Capital Press Letter to the Editor August 24, 2012 by Prudence L. Miller, McArthur, Calif

Your help is desperately needed to stop Assembly Bill 2179, which is one of the most egregious bills ever authored by the California Legislature. It will adversely affect every farmer, rancher, sportsman and citizen in this state.

This bill gives the Department of Fish and Game the power to impose fines up to $10,000 for each and every perceived violation of the Fish and Game Code and deprives you of your right to go before a Superior Court judge or jury.

The Department of Fish and Game becomes judge and jury and any appeal of its decision must be made to the director of Fish and Game, thereby eliminating your right to due process of law.

The constitutions of the U.S. and state of California never intended them to have these powers. This sets a dangerous precedent for other state agencies to follow with further erosion of all our rights.

Contact all Democratic senators to voice your objection to AB2179 by Googling California Senate and clicking on phone numbers or email information.