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Robb Miller doesn’t like to see vacant seats linger on the state Game Commission and Fish and Boat Commission boards.

One of those seats is right here in the northeast as PGC commissioner Jay Delaney’s term expired in April and has yet to be filled. Miller, who is the director of the Governor’s Advisory Council for Hunting, Fishing and Conservation, has been seeking applicants for the seat, which represents District 7, since September but the interest has been sparse.

“I don’t like vacancies because it means that people are going un-represented,” Miller said, adding only a few people have applied for the PGC seat. “But until I have a healthy number of candidates I’m going to keep recruiting. I’m not going to conduct interviews with a handful of names.”

The Game Commission board is comprised of eight commissioners each representing a region of the state. Commissioners vote on a variety of issues, including antlerless license allocations, policy and establishing seasons and bag limits.

Game Commissioners individually hold office for terms of four years and may be reappointed for a maximum of two additional terms. Commissioners receive no compensation for their services, but may be reimbursed for travel expenses.

Candidates will be interviewed by the advisory council and rated on their responses, as well as on their professional and volunteer experience with wildlife conservation and related activities. Governor Tom Wolf will select the final candidate to be presented to the Senate for confirmation.

District 7 includes Carbon, Luzerne, Lackawanna, Monroe, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming counties and Miller said the only requirement for anyone interested is that they reside in the district.

As far as why applicants have been slow to come forward, Miller didn’t have a reason but said other clubs and volunteer organizations also experience difficulty in finding people willing to serve.

“Usually with a Game Commission seat, in the past I had upwards of 10 or more candidates, and I’m really not getting any,” Miller said. “I’d like to get at least between seven and 10, and if people are reluctant to apply I’ll gladly talk to them about what’s involved.”

The level of involvement for a volunteer, unpaid position could be one reason why applications are slow to trickle in.

Delaney, who served for eight years on the board, estimated he attended more than 440 meetings with sportsmen’s groups and logged countless hours on the board representing the Northeast Region.

“It’s a full-time job with no pay. It has to be in your heart to want to do it,” Delaney said. “It’s not easy.”

Miller said a commissioner can expect to spend 20 hours a week handling duties associated with the post. He admitted being a commissioner is a big commitment, but a rewarding one to that offers a say in wildlife, hunting and conservation issues.

In regards to the northeast part of the state, Miller said hunting and trapping are such strong traditions that he’s surprised more people aren’t applying.

“It’s one of those areas where hunting and trapping is ingrained in the lifestyle. It’s in the fabric of the community,” Miller said. “I’m not giving up because I know there are passionate people in the northeast.”

With Delaney’s term expired the PGC board, which meets quarterly, is functioning with seven members. While Miller wants to fill the vacant seat, he’s going to take time for find numerous high-quality candidates for council to choose from.

The deadline to apply for the seat has been extended by a month to Nov. 30 and Miller said the delay in filling the post is not related to the state budget stalemate or political wrangling.

“The seat hasn’t been addressed because I don’t have candidates,” he said.

Miller added that while it’s common for candidates to seek the support of their local legislators, that isn’t where they should apply for the seat.

“I’m the direct link,” Miller said. “The whole thing starts with sending me a cover letter and resume. If they have questions about what it entails, give me a call.”

Miller said he will call everyone who applies to go over specifics and all applicants will be interviewed by council.

“Every one gets a shot. I know there are quality commissioner candidates in the northeast. We just have to figure out how to reach them,” he said.

Former PGC commissioner Jay Delaney, center, represented the northeast region until his term expired in April. The Governor’s Advisory Council on Hunting, Fishing and Conservation is seeking interested applicants for the seat. On the left is PGC executive director Matt Hough and board president David Putnam.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_Delaney.jpg.optimal.jpgFormer PGC commissioner Jay Delaney, center, represented the northeast region until his term expired in April. The Governor’s Advisory Council on Hunting, Fishing and Conservation is seeking interested applicants for the seat. On the left is PGC executive director Matt Hough and board president David Putnam.

Robb Miller, director of the Governor’s Advisory Council on Hunting, Fishing and Conservation, is looking for individuals from the northeast who are passionate about hunting and conservation to serve on the PGC board.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_Robb-Miller.jpg.optimal.jpgRobb Miller, director of the Governor’s Advisory Council on Hunting, Fishing and Conservation, is looking for individuals from the northeast who are passionate about hunting and conservation to serve on the PGC board.

By Tom Venesky

[email protected]

Want to game commissioner?

Individuals interested in applying for the District 7 seat on the Pennsylvania Game Commission should send a resume and detailed cover letter explaining their desire to serve to Robb Miller, Governor’s Advisory Council for Hunting, Fishing and Conservation, 400 Market St., 7th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17101-2301. Individuals can also email the information to Robb Miller at [email protected].

Applications will be accepted until Nov. 30.

Candidates must reside in District 7, which includes the counties of Carbon, Luzerne, Lackawanna, Monroe, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming.

Reach Tom Venesky at 570-991-6395 or on Twitter @TLTomVenesky