County votes to draft bill to abolish NDOW

Elko County Commissioners unanimously voted to assist a local sportsman's group and introduce legislation next session to eliminate the Nevada Division of Wildlife and restore its predecessor, the Nevada Fish and Game Commission.

Joe Ondreako, president of the Nevada Sportsman's Association, came prepared with several examples of problems with NDOW, citing budgetary overruns the past two years and fiscal irresponsibility. (NDOW also plans an attempt during the upcoming legislative session to remove itself from legislative oversight, Ondreako said.

But commissioners, nearing the end of the first day's meeting with a packed agenda, said Ondreako did not need to provide evidence of his claims about the state agency.

"I don't think you have to convince us NDOW could be operated better," Commissioner Llee Chapman said. Commissioners voted to use one of their five bill draft requests, a form the county sends to the Legislative Council Bureau, which then puts the request in the proper language and assigns it a number, said Assistant County Manager Linda Ritter.

Ondreako was adamant about not allowing the bill to be compromised on the floor of the state Assembly or Senate. "Getting rid of Willie (Molini, NDOW director) is not satisfactory," Ondreako said.

Ondreako proposed to reinstall the old fish and game commission, which was led by an elected representative from each )county. The commission was eliminated in 1947 legislation.

"Basically, they took away the power from the people with that move," Ondreako said. "Now, game is no longer a priority. Covering up their scandals has

become more of a priority."

Chapman agreed to work with Ondreako to submit the request and suggested the county also present the idea to the Nevada Association of Counties for its support.

Editor's note: For years NDOW and the Wildlife commissioners have stated it was only HUNTER'S ALERT and the Nevada Hunters Association who were not pleased with their performance. This proves them wrong again.

By Steve Sexton
Reprinted from Elko Daily Free Press, August 8, 1996