Politics

Senate panel advances governor's picks for Fish Board

JUNEAU — The governor's nominees for the state fish board have been advanced following a committee hearing.

The Senate Resources Committee on Wednesday agreed to forward Soldotna resident Robert Ruffner and Huslia resident Orville Huntington to serve on the state Board of Fisheries.

Ruffner was nominated to fill the seat vacated by former board chair Karl Johnstone. Ruffner faced about an hour of questions regarding his background, and how strongly he supported personal use and sport fisheries.

The committee did not have any questions for Huntington, who has served on the board since 2012 and is considered a subsistence representative.

Public testimony supported the candidates.

According to committee chair Cathy Giessel, a hearing in Senate State Affairs is planned before the Legislature votes on the nominees in a joint session.

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