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39 °F Forecast | Road Cams Thursday, April 15, 2004 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | Health | Community | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find a Rental Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Email Story to a Friend March 31, 2004 Marla Rae to head Fish and Wildlife Commission Former employee of Gov. Kulongoski earns praise from fellow commissioners By MARK FREEMAN Mail Tribune A Salem legal consultant who is a friend and former employee of Gov. Ted Kulongoski at the Department of Justice is the new head of the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission. Marla Rae was announced Tuesday as the next chairwoman of the seven-member commission that sets the state’s fish and wildlife policies while overseeing the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Rae, 50, takes over for former chairman John Esler, a Portland man who lost his seat on the commission during a shake-up in which Kulongoski withdrew Esler’s re-appointment while nominating three new commissioners two weeks ago. Rae’s close ties to Kulongoski, including a stint as his executive assistant when the governor was attorney general, helped play a role in her appointment, a governor’s aide said. "He knows her, knows her skills and how she’ll perform," said Jim Myron, Kulongoski’s natural-resource policy adviser. Advertisement "I think Marla will help keep the commission on a steady, even keel," Myron said. "I don’t see any major shifts in direction." A fifth generation Oregonian, Rae said she brings "an Oregon perspective and common sense" to the task of building public trust and confidence in the ODFW. "I enjoy the work on the issues, but I’m under no illusion that it will always be easy," she said. Rae’s appointment generated praise from both sides of the political spectrum on wildlife issues, which at times become a hot button among legislators as well as the public over concerns ranging from hunting and salmon policies to wolf management . State Sen. Jason Atkinson, R-Jacksonville, called Rae "a good appointment" who listens well to the public and does not weigh decisions based on personal agendas. "When she was added to the commission, a lot of people in various special interests didn’t really know what to expect," Atkinson said. "But she’s really proved herself as someone who’s fair and balanced." Sally Mackler, wildlife chairwoman of the Oregon Sierra Club, called Rae "accessible and communicative." Rae’s appointment carries no need for legislative approval. While choosing Rae, Kulongoski bypassed three other commissioners, including Don Denman, a Jacksonville attorney and current vice-chairman whose seven-year tenure makes him the longest sitting member of the current commission. Denman, who has a year left on his second and last term, said he would have served as chairman if asked, but "I wasn’t campaigning or ringing doorbells" seeking the appointment. "I would have done it, but it was nothing I was relishing, as long as I’m still working and doing other things," Denman said. Denman said he expects Rae, a two-year commission veteran, is well suited for the job. "She’s well-liked by the governor, well-liked by the Legislature and the other commissioners respect her," Denman said. "I think she’ll be fine." The other current commissioners are two-year veteran Zane Smith of Springfield and rookie member Carter Kerns of Pendleton. Myron said Kulongoski didn’t want to turn to "one of the new appointees," and that also played a role in Rae’s appointment. The nominees are: Astoria marine-supply businessman Jon Englund; Portland attorney Ken "Skip" Klarquist, and Dan Edge, the head of Oregon State University’s fish and wildlife management programs. Rae’s appointment comes just before the three new commissioners face confirmation hearings by the Oregon Senate next week. Esler lost his seat representing Oregon’s First Congressional District to Englund to keep what Myron called a "coastal presence" on the commission after the loss of commercial fisherman Jeff Feldner from Logsden, whose seat went to Klarquist. Reach reporter Mark Freeman at 776-4470, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2004 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. 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