It appears a lack of transparency continues to be a lingering issue in Idaho, as a timely controversy at the state level paints a clear picture of the muddled politics influencing public figures.
An Idaho wildlife group recently made use of the state’s Public Records Law to acquire a collection of emails from the accounts of Idaho legislators, Pocatello businessman Doug Sayer and members of Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter’s staff.
The correspondence revealed Sayer collaborating with Sen. Steve Bair, R-Blackfoot, to implement legislation that would require the Idaho Fish and Game Commission to auction off a dozen controlled hunt tags — three each for deer, elk and antelope and one each for moose, elk and bighorn sheep. The revenue from these tags — which would go to the highest bidder — would supposedly go toward wildlife management.
The problem is these coveted tags are traditionally distributed by random drawing, so that any and all applicants have an equal chance of earning one.
Kahle Becker of the Idaho Wildlife Federation said it best when stating, “The strong-arm politics we have unveiled are a direct threat to Idaho sportsmen and the hunting heritage we have built over decades.”
Despite one’s feeling toward the state’s distribution of hunting tags, the story takes a dark turn that should worry all Idahoans.
When the Idaho Fish and Game Commission, a seven-member committee created by public initiative in 1938, declined to implement auction tags, Sayer emailed Otter’s chief of staff, David Hensley, in March.
In his email he called for a “change of chemistry” among the commissioners, who he felt didn’t have the right interests in mind. He suggested Otter not reappoint commissioners Mark Doerr or Will Naillon — who had both openly opposed Sayer’s auction tag policy.
Two months later, Otter neglected to reappoint the two men, and also neglected to provide any reasons as to why. Jon Hanian, a spokesman for Otter, argues the governor gave Doerr and Naillon the option to reapply for their positions and they chose not to.
Doerr, who authored a revealed email and was clearly a target for Sayer and his supporters, maintains this legislation is not what Idaho’s hunters want. They told the commission at several public meetings that they opposed auctioning tags.
What results is a question of motive among the leaders of Idaho. Public officials have a responsibility to their publics, not to other movers and shakers in business and civics. The unveiling of these emails clearly outlines unrest amidst the powers that be, at least in the realm of fish and game. What else does this forecast? What other facets of Idahoans’ lives are being influenced by the heavy hands of businessmen?
Where is the transparency?
— LK