Fri 4/9-A joint session of the Alaska House and Senate met today to confirm the Governor appointees to both the Board of Fisheries and Board of Game.
The legislature rejected Al Barrette, the controversial appointee to the Board of Game. Barrette raised more than a few eyebrows when an internet video became viral which showed Barrette skinning a wolf and had him citing the Bible to explain man’s role over animals. Critics say that Barrette’s decisions consistently favor hunters, regardless of scientific data and public’s wishes.
The joint session approved local resident Tom Kluberton to the Board of Fisheries with no objections. Claude Vince Webster had a couple of objections, but was confirmed to the Board of Fisheries in the end.
Kluberton said he is excited about the opportunity to graduate to statewide fish issues and will spend the next several months schooling himself on commercial fishing issues. He spent his time on the Mat Su Blue Ribbon’s Sportsman’s Committee defending and studying sport fishing. He says he’ll need to balance himself on all viewpoints as a representative on the state board. His appointment begins July 1st.
