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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Emergency services, Oct. 16 ... Since You Asked: Park resurfacing delayed during winter ... SOU training gives tips on what to do if there's an active shooter ... Emergency services, Oct. 16 ... Since You Asked: Park resurfacing delayed during winter ... SOU training gives tips on what to do if there's an active shooter ... ENVIRONMENT Jason Atkinson in line for Fish and Wildlife Commission post Comment By Mark Freeman Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Mark Freeman Mail Tribune Posted May. 13, 2015 at 3:41 PM Updated May 13, 2015 at 5:35 PM By Mark Freeman Mail Tribune Posted May. 13, 2015 at 3:41 PM Updated May 13, 2015 at 5:35 PM » Social News Former state Sen. Jason Atkinson has been nominated to fill a position on the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission, setting up unprecedented regional representation for the Rogue Valley on the commission. If confirmed, the former Republican senator turned filmmaker and author would join Michael Finley and Bob Webber on the commission as members with Medford ties. Finley lives in Medford and Webber is a Medford lawyer who recently moved to Port Orford. Atkinson has been nominated by Gov. Kate Brown to represent Oregon's 2nd Congressional District on the seven-member commission, which sets fish and wildlife policies and oversees the Department of Fish and Wildlife. "It's going to be a fun group to do policy work with," Atkinson said in an interview. "And it will be fun to do with three solid Southern Oregon guys." The local representation would be a stark contrast to 2007, when Don Denman of Medford was replaced by current Commissioner Bobby Levy of Echo. At that time, the commissioner closest to the Rogue Valley lived in Springfield. Bruce Buckmaster also has been nominated for the commission by Brown. Finley, who is the current commission chair, and Holly Akenson of Enterprise are first-term commissioners who have been appointed to second terms. The foursome are scheduled for a confirmation hearing May 19 before the Senate Rules Committee, where Buckmaster's appointment is expected to be challenged. Buckmaster has drawn intense opposition from Columbia River sport-fishing interests because of his ties to the Columbia's gillnet salmon fisheries. Atkinson, who helped shepherd the current commission members through the Rules Committee during his 12-year tenure on it, said he has longtime friends still on that committee. Atkinson took regular interest in fish and wildlife issues during his time in the Oregon Legislature. "I'm flattered that I am not considered controversial," Atkinson said. "I think there's going to be a little hazing coming my way. It'll be fun." If the current slate of nominees survives the vetting process, Atkinson said, he expects to join a solid group of commissioners who are not "warrior-type ideologues" on either side of current fish and wildlife policy debates. "I think they really care about fish and wildlife," said Atkinson, 44. "And I really do believe in public service and I take it seriously." If confirmed, Buckmaster and Atkinson would begin serving four-year terms May 22. Finley and Akenson’s terms would start July 1. Reach reporter Mark Freeman at 541-776-4470 or [email protected] . Follow him at www.twitter.com/MTwriterFreeman . By Mark Freeman Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Mark Freeman Mail Tribune Posted May. 13, 2015 at 3:41 PM Updated May 13, 2015 at 5:35 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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