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Session: State Capitol, Room 510 Juneau, AK 99801-1182 Phone: (907) 465-2327 Fax: (907) 465-5241 Send E-Mail Interim: 119 N. Cushman St., Suite 201 Fairbanks, AK 99701-2879 Phone: (907) 456-8161 Fax: (907) 451-9293 |
For Immediate Release: March 8, 2000
Contact: Mark Morones, Majority Communications Director, at (907) 465-4993.
Juneau -- Wednesday, a Joint Special Session of the Alaska Legislature overwhelmingly voted to reject the confirmation of Leo Keeler to the Board of Game. The vote expressed the Legislature's strong condemnation of the Administration's efforts to prevent necessary predator control in interior Alaska.
Some legislators believe the appointment did not reflect a balanced approach to game management in Alaska. "While I agree with Governor Knowles that balanced wildlife management is necessary, I do not think appointing someone to the Board of Game who appears to support the agenda of animal rights groups achieves that balance," said Representative Beverly Masek (R-Willow), Co-Chair of the House Resources Committee.
The vote came as no surprise to most legislators. A joint session of the House and Senate Resources Committees interviewed Keeler on Monday. In an event that Representative Ramona Barnes (R-Anchorage) described today as "almost unheard of," both committees issued unanimous recommendations to their respective houses to reject the confirmation.
"The state has a growing problem with predator control and the Governor has just let things slip," said Senator Pete Kelly (R-Fairbanks). Kelly was concerned that the Administration is placing additional, non-statutory roadblocks before the Board that will make it virtually impossible to manage game effectively. Kelly said, "It is not the job of the Board of Game to weigh public opinion. Their job is to help manage a state resource."
Some legislators believe that Keeler's appointment was designed to generate controversy over predator control in interior Alaska. "The Governor placed Leo Keeler in the crossfire of this debate knowing full well that the Legislature supports the Board of Game's management plan," said Senator Jerry Mackie (R-Craig), Senate Majority Leader.
Keeler's confirmation was rejected by a largely bipartisan and overwhelming vote of 48 to 9.
Broadcasters note: Audio comments are available on the Majority Actuality line, 1-800-478-6540
= Pete Kelly, 30 K
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Representative Masek's Page
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Representative Barnes's Page
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Senator Kelly's Page
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Senator Mackie's Page
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