Coues Whitetail Forum Members
My name is Mark Bool, I am a former President of the ADA and still active with the organization.
I am writing to tell my side of why the ADA would not have supported HB 2072.
Shortly before the legislation was introduced, during a fundraising meeting this subject came up. We were only given a very rough concept of what the bill might have in it. It immediately raised concerns from virtually all of us at the meeting. Many very good questions were talked over and I can say I do not believe one of us would have supported the legislation.
As has already been stated the ADA never did take a vote on this issue. In fact we did not even have a board meeting during the explosion of HB 2072. It was dropped on a Friday and pulled early the following week. We never voted because it was pulled off the table and we were told it would not be reintroduced. For the ADA the issue was a moot point.
We were never given the courtesy of seeing the legislation before it was dropped and obviously never gave any input. This is wrong, flat wrong, and something you do not do to someone who is supposed to be your partner.
What is sad is that AZSFW is the type of organization that sportsmen need, and now they have damaged themselves, perhaps irreparably.
The ADA had contributed significant funds to aid AZSFW. While not nearly as much as AES or ADBSS, it was still a lot of money to the ADA. We felt we had received solid value for our contributions. The Commission Recommendation Board, millions of dollars for habitat work, and ten percent cap on non-resident hunters are just some of the benefits all sportsmen received.
Those who are talking about supporting Daniel Patterson by repealing the Commission Recommendation Board need to be very careful about what you are advocating. Sandy Bahr and Stephanie Nichols Young are loving this discussion. AZSFW had neutered them, now who will be there to speak of for wildlife and sportsmen? This is a sad time for all of those who love hunting, fishing, and wildlife.
As many of you know I am not a regular on this forum. Like it or not, I thought you deserved an answer! This is a one time post for me.
In closing, I encourage everyone to come to an ADA Board meeting. Bring your thoughts, make your voice heard, and help shape policy. The organization is ALWAYS looking for volunteers that have a genuine passion for wildlife conservation.
Thanks,
Mark
