Fear wants seat at PAWG table

by Cat Urbigkit

Sublette County Commission Chair Betty Fear's application to represent the county as a member of the Pinedale Anticline Working Group has been languishing within the bureaucracy of the Bureau of Land Management without a decision.

In the past, the county paid contractor Bob Reese to represent the county's interests. When Reese resigned more than six months ago, the commission discussed the matter and Fear agreed to represent the county.

While awaiting the BLM's official approval of her application to represent the county on the PAWG, Fear attends the PAWG meetings to observe. She sits at the back of the room since she can't sit up at the table with the rest of the PAWG members.

Commissioner John Linn is appalled at the BLM's disregard for the county in the matter.

Linn said the BLM is "blowing off" the county and, by its inaction, is showing how much it regards the importance of the group.

Fear said the process of getting approval is "taking way too long." She said the BLM claims the process is taking so long because the BLM failed to advertise to fill the position, but Fear's application has now proceeded to the national office.

Fear said, "I think its an exercise in futility."

Fear and Linn noted frustration with others who have served on the PAWG and both suggested that perhaps the group should simply be disbanded.