Here is Gov. Bill Walker's letter appointing Robert Ruffner to the Alaska Board of Fisheries.
Ruffner is the longtime executive director of the Kenai Watershed Forum, which is much concerned with protecting salmon habitat along the Kenai River.
Ruffner is the Walker's second pick to fill a board seat formerly held by Karl Johnstone.
The governor's first choice, Roland Maw, was a controversial appointee and withdrew.
He will not be confirmed. Too many people believe he will be a commercial vote in UCI matters. And UCI is getting the attention of the legislators. Walker is making some rookie mistakes. And pissing a lot of the people off who he needs for his agenda to get passed.
ReplyDeleteAnd pissing a lot of the people off 'whom' he needs for his agenda
ReplyDeleteWork on the grammar
And the logic
Understandable that maw made for raw
But this is a lock
The legislature bolts on this one and it's shadura next
All it will take is a quick hit piece from Medred and an old traffic ticket for KRSA and the like to derail yet another overly qualified candidate who may actually give a damn about the Kenai. If anyone is getting pissed its Walker with all the bulls@ threats. There's a new sheriff in town; get over it.
ReplyDeleteWow a board of fish member that wants to protect a watershed and fish habitat.. What a unique concept. I'm sure Medred and the sportfish lobby will fight hard against that.
ReplyDelete7:54: Shadura next? Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha! That's really funny! And 9:40, "whom" did you mean when you said "derail yet another overly qualified candidate" Was that a reference to Dr Maw? Yep, he certainly was a qualified candidate. Qualified in at least to states and wanted by both to serve. Time, that is.
ReplyDeletePeople are talking balance and then spout about three commercial, sport and subsistence. What you are forgetting is regions of the State. This administration is apparently multi cultural and believes in diversity. Ruffner is an new type of interest and who is to say that there will be three of any defined interest on the board. Might see a PU, subsistence,blue water,grey water,brown water,etc. I think it is time for a change and the old Kodiak, Bristol Bay , Anchorage or Fairbanks thing may just be something in the past.
ReplyDeleteWhy is this guy getting so much support from the commercial guys all around the state? I thought he was a habitat guy. Is he for closing the rivers to sports fishing? That might please the set net crowd on the Kenai.
ReplyDeleteMaybe they're for him because KRSA's against him. KRSA got the usual suspects down in Juneau prowling the hallways trying to block his confirmation.
ReplyDelete"He's not from Anchorage". LOL. It's all about control and KRSA is afraid they won't be able to control him like their previous puppet and part-time Arizonan, Karl Johnstone.
ReplyDeleteThere has been a lot of talk about how politics should not be so prominent in the management of our fisheries and especially when it comes to the board of fish. Ruffner has been camped in Juneau for his hearings spending time meeting with politicians and lobbying for himself. This is unprecedented for a prospective board member. Seems science is taking a back seat to politics.
ReplyDelete@6:31AM. I guess Ruffner could stay home in Soldotna and let Ruben and the boys define who he is to the legislators in Juneau. But, I don't imagine staying home would enhance his confirmation chances very much. Its too bad this is what it comes down to now for service on the Board of Fisheries. KRSA has had defacto control of the BOF for the last 6 years--in other words you don't serve without their tacit consent--and I imagine they are feeling threatened right now with the established order getting upset. Its probably going to be brutal couple days in Juneau leading up to the vote. I hope Ruffner has a thick skin.
ReplyDelete