Public Lands Commissioner– what does this position even do? Are you tired of driving through some rural area that you have not been to recently and finding large ugly clearcuts where once there was beautiful forest? The Department of Natural Resources is required by state law to manage these lands to produce some money for the public schools and universities – it is possible to do with the plantation forests they have but current Commissioner Franz has reduced the only 7% of their irreplaceable holdings of older forests to just 3% in just two years. The next commissioner will determine if there will be ANY left by the end of their term.
It looks like there are 3 Democrats running for this position along side 2 Republicans. But do not let Republicans in Democratic clothing fool you. Senator Van de Wege doesn’t have a good environmental record. He votes with Big Timber repeatedly. Robert DePoe also looks good at first glance, but he works at DNR now and is endorsed by Franz. So, if you want more of the same, he would be your candidate. He also has been holding his fundraisers with Republicans. Please note that every Democratic caucus in the state that has endorsed someone has endorsed Dave UptheGrove – as have the large environmental groups. All four candidates, EXCEPT Dave, are taking Big Timber money. UptheGrove is the only one who has pledged not to and to protect Legacy Forests. The August primary will seal this race. Please vote!
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