Member of Wildlife Resources Commission resigns

Turston appointed to four-year term in 2011.

Doc Thurston of Charlotte has resigned his post as a North Carolina Wildlife Resources commissioner.

Thurston, the managing partner at Field and Dreams LLC, and past chairman and CEO of Chata Coating and Laminating Inc., was named to the Commission on Aug. 25, 2011. He was appointed to a two-year term by Senate Pro Tempore Phil Berger (R-Rockingham).Thurston’s term was set to expire June 1, 2013.

One Mecklenburg County politician said Berger should fill Thurston’s spot with a resident of Wildlife District 6, which includes Charlotte and surrounding counties in the Southern Piedmont, even though Berger can name a replacement from anywhere in North Carolina.

“It’s the largest district, land-wise and by population, in the state,” said Sen. Bob Rucho (R-Mecklenburg), who recommended Thursday to Berger last year. “We will probably want to have Doc’s replacement come from this district.”

Whoever is appointed to replace Thurston will serve out the remainder of his term. Then, a new at-large appointment will be made by the Senate Pro Tempore; Berger’s senate leadership role expires after the 2012 summer legislative session, but he can retain his position.

“The process will take a couple of months,” Rucho said. “The Senate probably won’t appoint a new commissioner during April, but a new … commissioner will be appointed after the legislature re-convenes May 16.”

The governor appoints 11 commissioners, one from each of the state’s nine wildlife districts, to serve six-year terms and two at-large members to serve four-year terms. The House Speaker and Senate pro tempore appoint four commissioners each to two-year terms.