(JUNEAU) - Senate President Gene Therriault (R-North Pole) issued the following statement today concerning the appointment of Sen. Alan Austerman as the new Special Assistant to Gov. Murkowski on Fisheries Issues.

"We are very happy for, and proud of, Sen. Austerman. We believe he will serve the governor well and continue to serve the people of Alaska with the same honor and distinction as he did in the Legislature over the past eight years. It is evident that Sen. Austerman's commitment to this state's fishing industry is paramount and he takes with him a broad knowledge of the efforts of this body in addressing those issues."

"Obviously, Sen. Austerman's departure will prompt some changes to our organization. It is premature to discuss those changes until the governor appoints a replacement and the Senate majority has an opportunity to discuss the skills and talents the new member brings to the body. We look forward to the appropriate party chairs' submission of Senate nominees and the governor's swift decision on Sen. Austerman's replacement. We believe the transition will be a smooth one. In the meantime the Senate will continue to move forward with the business of the state."

"Again, I would like to thank Sen. Austerman on behalf of the entire Senate for his service and wish him the best of luck in his new position."

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