GOVERNOR APPOINTS FISH AND GAME
COMMISSIONER FOR SOUTHWEST IDAHO

BOISE – Governor Jim Risch today announced his selection of Robert C. Barowsky as a Fish and Game Commissioner for the Southwest Region.  Barowsky, a Democrat, replaces Commissioner John Watts, who was a Republican.

“Bob brings his many years of law enforcement experience to the Idaho Fish and Game Commission.  He was a well respected sheriff and has numerous contacts with law enforcement officials throughout the state that will foster a greater relationship in protecting our state’s wildlife resources,” said Risch.

Barowsky, a lifelong resident of Payette County, served as the County Sheriff for 24 years and has a total of 35 years in law enforcement.  He served on the Fruitland City Council from 1977 to 1980 and was President of the Idaho Sheriffs Association in 1997.  Barowsky retired as the Payette County Sheriff in January 2005.  In 2004 he ran for the State Senate in District 9.

A member of the Fruitland Lions Club for 32 years, Barowsky was elected Club President for the coming year.  He has been a member of the Masons, Washoe Lodge for 28 years and has officiated high school football and basketball for the past 26 years.

“Having been born and raised in Idaho I have a great respect and love for all of Idaho’s natural resources.  I have hunted and fished for several decades and I have a strong commitment to maintain for every resident the wonderful opportunities that I had to enjoy all aspects of Idaho’s outdoor activities,” said Barowsky.

Barowsky has two children and two grandchildren.

Governor Risch praised the service of outgoing commissioner John Watts.  “John was an excellent advocate for sporting groups during his tenure on the commission.  Our wildlife resources and the people who enjoyed them were well served by his four years of service,” said Risch.

State law prohibits the appointment of more than four commissioners from the same political party.  Governor Risch recently appointed Republican Randy Budge to replace Marcus Gibbs, an independent who was term limited.  Three other commissioners, Alex Irby, Cameron Wheeler and Wayne Wright, are identified as Republicans for the maximum of four commissioners from the same political party.  Other commissioners include Anthony McDermott and Gary Power.

Barowsky, who lost the general election in 2004 against Monty Pearce for the District 9 Senate seat, is a candidate for the Democrats in the same race this year.  He will withdraw from the race due to a law that prohibits commissioners from holding any other elective or appointive office.

The major duties of the Idaho Fish and Game Commission are to supervise the Department of Fish and Game; establish regulations and other controls on fishing, hunting, trapping and management of wildlife in line with the state’s wildlife policies; approve department budgets for submission to the legislature; hold public hearings and make decisions on the management of the state’s wildlife.                                                                           

The Governor appoints commissioners to a four-year term, for a maximum of two terms.  Each commissioner is confirmed by the Idaho State Senate.

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