| Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has appointed Michael Sutsos, 56, of Sonoma, to the California Fish and Game Commission, according to today's news release from the Governor's Office.
Sutsos replaces Don Benninghoven, who was not confirmed as Commissioner this August by the State Senate, due to massive opposition by fishermen and conservationists to Benninghoven's strong support of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's controversial Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) Initiative.
Last August, Schwarzenegger appointed Benninghoven to the Commission in a last minute effort to push through marine protected area (MPA) regulations on the North Coast that removed the Kashia Pomo Tribe and other Tribes from their traditional fishing and gathering areas. Fortunately, Tribal leaders and their lawyers, after a historic blessing ceremony was held off Stewarts Point (Danaka) on April 30, negotiated with the state to reopen a section of this new marine protected area to traditional Tribal and recreational use.
Since 1985, Sutsus has been president of Black Point Sports Club, where he previously served as manager from 1972 to 1985. He is a member of the California Waterfowl Association, Mzuri Wildlife Foundation and California Outdoor Heritage Alliance. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Sutsos is a Republican.
"Well known trainer and author, Mike Sutsos personally oversees all training and works hands-on with each owner to develop their dog's best characteristics in the field," according to the Black Point Sports Club website. "Mike has trained many national field champs and specializes in all forms of bird dog training."
A phone call to Sutsos at the Black Point Sports Club to find out his positions on the fast-track MLPA Initiative, salmon restoration, the peripheral canal and other water and fishery issues has not been returned yet.
Political insiders say it is very unlikely that Sutsos, an appointee of a lame-duck Governor, will be confirmed by the Senate. |
