Douglas County appoints two to Advisory Board to Manage Wildlife; appointment of Patty Graff draws a 3-1 vote after disagreement

The Douglas County Board of Commissioners made two appointments to the Advisory Board to Manage Wildlife with mixed votes and significant public comment.

Appointments and vote: The board appointed Alton Randall to the wildlife advisory panel unanimously. The board then appointed Patty Graff to a second seat; the Graff appointment passed 3-1 with Commissioner Tarkanian voting no. Commissioners said they respected the candidates' backgrounds and thanked all applicants for their interest.

Why the appointment drew debate: Commissioner Tarkanian said Graff had sent him an email sent from a county computer during prior service on the Vacation Home Rental (VHR) advisory board that threatened to work to defeat him in his reelection; he said that temperament made him uncomfortable voting to place her on another advisory body. Graff denied an intent to threaten and said she had resigned from the VHR advisory board in September and that she believed her prior service gave her judgment experience useful to the wildlife panel; she emphasized a background in ranching and conservation. Deputy District Attorney AJ Hames informed the board that Nevada law generally requires notice before discussing a private person's character in public, but pointed out that each applicant had signed a waiver that allowed discussion of qualifications during the appointment process.

Public comment and context: Several members of the public endorsed both applicants; commenters described hunting and conservation backgrounds and noted the economic value of local fishing and wildlife events. Commissioners emphasized that advisory boards are advisory bodies and encouraged applicants not selected today to remain engaged.

Next steps: Both appointees will serve partial terms that expire Dec. 31, 2027. Staff will complete the paperwork to reflect the changes.