Five conservative lawmakers call for state probe of BLM

by Jon Ralston Wed, 04/23/2014 - 17:49

You knew this was coming.

Led by Assemblyman Jim  "I might bring back slavery" Wheeler, Michele Fiore (of course), Don Gustavson, John Ellison and Ira Hansen are calling for a probe of the "armed incursion" by the BLM.

By the way, Wheeler is the same guy who thinks Clark County should be a separate state.

Check out the questions about whether elected officials or "interests outside government" were involved.

Your elected officials at work:

 

JIM WHEELER
 
ASSEMBLYMAN 
 
District No. 39
 
COMMITTEES:
 
Member
 
Judiciary
 
Natural Resources,
 
Agriculture and Mining
 
Transportation ~~ ~ ~~~ ~~
 
~~~~~ ~~ ~~~~~~
 
DISTRICT OFFICE:
 
P.O. Box 2135
 
Minden, Nevada 89423-2135
 
Offce: (775) 546-3471
 
LEGISLATIVE BUILDING:
 
401 South Carson Street
 
Carson City, Nevada 89701-4747
 
Office: (775) 684-8843
 
Fax No.: (775) 684-8533
 
Email: Jim.WheelerQasm.state.nv.us
 
 
 
April 23, 2014
 
Assemblyman Paul Aizley, Chairman
 
Legislative Committee on Public Lands
 
Legislative Building
 
401 South Carson Street
 
Carson City, NV 89701-4717
 
Dear Assemblyman Aizley:
 
As you are aware, a situation raised its ugly head last week in Bunkerville, Nevada, that easily could have
 
escalated into something where scores of people may have lost their lives. It is our belief that this incident
 
was handled incorrectly by the Federal agencies that were placed in charge and that an abuse of authority like
 
this must never be allowed to happen in Nevada again.
 
While the situation was defused before anyone got hurt, we, the undersigned Legislators, feel that the people
 
of Nevada must have a public inquiry, specifically by the State of Nevada, to find the root causes for these
 
actions in order to ensure that there is never a repeat of this dangerous situation.
 
Although we do not feel Mr. Bundy is without blame, there are many unanswered questions as to why this
 
situation took place, including but not limited to:
 
1. Who ordered the armed incursion?
 
2. At what decision-making level was this ordered?
 
3. Were any elected officials involved in this?
 
4. Who was on the ground as far as Federal law enforcement? What was their authority and what
 
jurisdiction did they have and who conveyed that power, especially in light of 43 U.S.C. § 1733(c)(1)
 
which states:
 
When the Secretary determines that assistance is necessary in enforcing Federal laws and
 
regulations relating to the public lands or their resources he shall offer a contract to
 
appropriate local officials having law enforcement authority within their respective
 
jurisdictions with the view of achieving maximum feasible reliance upon local law
 
enforcement officials in enforcing such laws and regulations.... (Emphasis added.)
 
Assemblyman Paul Aizley, Chairman
 
Legislative Committee on Public Lands
 
April 23, 2014
 
Page 2
 
5. What was the root reason for the incursion? If it was for unpaid fees, why would the Federal
 
Government spend more money to collect the cattle than they would be able to recoup from the sale
 
of such?
 
6. Why was a lien not placed on the proceeds from Mr. Bundy's cattle sales, or property, instead of an
 
armed incursion?
 
7. If this was an attempt to conserve the desert tortoise as reported, how does one explain the fact that
 
the tortoise and the cattle have lived in harmony for over 100 years on that particular range? Also,
 
how does one explain the fact that the BLM has euthanized hundreds of tortoises citing a lack of
 
funds for their care?
 
It has been reported that the BLM destroyed many guzzlers and other water systems in the area
 
during their seizure operation in violation of state law. If this is the case, can criminal charges be
 
filed against these offenders?
 
9. There have been many rumors concerning interests outside the government being involved in this
 
dispute. These need to be thoroughly vetted in a public hearing for validity.
 
Therefore, we the undersigned Legislators are requesting that an investigation be conducted by the State of
 
Nevada into the situation that took place between the BLM and Cliven Bundy. We not only request that this
 
situation be investigated, but also request that the State publish a report with explanations as to actions that
 
can be taken by the Federal Government and the State of Nevada that will ensure a situation like this never
 
happens again.
 
We respectfully request this public inquiry be handled by your Committee given the powers of investigation
 
and subpoena accorded to that Committee under Nevada statute. We also call for a simultaneous
 
investigation to be conducted by the Attorney General's Office. A similar letter is being sent to the interim
 
Legislative Committee on Public Lands, Chairman Paul Aizley.
 
Sincerely,
 
.,~--
 
f . ~ ~r
 
Ass mb(yman Jim Wheeler
 
Senator Don Gustavson
 
Assemblyman Ira Hansen
 
Assemblywoman Michele Fiore
 
Assemblyman John Ellison
 
cc: The Honorable Brian Sandoval
 
Assemblywoman Marilyn Kirkpatrick
 
Assemblyman William Horne
 
Assemblyman Pat Hickey
 
Senator Mo Denis
 
Senator Michael Roberson

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