News

July 2, 2008

State Senate confirms Kingston man for Fish and Boat position

By Tom Venesky tvenesky@timesleader.com
Sports Reporter
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When Gov. Ed Rendell nominated Kingston resident Norm Gavlick to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission board last month, state Sen. Lisa Baker hoped the nomination could be confirmed in time for Gavlick to attend the agency’s quarterly meeting later this month.

Apparently, 49 other senators felt the same.

Gavlick’s nomination was confirmed by the state Senate 50-0 late Monday afternoon, ensuring the northeast region will have representation when the board meets on July 14 and 15.

“I’m very pleased the Senate was able to swiftly consider and confirm Norm’s nomination and that he’ll be able to be seated at the commission’s next meeting later this month,” Baker said.

“He is well qualified and I’m confident he will do a great job.”

Gavlick, 50, will serve a full eight-year term, filling the seat that was vacated due to the passing of former commissioner Frederick Osifat in November. He will represent District 7, which includes Luzerne, Carbon, Lackawanna, Monroe, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming counties.

Among his goals, Gavlick said he wants to address flow issues in the Delaware and Lehigh rivers, work on cleaning up the Susquehanna River, look into repairing agency-owned dams and review the status of the Pleasant Mount trout hatchery in Wayne County.

“We haven’t had much representation in this region since the passing of Mr. Osifat, so it will be good to get some things accomplished,” Gavlick said. “I look forward to meeting with anglers, boaters and those interested in our water resources and hearing their concerns.”

Gavlick co-owns Gavlick Personnel Services with his wife, Angela. He is a graduate of King’s College and currently serves as president of the Suskie Bassmasters and vice president of the Pennsylvania Angler Sportsman Association.

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