Karen Gillis, the Governor’s Director of Boards and Commissions, has resigned her position as rumors circulate about the Governor’s appointee to the Board of Fish.
The Governor’s office didn’t immediately respond to calls from KSRM this afternoon, though they have confirmed Gillis’ resignation.
The concern came to light when the state’s premier commercial fishing group, the United Fishermen of Alaska, rallied its members against the rumored appointment of Roberta “Bobbi” Quintavell to the Board of Fish. The appointee would serve for the next year before facing Legislative confirmation in 2016.
Walker was previously asked if he has a short list of possible appointees…
Gov. Walker: “Not a list as such. I’ll certainly go back to those who were considered, who were on t he list before. There was no reason that they didn’t come off the list necessarily. It’ll be not something that we do overnight. It’s something we’re going to take some time with.”
Quintavell has been closely connected with the Kenai River Sportsfishing Association, appearing in their 2013 “Save Our Kings” ad campaign. KRSA launched an effective campaign last month to prevent Robert Ruffner’s confirmation to the Board of Fish.
Like many local government representatives, Borough Mayor Mike Navarre condemned KRSA’s actions…
KPB Mayor Navarre: “I was extremely disappointed and at times even disgusted with the antics in Juneau and in particular, a local fishing group, Kenai River Sportfish Association, took an interest in Mr. Ruffner’s nomination and confirmation process and were very, very active in defeating him. I have a number of friends who are on that board and who are members of that organization but it was exceptionally disappointing to me to see the misinformation and disinformation that was promulgated in the Legislature.”
Navarre wasn’t the only one…
Paul Ostrander: “There was a lot of really bad information and people were using that information, they were misinforming others, to further their agenda.
Asm. Wayne Ogle (Nikiski): “The real difficulty was he wasn’t part of a power group.
Asm. Kelly Wolf(K-Beach): “What amazes me is this organization still has a lot of support.
Asm. Haggerty(S. Pen): “I’m perplexed by it, I’m confounded. I’m more confused than I am angry, but I know I’m going to get to the angry part about it.”
Quintavell has served on the Board of the Rasmuson Foundation, Special Olympics Alaska, Alaska Federation of Natives, Providence Health Care Foundation Alaska, Arctic Education Foundation, & numerous ASRC subsidiaries. She is the chief operating officer of Doyon, Ltd.
The Governor must announce his appointee by Tuesday, May 19th.
Julianne Curry with the United Fishermen of Alaska declined to comment on the record but said UFA encouraged their members to remain engaged in the process and share their thoughts on Board appointments with the Governor.
More to follow…