He said the UTA/Frontrunner decision is out of the division's control. "It will be a political decision and will be made at the governor's direction."

Atwood's letter of resignation dated April 6 indicates her belief that the advisory council she was serving on had only limited powers and scope.

"I continue to have grave reservations that the advisory council gives the public an impression that (it) observes, understands, examines, and endorses priorities of the division when, in fact, the advisory council by statute has no authority other than to give advice, and by practice is not called upon by the division to provide oversight or even much advice," she wrote. "I have worried that by serving on the council, I do more harm than good, but have rationalized the situation by hoping to change matters."

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