Sandoval uses new law to reshape wildlife agency

Gov. Brian Sandoval on Thursday continued his efforts to remake the Nevada Department of Wildlife and the Wildlife Commission.

Sandoval took advantage of a new law that gives the governor greater authority to appoint a division director by giving the job to Ken Mayer, who had been fired by former Gov. Jim Gibbons but appointed "acting director" by Sandoval.

Sandoval also made five appointments to the nine-member Wildlife Commission, the board charged with setting policy. It had clashed with Mayer and department biologists over how to manage the state's deer population and other issues.

Two of the Sandoval appointments, Michael McBeath and Grant Wallace, already were members of the board and were reappointed to new terms.

Two other appointees, Jeremy Drew and Jack Robb, replaced Gerald Lent and Thomas Cavin, whose terms expired.

A fifth appointment, David McNinch, replaced Daryl Capurro, whose term wasn't set to expire until 2012 and who did not voluntarily resign.

"It is a strictly a political thing," said Capurro, who said Sandoval didn't consult him before making the change.

Mary-Sarah Kinner, a spokeswoman for Sandoval, wouldn't elaborate on the reason for replacing Capurro, saying only that the new law authorized the decision.

The new law, Assembly Bill 322, which had support from Democratic and Republican legislators and Sandoval, gives the governor authority to appoint the division director on his own. Previously the governor had to choose from a list submitted by commissioners.

The new law also changes the qualification for the commissioner who fills the "conservation" position, which Capurro held, from someone "actively engaged in conservation of wildlife" to someone who "possesses experience and expertise in advocating issues related to conservation."

It gives the governor the option of immediately appointing a conservation member or waiting until the term of the current member expires, which in the case of Capurro would have been in a year.

A statement from the governor's office detailed the qualifications of the appointees:

■ McNinch is an environmental health specialist supervisor with the Washoe County Health District. He graduated from University of Nevada, Reno with a degree in Renewable Natural Resources and is a member of the Lahontan Audubon Society. McNinch will hold the seat related to conservation.

■ Robb is owner and president of Pacific Meter Service and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Nevada, Reno. Robb, an avid outdoorsman, grew up in Tonopah and will hold a sportsmen seat.

■ McBeath graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and the University of Denver College of Law. An assistant vice president at MGM Resorts International in Las Vegas, McBeath is a certified public accountant and an attorney. He continues to hold a sportsmen seat.

■ Wallace graduated from California Polytechnic State University and is a resident of Dyer. He is a self-employed farmer and is a member of the Esmeralda County Public Land Use Committee and the Farm Bureau. Wallace will continue to hold a seat related to farming.

Contact reporter Benjamin Spillman at bspillman@reviewjournal.com or 702-477-3861.