You are here

Home » Scuttlebutt Has It That A Hold Has Been Placed On the Nomination of Jon Jarvis as National Park Service Director

Scuttlebutt Has It That A Hold Has Been Placed On the Nomination of Jon Jarvis as National Park Service Director

Share

Published Date

August 8, 2009

There's scuttlebutt going around that the Senate never got to vote on Jon Jarvis's nomination as director of the National Park Service this week because one senator placed a "hold" on his nomination.

Since senators can do this quite anonymously, it's not easy to find out which one did the deed, which often is used as a ploy by the senator in question to get something he wants from the administration.

What some are saying is that the senator in question is none other than Sen. Tom Coburn, a Republican from Oklahoma who was behind the move to change Park Service regulations pertaining to carrying concealed weapons in the parks. Apparently, Sen. Coburn was livid when he realized that the rule change wasn't immediate and would not take effect until next February.

Whether he indeed placed the hold on Mr. Jarvis as retaliation -- even though the delay was specifically outlined in the legislation that he amended to make the change -- is hard to know. But it certainly sounds like the good doctor has some motivation.

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

National Parks Traveler is a small, editorially independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit media organization. The Traveler is not part of the federal government nor a corporate subsidiary. Your support helps ensure the Traveler's news and feature coverage of national parks and protected areas endures. 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Comments

Submitted by Bill Wade on August 8, 2009 - 5:13pm.

We've heard the same thing, and to make Senator Coburn even more of an aggravating so-and-so, we've heard that the hold has nothing to do with guns, with Jarvis or even with the NPS, but has something to do with border security issues. Since Coburn held the credit card right legislation with his guns amendment, it's not out of the question he's holding the Jarvis confirmation hostage for some other pet-scheme he's pushing.

Bill Wade
Chair, Executive Council
Coalition of National Park Service Retirees


Submitted by admin on August 8, 2009 - 10:15pm.

Makes you want to move to OK just to vote against him!


Submitted by admin on August 10, 2009 - 11:18am.

Read more about Dr. No and his (in)famous use of the hold: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/28/washington/28coburn.html


Submitted by admin on August 11, 2009 - 9:32am.

Frank, Beamis, et al:

The LA Time recently published an article you might be interested in:
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-ellis9-2009aug09,0,...

"From the very beginning of our national history, Americans have been arguing about the proper role of government. Put succinctly, the dispute is between those who regard government as "them" and those who see it as "us."...."


Submitted by admin on August 11, 2009 - 1:41pm.

All of the above rhetorical back and forth is nice to debate, but the bottom line is that Jarvis will be an excellent head for the NPS, that the 'hold' has nothing to do with him as an individual but is just a procedural power play, and this nonsense needs to stop.

Surely there is leverage we can apply to these mouthbreathers to get Jon Jarvis confirmed.


Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.