(JUNEAU) - The House Resources Committee completed its work on advancing the names of the newly appointed members of the Board of Fish and the Board of Game today. After two separate meetings involving interviewing each new appointee and listening to public comment, the committee members agreed to advance the names for further consideration. The decision does not require a support or non-support recommendation. Nor does it require any member to vote a certain way when the candidates' names are considered in a joint session of the Legislature.

Co-Chairs' Representative Hugh "Bud" Fate (R) Fairbanks and Representative Mike Chenault (R) Nikiski agreed that the discussion allowed for each member of the committee to have an idea of how they intend to vote. "Our goal was to meet the people, appointed to make decisions regarding our fish and game management for the next several years," said Fate. "If these members are approved by the Legislature, they essentially become the voice of the state on management of a very important resource," Chenault added.

The committee advanced the names of Rupert Andrews of Juneau, John Jensen of Petersburg, Melvan Morris of Kodiak and Arthur Nelson of Anchorage as new members of the Board of Fish. Pete Buist of Fairbanks, Michael Fleagle of McGrath, Clifford Judkins of Wasilla, Sharon McLeod-Everette of Fairbanks, Ronald Somerville of Juneau and Ted Spraker of Soldotna are the names that have been forwarded for consideration for the Board of Game.

The House Resources Committee was the only step the Board of Game Candidates have before a full confirmation vote by both bodies of the Legislature. The Senate Resources Committee conducted similar hearings for Board of Game candidates. A date for the joint session has not been set.

# # #