Today, May 30, the Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation presented oral arguments to the Washington Supreme Court regarding Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Commissioner Lorna Smith simultaneously holding two appointive offices in a blatant violation of state law.
“This case has far-reaching implications for all sportsmen and -women and whether or not we hold government officials accountable for following the law.” said Michael Jean, litigation counsel for the Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation. “The plain letter of the law is clear: a Fish and Wildlife Commissioner cannot hold another appointive office while serving. We argued before the state’s highest court today to enforce that standard.”
At question is Commissioner Lorna Smith’s simultaneous holding of two appointed positions, a direct violation of state statute RCW 77.04.040, which holds that “persons eligible for appointment as members of the commission … shall not hold another state, county, or municipal elective or appointive office.” At trial, the judge agreed. Smith resigned, but then Governor Inslee and the state’s Attorney General appealed, seeking to protect ideological nominees like Commissioner Smith going forward.
“This is a straightforward case, and we thank the justices for their thoughtful questions and spirited debate today,” said Torin Miller, associate litigation counsel for the Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation. “Unfortunately, the Governor and Attorney General continue to attempt to sway the court with linguistic gymnastics, and if successful, every Washingtonian will feel its effect.”
About the Sportsmen’s Alliance: The Sportsmen’s Alliance and its supporting Foundation protect and defend America’s wildlife conservation programs and the pursuits – hunting, fishing and trapping – that generate the money to pay for them. The organization accomplishes this mission through several distinct programs, including public education, advocacy, litigation and research. Stay connected to the Sportsmen’s Alliance: Online, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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