I was around WDG, WDF, and WDFW between '76 and '10. Had something like eleven different directors. Mt favorite, by far, was Rollie Schmitten. In my view, and the world in which I worked, each Director after that was worse. It was like, it can't get any worse and it did. There just can't be more worse folks out there, can there?

That said, Director of WDFW has to be a shithole. First, you're underfunded. Even if you cut all the fat that so many think is there, there isn't enough money to do the job right.

You are funded by users, which should make you responsive them. Except that your mandate is conservation and wise use of all animals resources. Even those not hunted or fished and the ecosystems they need. Plus, politically, you have the majority in the state who don't consumptively use resources and if you want their money and support they must be listened to.

We also recognize the legal and political power wielded by the Tribes.

All of which combine to make the Director's job a lose-lose.

Given the legal and fiscal realities in WA, how would one logically change things?