Bagging a trophy

After reading Tom Hennessey’s column (BDN, Dec. 27) announcing the retirement of Warden Chuck Allen, it appeared that the New Year’s celebration would again be south of Augusta. In landing Allen, L.L. Bean has bagged a true trophy while the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has lost a class act from their own net. One can only wonder about the political volleyball game that has been going on the past few months.

First, why is the “transition team” leaning on Commissioner Owen regarding the appointment of a deputy commissioner? Traditionally, that decision has been left to the wish of the commissioner. Owen apparently wants Allen and it is Owen’s call, so why an outsider with “more management experience”?

Second, where is the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine on this issue? It ardently supported Chuck Allen for the top spot in the department before Angus King was elected. It seems its support has cooled, perhaps because one of its own would like the deputy commissioner’s spot. Whoever gets the nod, it is doubtful that he or she can match the skills and qualifications that Allen already possesses.

The top brass in the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife need to have a pocketful of skills in order to take the department into the next century. A keen sense of the delicate balance between our natural resources and growth of business and industry is a must. Knowledge of law enforcement and the demands upon the men and women who enforce laws intended to protect our natural resources is essential. A high level of management skills is necesssary to ensure that scarce resources are spent in the best interest of Maine people and to see that productivity of employees remains high. There are, without a doubt, a handful of people who are top-notch in all these areas. These are skills which any scholar can learn.

The real strength of the leadership is a leader’s beliefs, attitudes, and values regarding the department and the people of this state. The ability to articulate the needs of the sportspeople, recreational enthusiasts, and legislators of the state with passion will have a profound impact on the future management of our natural resources. An intimate knowledge of the uniqueness of a department steeped in tradition and heavy with committed employees cannot be recognized by someone from the outside. Most of all, the leaders of IF&W must have a love for the department, the people of hte state, our heritage, and our legacy. Chuck Allen has demonstrated these qualities over time. His honesty, integrity, and passion for the department are above reproach. He truly is the one that got away. Agnus Perry Carmel