Governor Bill Walker is expected to announce his new Board of Fisheries appointee today, just days after his Board and Commissions Director Karen Gillis resigned.
Kenai Peninsula Senator Peter Micciche said yesterday he believes it’s unlikely the Governor will appoint the controversial Roberta “Bobbi” Quintavell to the Board…
Sen. Micciche (R-K Pen.): “So we’ve heard rumors about a certain applicant. I believe that applicant being chosen, Ms. Quintavell, is a very small probability. I suppose that’s the best way to say that. We’ll wait till we see a name, but I think what you’re going to find is someone more balanced on ensuring all Alaskans have a fair opportunity for success for meeting their fish resource needs.”
Gillis’ resignation coincided with the rumors about Quintavell’s appointment. Quintavell has ties to the Kenai River Sportsfishing Association, the organization which lobbied successfully to deny Robert Ruffner’s appointment.
Micciche said he believes the Governor has seen the importance of choosing a Board member with no demonstrated ties to any industry…
Sen. Micciche (R-K Pen.): “On the Kenai Peninsula here it’s very important for us to have someone that understands sport, commercial, personal use, and subsistence fisheries and I believe that’s the way that the Governor is going to go. I believe he’s going continue with the kind of outlook he had with Robert Ruffner who, again, most of us on the Peninsula believe was one of the best choices for the Board that we’ve seen in a very long time.”