Fish and Gave Department has to be saddled with this archaic overburden of unelected chieftains. Fish and Game is staffed by some very competent and accomplished people, and the department should have one appointed commissioner who can manage and lead that talent pool.
Ted Leach
Hancock