bd that's a very interesting (albeit disturbing) angle you share - first I've heard of that. 'Fishy' politics makes for strange bedfellows!
flyfishtn - that is a very user-friendly link - here's one for TN Senate as well:
http://www.legislature.state.tn.us/senate/members/smembers.htm-----------
Similar thread at another board (fly-fishing) for your cross-reference:
http://tnrockyraccoon.proboards26.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display &thread=1205336589
-----------
and one of the replies that ends with some encouraging news from my house rep, David Hawk(R):
> From: John Kilday [mailto:kilday4@comcast.net]
> Sent: Sun 3/16/2008 4:49 PM
> To: David Hawk
> Subject: Sherry Jones' bill designed to abolish TWRA
>
>
> Hi David - I have been following this issue via several fishing bulletin
> boards. Some of the points against are very compelling; following is one
> such for your consideration.
>
> ---------------------
> ---------------------
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: McFall, Chad F [mailto:CMcFall@hubank.com]
> Sent: Wednesday, March 12, 2008 2:12 PM
> To: Raymond Finney
> Cc: Richard Montgomery
> Subject: Bill to abolish TWRA
>
> Mr. Finney,
>
> Below you find the email I sent to Ms. Sherry Jones the sponsor of the
> bill that seeks to abolish the TWRA. As you can read from my comments, I
> feel very strongly about this issue as due many of the voters in this
> district. I trust you will do the right thing and oppose this legislation.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Chad F. McFall
>
>
>
> Ms. Jones,
>
> Abolishing the TWRA and pulling their current revenue stream into the
> state's general fund would be a huge mistake. They may not have the
> oversight you wish them to have, but they also don't have the bureaucratic
> shackles most state agencies have. I respect your intentions of protecting
> the public good, but your bill will do irreparable harm to our natural
> resources. Our current system works well and you are not respecting the
> trusted old adage of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". Fishing and
> hunting have never been better in my area and Tennessee is seen as a
> destination point for many sportsman. Abolishing TWRA would stifle that
> trend and exclude us from millions in federal funds. You said it best in
> yourself "this bill has nothing to do with sportsmen". I don't know where
> you get your motivation, but I question your reasoning with regards to
> this bill. If this bill is just political pandering in an election year
> you should be ashamed of yourself and the disservice you are doing to the
> state and to your constituents. Wildlife in our fair state is under enough
> stress with
> serious drought, shrinking habitat, and global warming without undo
> meddling from Nashville. With the vestiges of Tenncare in shambles, and an
> education system that ranks near the bottom nationally, state lawmakers
> have more than enough to keep them busy without messing with TWRA.
>
> I will send a copy of this to my local representative as well.
>
> Sincerely,
>
>
> Chad F. McFall
>
> ------
>
> Senator Finney replied to my email and said he would not support the bill.
> Below is his reply and the email I sent the bill's sponsor.
>
> Mr. Finney wrote:
>
> Thank you for informing me about this bill.
>
> I will not support such a bill.
>
> Respectfully,
>
> State Senator Raymond Finney
>
> ---------------------------
> ---------------------------
>
> Can you tell me anything about her motivation and your stance?
>
>
> Thanks,
>
> John Kilday IV
--------------------------------------------------
From: "David Hawk" <rep.david.hawk@legislature.state.tn.us>
Sent: Sunday, March 16, 2008 9:32 PM
To: "John Kilday" <kilday4@comcast.net>
Subject: RE: Sherry Jones' bill designed to abolish TWRA
> Hello, I hope you are well. I strongly oppose this legislation as well.
> Thankfully, I serve on the House Conservation and Environment Committee
> and will be able to "kill" this legislation before it gets any steam.
> Please let others know that we are working hard to stop this effort.
>
> David Hawk
>
> ________________________________
>