#2389913 - 05/10/11 08:04 PM
TWRA Sunset Status !!!!!!!!!!*********!!!!!!!!!!
|
Beekeeper
Good ol' Boys "Team Buckcreek"
16 Point
Registered: 08/26/09
Posts: 10948
Loc: McMinn Co. Tennessee
|
Online
|
|
About a year ago the state legislature almost let the TWRA fade away. This year they are trying to do the same thing.
Tennessee Wildlife Federation
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
House Threatens To Shut Down TWRA
Government Ops Committee to Decide Tomorrow
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Friends:
We need your help to stop an effort to shut down the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) that is taking place in the Tennessee state House. Please contact the House government operations committee members and ask them to pass the TWRA sunset bill to match the Senate's version.
This time last year, a small number of House members in the Tennessee General Assembly were working to place the TWRA in "wind-down" mode, which would prepare TWRA and its critical wildlife and fisheries management work for elimination.
Tomorrow at 11:30 a.m., this same small group of House members will attempt to have the House government operations committee again play games with TWRA's "sunset" bill, despite the fact that the Senate has already passed a five-year extension for TWRA, a two-year Agency study committee has met and issued no findings, and the Agency's audit and budget have both been reviewed and approved by the appropriate oversight committees.
The Tennessee Wildlife Federation led the effort to establish the model game and fish legislation that resulted in the birth of the TWRA. Since then, the wildlife success stories attributable to this agency are almost too many to list. We should not take lightly a threat to our priceless natural resources, and certainly not one apparently rooted in political motivations.
The state constitution provides for checks and balances that help ensure state agencies are accountable, effective and efficient. This effort appears to be a purely political move designed to harm the Agency.
Please contact the House government operations committee and ask them to pass the TWRA sunset bill to match the Senate's version.
###
http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_200954.asp
Call and e-mail your legislature tomorrow to keep the TWRA up and running.
http://www.tndeer.com/tndeertalk/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1845625&page=0&fpart=1
_________________________
Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote.
Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
#2390091 - 05/11/11 04:53 AM
Re: TWRA Sunset Status !!!!!!!!!!*********!!!!!!!!!!
[Re: Beekeeper]
|
mike243
14 Point
Registered: 09/06/06
Posts: 9817
Loc: east tn
|
Offline
|
|
TTT
_________________________
prayers sent for our friends in need every day
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#2390108 - 05/11/11 05:58 AM
Re: TWRA Sunset Status !!!!!!!!!!*********!!!!!!!!!!
[Re: mike243]
|
Hawk
TnDeer Old Timer
12 Point
Registered: 09/03/99
Posts: 6142
Loc: west tenn.
|
|
Offline
|
|
These petty representatives give a black eye to the entire House of Representatives.
Like little children that when they can't get their way.
_________________________
"A surplus of virture is more dangerous than a surplus of vice"
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#2390188 - 05/11/11 08:12 AM
Re: TWRA Sunset Status !!!!!!!!!!*********!!!!!!!!!!
[Re: Hawk]
|
RUGER
Arachnophobic
Non-Typical
Registered: 11/19/99
Posts: 4097469
Loc: TN
|
|
Offline
|
|
Emails sent.
Hope common sense will prevail.
_________________________
Youth is wasted on the young.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#2390459 - 05/11/11 01:28 PM
Re: TWRA Sunset Status !!!!!!!!!!*********!!!!!!!!!!
[Re: RUGER]
|
catman529
spiderboy
16 Point
Registered: 11/10/10
Posts: 10892
Loc: Franklin TN
|
|
Offline
|
|
Dang what's wrong with them.
One question... if the TWRA were killed, would that mean no regulations whatsoever and people would basically kill out all our wildlife with no limits?
_________________________
A good day in the woods is best finished off with an ice cold Sun Drop.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#2390463 - 05/11/11 01:30 PM
Re: TWRA Sunset Status !!!!!!!!!!*********!!!!!!!!!!
[Re: catman529]
|
Jugfish
4 Point
Registered: 01/17/11
Posts: 206
Loc: Corbin, KY
|
|
Offline
|
|
What was the vote?
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#2390592 - 05/11/11 04:17 PM
Re: TWRA Sunset Status !!!!!!!!!!*********!!!!!!!!!!
[Re: Jugfish]
|
Monty
4 Point
Registered: 03/10/07
Posts: 475
Loc: Bedford Co.
|
|
Offline
|
|
"What was the vote?"
To put the Agency into wind-down, which will waste money, staff time, and morale. According to the Chairman, the intent isn't to abolish the Agency, it's to "teach them a lesson." In other words, TWRA, don't mess with our members' personal agendas - do what we want regardless of the wildlife management implications.
Edited by Monty (05/11/11 04:17 PM)
_________________________
"What is man without the beasts? For whatever happens to the beasts, soon happens to man. All things are connected." (Chief Seattle)
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#2390598 - 05/11/11 04:28 PM
Re: TWRA Sunset Status !!!!!!!!!!*********!!!!!!!!!!
[Re: catman529]
|
Monty
4 Point
Registered: 03/10/07
Posts: 475
Loc: Bedford Co.
|
|
Offline
|
|
Dang what's wrong with them.
One question... if the TWRA were killed, would that mean no regulations whatsoever and people would basically kill out all our wildlife with no limits?
If that were the final case, pretty much as you state. However, in reality, what the Legislature would probably do is enact legislation forming some other "Agency" run by commissioners (aka political hacks) who were appointed by and reported to them. Course, they'd still not provide any funding for that group - we'd still be the ones bearing the costs (assuming it was worth even having a license under those deplorable conditions).
This entire affair is a classic example of why the Tenn Wildlife Federation (Tenn Conservation League then) was formed in the early '40's and fought so hard to take exactly this kind of Legislative interference away from the politicians and form the Commission approach. Deja vu, folks.
_________________________
"What is man without the beasts? For whatever happens to the beasts, soon happens to man. All things are connected." (Chief Seattle)
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#2390617 - 05/11/11 04:54 PM
Re: TWRA Sunset Status !!!!!!!!!!*********!!!!!!!!!!
[Re: Monty]
|
Beekeeper
Good ol' Boys "Team Buckcreek"
16 Point
Registered: 08/26/09
Posts: 10948
Loc: McMinn Co. Tennessee
|
|
Online
|
|
If I understand what I have been hearing the legislatures problem is with the TWRC not the TWRA. I don't know exactly what their problem is but they seem to be very upset with the TWRC.
I do not know if there is anything that we can do at this point and I think the legislature will let the TWRC fade away and create another commission that will be more amenable to the wants of the legislature.
I don't know how the rest of you feel but I don't like the way the TWRC is appointed now. Everyone on this commission is a political appointee and they owe a political debt to whoever appointed them. The people on the commission should be elected by the people that pay the bills (the hunters and fishermen of Tennessee) and they should be someone that understands wildlife management not attorneys, land developers, restauranteurs or other folks that have been appointed because of their political contributions rather than their knowledge about the resource they are in charge of handling. JMHO
Edited by Beekeeper (05/11/11 04:55 PM)
_________________________
Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote.
Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#2390704 - 05/11/11 06:47 PM
Re: TWRA Sunset Status !!!!!!!!!!*********!!!!!!!!!!
[Re: fatboy]
|
utfan1
10 Point
Registered: 12/31/06
Posts: 3597
Loc: cleveland,tn
|
|
Offline
|
|
just a guess but i would bet this is so the politician can get their hands on the money t.w.r.a. collects.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#2390765 - 05/11/11 08:16 PM
Re: TWRA Sunset Status !!!!!!!!!!*********!!!!!!!!!!
[Re: utfan1]
|
JQT
TnDeer Old Timer
6 Point
Registered: 12/09/99
Posts: 912
Loc: Knoxville,Tn.
|
|
Offline
|
|
I have great respect for Richard Simms, but this is a power struggle - TWRA is ok and will not go out of business....
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#2390871 - 05/11/11 09:57 PM
Re: TWRA Sunset Status !!!!!!!!!!*********!!!!!!!!!!
[Re: JQT]
|
Monty
4 Point
Registered: 03/10/07
Posts: 475
Loc: Bedford Co.
|
|
Offline
|
|
I have great respect for Richard Simms, but this is a power struggle - TWRA is ok and will not go out of business....
It isn't a matter of TWRA going out of business; it is more a matter of gaining governing control over the Agency. There's been a small knot of Legislators who have had their pet projects declined by the Agency, didn't get their man selected for Exec Director, or some other run-in with staff or Commission. These few want to gain control of the Agency's governing body so their interests, not ours, get done.
I realize this sounds a bit harsh and conspiratorial, but this isn't my first rodeo with a state's legislators maneuvers to gain more control over a wildlife agency. Nebraska, Georgia, Louisiana, and others have gone through similar exercises over the years. The bottom line here is, no matter what excuse or reasons the leaders of this legislative assault say, their ultimate purpose is to gain control; politicians live to gain control of administrative departments and subunits. For a fact, Commissioners have tried to contact Legislators, but no responses were returned. This excuse won't stand up to the facts, nor is it the real issue here - smokescreen for the control issue. Blame the Commission for the problems, then replace it with something more to their liking is the ultimate objective here, IMO.
TWRA is not okay, IMO. Just the stress alone these kinds of political maneuvers play on the staff from top to bottom is destructive and demoralizing. Employees feel disrespected (justifiably) and disenfranchised - productivity goes down, concerns about paying bills goes up, family issues surface, rumors run rampant, tempers get short - you get the picture. It isn't a way to treat employees.
_________________________
"What is man without the beasts? For whatever happens to the beasts, soon happens to man. All things are connected." (Chief Seattle)
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#2390996 - 05/12/11 06:41 AM
Re: TWRA Sunset Status !!!!!!!!!!*********!!!!!!!!!!
[Re: Monty]
|
Unicam
Grumpaw
16 Point
Registered: 12/13/00
Posts: 17456
Loc: Dallas, GA. & Cookeville, TN
|
|
Offline
|
|
Its definately a power play to control the TWRC and get them to pass the pet projects of idiots who dont have a clue what they are doing or even care...as long as they get theirs. This is over deer farming? Yes, "The straw that broke the camels back" as was quoted in an article. I will gaurantee this was also where the Hog Hunting crap came from, some jackwad has got the ear of his rep and this rep is pushing legislation come hell or high water. Political Favors at their best. Listen to your Bioligists, your council and your constituants, or get the heck out of the buisiness before you get thrown out!
_________________________
"Gun Free Zones are for VICTIMS!"
John 15:13
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#2390997 - 05/12/11 06:42 AM
Re: TWRA Sunset Status !!!!!!!!!!*********!!!!!!!!!!
[Re: fatboy]
|
Unicam
Grumpaw
16 Point
Registered: 12/13/00
Posts: 17456
Loc: Dallas, GA. & Cookeville, TN
|
|
Offline
|
|
Defered because Hunters from all over the state clogged their phone and internet lines with questions....
_________________________
"Gun Free Zones are for VICTIMS!"
John 15:13
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#2391051 - 05/12/11 08:21 AM
Re: TWRA Sunset Status !!!!!!!!!!*********!!!!!!!!!!
[Re: Unicam]
|
utfan1
10 Point
Registered: 12/31/06
Posts: 3597
Loc: cleveland,tn
|
|
Offline
|
|
if this were to happen it would result in more albino deer type measures.
can we get a list of the morons responsible for this?
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#2391200 - 05/12/11 11:09 AM
Re: TWRA Sunset Status !!!!!!!!!!*********!!!!!!!!!!
[Re: utfan1]
|
JQT
TnDeer Old Timer
6 Point
Registered: 12/09/99
Posts: 912
Loc: Knoxville,Tn.
|
|
Offline
|
|
I agree, it is definately not a way to treat the work force of TWRA. I meant they were not going to close the TWRA. If you want to get to the heart of the problem, call House Member Cobb. He is the one pushing this, simply because he was upset with a couple Commisioners.
I agree this is politics at it's lowest form, however the TWRC is known to play games also. Sadly, the TWRA employess and those who believe in what they do will suffer.
Edited by JQT (05/12/11 11:26 AM)
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#2391205 - 05/12/11 11:12 AM
Re: TWRA Sunset Status !!!!!!!!!!*********!!!!!!!!!!
[Re: Unicam]
|
JQT
TnDeer Old Timer
6 Point
Registered: 12/09/99
Posts: 912
Loc: Knoxville,Tn.
|
|
Offline
|
|
If TWRA employees and people who hunt and fish don't get some sort of organazation, they will face the same problem next year. It shouldn't come to this, but it's politics.
As long as Commisioners are appointed because of their contributions and support for politicians, you will have this problem.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#2391672 - 05/12/11 07:30 PM
Re: TWRA Sunset Status !!!!!!!!!!*********!!!!!!!!!!
[Re: JQT]
|
backstraps
12 Point
Registered: 09/19/03
Posts: 6349
Loc: NE Tennessee
|
|
Offline
|
|
Well maybe everyone wont wait until next year, or even a couple days prior to a meeting start cloggin phones lines. Needs to be an ongoing effort from here to 2012.
There is enough (too much) politics inside the TWRC now. Sure dont need more coruption!
_________________________
" a smart man learns from his mistakes, the sign of intelligence is learning from others mistakes"
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#2392176 - 05/13/11 01:40 PM
Re: TWRA Sunset Status !!!!!!!!!!*********!!!!!!!!!!
[Re: backstraps]
|
Beekeeper
Good ol' Boys "Team Buckcreek"
16 Point
Registered: 08/26/09
Posts: 10948
Loc: McMinn Co. Tennessee
|
|
Online
|
|
ttt
_________________________
Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote.
Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#2392347 - 05/13/11 06:44 PM
Re: TWRA Sunset Status !!!!!!!!!!*********!!!!!!!!!!
[Re: fatboy]
|
Monty
4 Point
Registered: 03/10/07
Posts: 475
Loc: Bedford Co.
|
|
Offline
|
|
As I understand the situation, by deferring the vote until 2012, the Agency will have to enter shut-down mode after June 2011 because they have not been reauthorized. In other words, because Rep Cobb et al didn't vote to extend the authorization (deferred the vote), then the Agency faces shutting down.
Now, what that will actually mean in terms of physically preparing to close up shop, will have to be determined by the Commission, and possibly the Gov.'s Office. Hope the Governor has more sense than Chairman Cobb and his Committee Members who participated in this petty political maneuvering to hold the Agency hostage.
_________________________
"What is man without the beasts? For whatever happens to the beasts, soon happens to man. All things are connected." (Chief Seattle)
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#2392349 - 05/13/11 06:47 PM
Re: TWRA Sunset Status !!!!!!!!!!*********!!!!!!!!!!
[Re: backstraps]
|
Monty
4 Point
Registered: 03/10/07
Posts: 475
Loc: Bedford Co.
|
|
Offline
|
|
Well maybe everyone wont wait until next year, or even a couple days prior to a meeting start cloggin phones lines. Needs to be an ongoing effort from here to 2012.
There is enough (too much) politics inside the TWRC now. Sure dont need more coruption!
Good idea, and it would be extremely helpful to let your Representative know right now exactly how silly and non-productive this Committee's actions are. I am because it still just might not be too late to get rational House Members to encourage Chairman Cobb et al to move on re-authorization.
I understand the Senate passed a TWRA re-authorization Bill for 5 years; good for them. Maybe, just maybe, if enough of us pressed our Republican Representative to push for a vote on this Bill, the Speaker and others could salvage what has become the epitome of absolutely stupid political maneuvering. Petty power plays are not uncommon for some politicians, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't be called out when they do it, especially when they target sportsmen as chumps.
Edited by Monty (05/13/11 07:11 PM)
_________________________
"What is man without the beasts? For whatever happens to the beasts, soon happens to man. All things are connected." (Chief Seattle)
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#2392352 - 05/13/11 06:57 PM
Re: TWRA Sunset Status !!!!!!!!!!*********!!!!!!!!!!
[Re: Beekeeper]
|
Monty
4 Point
Registered: 03/10/07
Posts: 475
Loc: Bedford Co.
|
|
Offline
|
|
If I understand what I have been hearing the legislatures problem is with the TWRC not the TWRA. I don't know exactly what their problem is but they seem to be very upset with the TWRC.
I do not know if there is anything that we can do at this point and I think the legislature will let the TWRC fade away and create another commission that will be more amenable to the wants of the legislature.
I don't know how the rest of you feel but I don't like the way the TWRC is appointed now. Everyone on this commission is a political appointee and they owe a political debt to whoever appointed them. The people on the commission should be elected by the people that pay the bills (the hunters and fishermen of Tennessee) and they should be someone that understands wildlife management not attorneys, land developers, restauranteurs or other folks that have been appointed because of their political contributions rather than their knowledge about the resource they are in charge of handling. JMHO
I've pondered your point for several days, but darned if I can come up with a better (more workable) approach than what's in place. Opening up the TWRC to elections would seem to encompass more of what we have already - only the upper crust folks could afford to campaign and, importantly, gain a particular political Party's backing.
The better candidate might get whipped like a red-headed stepchild simply because he or she didn't belong to the "right" Party (say running as a Democrat rather than a Republican - or vice versa) and get the financial backing needed to win the election. I imagine the local Legislators would come out in force to support "their" like-minded good friend, which would, it seems, be like turning the TWRC over to the Legislators anyway. Does this scenario make sense, or am I way off base?
Yep, the current system has it's flaws, but darned if I can see a better one right now.
_________________________
"What is man without the beasts? For whatever happens to the beasts, soon happens to man. All things are connected." (Chief Seattle)
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#2393348 - 05/15/11 09:41 AM
Re: TWRA Sunset Status !!!!!!!!!!*********!!!!!!!!!!
[Re: Monty]
|
Monty
4 Point
Registered: 03/10/07
Posts: 475
Loc: Bedford Co.
|
|
Offline
|
|
The following is an email I sent to the entire Government Operations Committee with Cc: to the Speaker, Majority Leader, and Chair/Vice-Chair of the Conservation Committee Sat night. Hopefully, many of you will also contact Representatives and ask them to re-authorize the TWRC for 5 years, like the Senate has already done. Feel free to use any of my language, if you so desire.
Honorable Representative,
I am contacting you in your capacity as a Member of the House Gov Ops Committee. This morning I was invited to participate in a conference call with some rather influential and highly upset sportsmen from around the State re: your Committee's failure to pass HB 258. This failure has created considerable confusion, frustration, and consternation among many game and nongame wildlife enthusiasts throughout Tennessee. Quite frankly, some constituents are mad as hell, and I imagine folks from the Governor's Office thru the Legislature's leadership will be hearing over the next several days about their displeasure.
The Committee Chair's comment that rolling the Bill is not intended to put the Agency out of business, but is predicated on getting the Commissioners' attention is not being accepted by many as either factual or logical. A large number of the sportsmen I've talked with Friday and today believe the motivation for holding the Agency hostage is more directed at either (1) punishing the Agency for perceived wrongs committed against some Legislator's pet projects (deer farming, Norris Lake bass size limits, their favorite candidate not getting the TWRA Exec. Director's job, hog hunting, etc); or (2) abolishing the current Commission structure and installing a politically appointed "Commissioner" similar to other agency heads - thereby providing more "control" over the Agency's professional biological decisions; or (3) both. None of these options is acceptable and are at the heart of the core issues that prompted public demands for the development and implementation of the existing Commission approach. Whatever the motivation, the current situation is wasting time, money, and energy that should be directed to important matters, according to many of the people I've talked with about this matter.
As I understand the current situation:
Both Chambers have held Sunset hearings, and no objections were made in either hearing to extending the Commission or expressing serious reservations about the Agency's operations. The Comptroller’s audit provided no adverse findings with the Commission or the Agency. The Senate has already passed a 5-year extension for the Commission. There have been no special House hearings in any Committee or discussions on the Assembly floor regarding issues with the Commission or the Agency. The previously formed two study committees ostensibly satisfactorily addressed the real or perceived previously reviewed communications problems. Yet, certain Committee Members and others, allegedly behind closed doors, decided to roll the Bill - - thereby, failing to re-authorize the Commission, despite the fact that neither Chairman Cobb nor any other Committee member has openly provided any specific concerns with the Commission or the Agency.
I respectfully ask each Member to please work diligently and cooperatively to re-authorize the TWRC for 5 more years before this Session ends. Doing so is truly in the spirit and interest of the public's welfare and clearly demonstrates that there is nothing nefarious or malicious behind the Committee's (and thereby the Republican-dominated House's) failure to pass HB 258, as the Committee has already done this Session with so many other agencies and commissions. There is considerable concern among many sportsmen, who fund the Agency through their purchase of licenses that many of the innuendos and backroom stories regarding the Agency are simply not accurate and their license dollars are being wasted because of the pending Sunset provisions hanging over the Agency's head.
One subject I think we can all agree on is, if there are legitimate problems that indeed need addressing, then by all means please bring them forward so they can be discussed and resolved as openly and professionally as possible - in the same manner as we have been privileged to receive such cooperation in the past from the vast majority of our Representatives and Agency personnel.
In closing, let me sincerely thank you for your service to all Tennesseans; a professional politician's job is certainly neither easy nor as appreciated as they deserve. Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter.
_________________________
"What is man without the beasts? For whatever happens to the beasts, soon happens to man. All things are connected." (Chief Seattle)
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#2393389 - 05/15/11 10:50 AM
Re: TWRA Sunset Status !!!!!!!!!!*********!!!!!!!!!!
[Re: Monty]
|
Beekeeper
Good ol' Boys "Team Buckcreek"
16 Point
Registered: 08/26/09
Posts: 10948
Loc: McMinn Co. Tennessee
|
|
Online
|
|
If I understand what I have been hearing the legislatures problem is with the TWRC not the TWRA. I don't know exactly what their problem is but they seem to be very upset with the TWRC.
I do not know if there is anything that we can do at this point and I think the legislature will let the TWRC fade away and create another commission that will be more amenable to the wants of the legislature.
I don't know how the rest of you feel but I don't like the way the TWRC is appointed now. Everyone on this commission is a political appointee and they owe a political debt to whoever appointed them. The people on the commission should be elected by the people that pay the bills (the hunters and fishermen of Tennessee) and they should be someone that understands wildlife management not attorneys, land developers, restauranteurs or other folks that have been appointed because of their political contributions rather than their knowledge about the resource they are in charge of handling. JMHO I've pondered your point for several days, but darned if I can come up with a better (more workable) approach than what's in place. Opening up the TWRC to elections would seem to encompass more of what we have already - only the upper crust folks could afford to campaign and, importantly, gain a particular political Party's backing. The better candidate might get whipped like a red-headed stepchild simply because he or she didn't belong to the "right" Party (say running as a Democrat rather than a Republican - or vice versa) and get the financial backing needed to win the election. I imagine the local Legislators would come out in force to support "their" like-minded good friend, which would, it seems, be like turning the TWRC over to the Legislators anyway. Does this scenario make sense, or am I way off base? Yep, the current system has it's flaws, but darned if I can see a better one right now.
How about having to have at least a two year degree in a discipline that is compatible with wildlife management?
What about requiring that before anyone can be considered for a commission seat they will have to have had a Tennessee hunting and fishing license for 5 consecutive years immediately prior to their appointment?
_________________________
Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote.
Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#2393705 - 05/15/11 06:37 PM
Re: TWRA Sunset Status !!!!!!!!!!*********!!!!!!!!!!
[Re: Beekeeper]
|
Monty
4 Point
Registered: 03/10/07
Posts: 475
Loc: Bedford Co.
|
|
Offline
|
|
If I understand what I have been hearing the legislatures problem is with the TWRC not the TWRA. I don't know exactly what their problem is but they seem to be very upset with the TWRC.
I do not know if there is anything that we can do at this point and I think the legislature will let the TWRC fade away and create another commission that will be more amenable to the wants of the legislature.
I don't know how the rest of you feel but I don't like the way the TWRC is appointed now. Everyone on this commission is a political appointee and they owe a political debt to whoever appointed them. The people on the commission should be elected by the people that pay the bills (the hunters and fishermen of Tennessee) and they should be someone that understands wildlife management not attorneys, land developers, restauranteurs or other folks that have been appointed because of their political contributions rather than their knowledge about the resource they are in charge of handling. JMHO I've pondered your point for several days, but darned if I can come up with a better (more workable) approach than what's in place. Opening up the TWRC to elections would seem to encompass more of what we have already - only the upper crust folks could afford to campaign and, importantly, gain a particular political Party's backing. The better candidate might get whipped like a red-headed stepchild simply because he or she didn't belong to the "right" Party (say running as a Democrat rather than a Republican - or vice versa) and get the financial backing needed to win the election. I imagine the local Legislators would come out in force to support "their" like-minded good friend, which would, it seems, be like turning the TWRC over to the Legislators anyway. Does this scenario make sense, or am I way off base? Yep, the current system has it's flaws, but darned if I can see a better one right now. What about having minimum requirements before they can be appointed? How about having to have at least a two year degree in a discipline that is compatible with wildlife management? What about requiring that before anyone can be considered for a commission seat they will have to have had a Tennessee hunting and fishing license for 5 consecutive years immediately prior to their appointment?
Very good ideas! Some proof of common sense would be nice, too.
_________________________
"What is man without the beasts? For whatever happens to the beasts, soon happens to man. All things are connected." (Chief Seattle)
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#2400122 - 05/23/11 03:29 PM
Re: TWRA Sunset Status !!!!!!!!!!*********!!!!!!!!!!
[Re: Monty]
|
Hawk
TnDeer Old Timer
12 Point
Registered: 09/03/99
Posts: 6142
Loc: west tenn.
|
|
Offline
|
|
BREAKING NEWS:
May 21, 2011, NASHVILLE) - Speaker Beth Harwell (R-Nashville) today assured sportsmen across the state that the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Commission (TWRC) will be extended until 2016.
Tennessee's "Sunset Law" requires that each agency, board and commission be reviewed at certain intervals by the legislative Government Operations Committees. The reviews and subsequent approvals take the form of a bill, which then extends the entity. In 2012, the TWRC will be extended to 2016.
"I can confidently assure Tennesseans that the TWRC will continue to lead the way for outdoorsmen and conservationists in our state," said Speaker Harwell. "The legislature appreciates hearing from concerned sportsmen and constituents. I look forward to continuing this dialogue between the legislature, the TWRC, and citizens."
She continued, "The commission will not shut down, and will continue to serve Tennesseans. The State House will be acting in January to ensure the extension of the TWRC," Speaker Harwell concluded.
_________________________
"A surplus of virture is more dangerous than a surplus of vice"
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#2401004 - 05/24/11 02:42 PM
Re: TWRA Sunset Status !!!!!!!!!!*********!!!!!!!!!!
[Re: Hawk]
|
Winchester
Non-Typical
Registered: 12/05/03
Posts: 25245
Loc: TN
|
|
Offline
|
|
Hearing different things from different places??? Anybody know the whole deal?
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#2401120 - 05/24/11 06:15 PM
Re: TWRA Sunset Status !!!!!!!!!!*********!!!!!!!!!!
[Re: Winchester]
|
Monty
4 Point
Registered: 03/10/07
Posts: 475
Loc: Bedford Co.
|
|
Offline
|
|
Hearing different things from different places??? Anybody know the whole deal?
Just what the news release is saying...what are you hearing????
_________________________
"What is man without the beasts? For whatever happens to the beasts, soon happens to man. All things are connected." (Chief Seattle)
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#2401496 - 05/25/11 07:31 AM
Re: TWRA Sunset Status !!!!!!!!!!*********!!!!!!!!!!
[Re: Monty]
|
Beekeeper
Good ol' Boys "Team Buckcreek"
16 Point
Registered: 08/26/09
Posts: 10948
Loc: McMinn Co. Tennessee
|
|
Online
|
|
I don't trust the legislature on this. I believe they will try to make major changes to the TWRC and TWRA. Look for the deer farming bill to resurface after the changes are made. Also look for the legislature to take more of an active hand in the management of the TWRA and their budget.
We shouldn't let this happen if there is any way we can stop it.
_________________________
Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote.
Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#2401624 - 05/25/11 09:22 AM
Re: TWRA Sunset Status !!!!!!!!!!*********!!!!!!!!!!
[Re: Beekeeper]
|
Monty
4 Point
Registered: 03/10/07
Posts: 475
Loc: Bedford Co.
|
|
Offline
|
|
I don't trust the legislature on this. I believe they will try to make major changes to the TWRC and TWRA. Look for the deer farming bill to resurface after the changes are made. Also look for the legislature to take more of an active hand in the management of the TWRA and their budget.
We shouldn't let this happen if there is any way we can stop it.
I totally agree that we need to continue watching this situation and any related moves to interfere with the Agency's legitimate operations. My approach at this point in the game has been to email the Speaker and (1) thank her for her promise to extend the TWRC in January 2012 - she deserves a thank you for the public promise; (2) casually mention that this fiasco should not have happened in the first place and it upset a lot of us - and we sure want to see her promise put into action; (3) ask her to take steps to avert future fiascoes of this nature and to improve the committees' memberships for those that deal with the Agency by replacing a few less productive, less objective members with some who are objective and sincerely want to improve the Agency's conservation efforts.
Look, the majority of these Legislators do try to do the right thing most of the time, even tho we hate to admit it! They have a really tough job; one I certainly would not want. Working with them outside of the Sessions is very important, IMO - there's just so much going on during a Session that it's hard to do more than have a quick conversation on any topic, and we're just another part of all the "noise" surrounding them.
When they do what's right, then thank 'em for it, just like we let'em know when they're off-base. A little "love" could go a long way in bringing them more to our side and away from those few who continue to harbor vendettas against the Agency. And, quite frankly, I think there is room for improving communications between the Agency, Commission, and Legislature with some mutual giving in and legitimate effort on all sides.
Finally, there are two threads dealing with this same subject: this one and Ruger's "Any one that hunts in TN needs to read this." I suggest we continue this topic under Ruger's thread to consolidate and continue discussions.
_________________________
"What is man without the beasts? For whatever happens to the beasts, soon happens to man. All things are connected." (Chief Seattle)
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
Moderator: RUGER, Unicam, gtk, Tennessee Todd, Lakeland Charlie, Cuttin Caller, CBU93, stretch, Outdoor Lady, TurkeyBurd, MAN, Bobby G
|
12107 Members
38 Forums
115798 Topics
1410532 Posts
Max Online: 756 @ 11/20/12 09:10 AM
|
|
|
The TnDeer.Com Deer Talk Forum is for Tennessee Deer Hunters by Tennessee Deer Hunters. If you enjoy using our Talk Forum and would like to contribute to help in it's up-keep. Just submit your contribution by clicking on the DONATE button below and paying with PayPal or a major credit card. Any amount is much appreciated. Thanks for your support!
|
|
|
