A majority of Commission staffers are not displeased by the governor's decision. But that, alone, does not mean Venesky was in the wrong. Demanding board members have rankled staffs since the concept of governing panels of appointees first evolved. Where Venesky failed with the troops was in the all-important bid for their respect, perhaps because it appears he offered too little in return. Many highly trained and experienced professional conservationists in the agency will verify that Venesky demeaned their performance and ability in public.
Any struggle is a lonely one when a warrior burns all the bridges.
Still, over the 105 years of the Game Commission's history, it is difficult to imagine that no other commissioners were demanding, opinionated, combative and outspoken in the way of George Venesky. A more solid justification for his dismissal can be found in the brief statement given afterward by Ridge's spokesperson, Kevin Shires. Venesky was definitely an independent thinker, if that means that he could not be influenced by scientific data, documented testimony or a reasoned quest for compromise. His true failure was in his refusal to seek, accept or work toward positive change, and his ouster signals clearly the altered modern landscape of wildlife management. Venesky did display admirable qualities.