Ruffner Appointment to Board of Fish Voted Down
SEAFOODNEWS.COM [Juneau Resources Weekly] - April 21, 2015
Lawmakers voted down Gov. Walker’s choice to fill a vacant seat on the Board of Fisheries after a contentious confirmation process that saw Robert Ruffner fall two-votes shy of the simple majority he needed to gain approval.
Growing opposition built in the days leading to Sunday’s confirmation vote as two dipnetting associations came out in opposition Ruffner’s appointment, one that had previously supported the nominee. In a letter sent to lawmakers rescinding their support, the Chitina Dipnetting Association said Ruffner was too inexperienced in fisheries beyond the Kenai and that he did not fully understand importance of personal use fishing.
Ruffner, an experienced Kenai River dipnetter, told a Senate panel the group wanted him to take a stance on...
To Read Full Story Login Below.