Governor Bill Walker is yet to name another nominee to the Board of Fish after Robert Ruffner failed to receive Legislative confirmation earlier this month.
Walker was asked if he has a short list…
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.”
As of Monday there were 21 Alaskans who have applied this year. Four are from the Kenai Peninsula, including: Henry Kroll of Soldotna, Jeffery Fox of Soldotna, Chris Paul Every of Kenai, and Dwight Kramer of Kenai.
One of the criticisms about Ruffner’s appointment was that he would not represent Anchorage fishermen. Borough Mayor Mike Navarre objected to that idea…
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.”