Back in the 80s the Harbor was "managed" by WDF which was a cabinet agency with the Director appointed by the Governor. Highly political and responsive to the political needs of those in power. The merger brought salmon (and all food fish) under a Commission that was supposed to be less political. That has obviously changed, especially as the current governor appears to want non-consumptive commissioners.

I really don't know a good solution. I have thought that having the Commission directly elected with 4 having to reside westside, 4 Eastside, and a statewide chair would be a better way to go as they would have to publicly explain their positions in order to be elected. The 8 regional commissioners would be elected by their respective regions. Perhaps, to go a step further, maybe there would be six Commissioners, each residing in a region and elected by residents of that region. That might work.