Ballot measure 1 hearings draw out salmon champions statewide; Final Public Hearing Saturday, Oct. 13th
October 12, 2018
“Ballot Measure 1 is widely supported by Alaskans, because it strikes the right balance between responsible development and salmon habitat protection,” said Christopher Tobias, owner of Roe Hard Guiding Service, LLC in Wasilla. “Here in the valley, over the last few years, we have seen diminished salmon returns. With some foresight and thoughtful planning, we can avoid the bleak reality of places like Washington and Oregon, where once thriving salmon runs have been completely devastated.” “With this ballot measure, we now have the opportunity to be proactive, rather than reactive, to protect our salmon and their habitat, before it’s too late,” added Tobias. In Bethel, where the permitting process for the Donlin Gold Mine did not allow residents to comment or protest potential lost salmon runs, 15 of the 17 testifiers spoke out in support of the initiative -- which would offer new public involvement requirements. Likewise, in Dillingham, more than a dozen residents spoke in favor of the initiative with only one speaking in opposition. According to Yes for Salmon, outside of the hearings, Ballot Measure 1 has received broad support from a wide range of Alaskans, including nearly 400 endorsements from tribal entities, commercial, sport and subsistence fishermen and local businesses. Additionally, Yes for Salmon says tens of thousands of residents have spoken up over the last few years in favor of putting Alaskans in charge of ensuring that the state’s thriving wild salmon runs are protected for future generations. “Ballot Measure 1 is a chance for every Alaskan to stand up in support of salmon. As our state grows, more and more projects have the potential to irreparably harm salmon habitat,” said Mark Niver, a Bristol Bay commercial fisherman who also works for the oil industry. “This initiative is our opportunity to define responsible resource development and ensure a diverse, robust economy for all Alaskans for years to come.” In opposition and encouraging a NO vote is Stand for Alaska Vote NO on 1. Stand for Alaska states on their website that Ballot Measure 1 would replace Alaska's current science-based fish habitat protections with new, unproven regulations that would impact virtually any type of project in Alaska. The measure poses a threat to Alaska’s communities, Alaska jobs and Alaska's economy by adding complicated red tape that will impact private property owners and companies alike. Stand for Alaska states that the Ballot Measure was funded by Outside money and the ballot measure was written in private without public review or comment. There were no public hearings to discuss the potential impacts or provide alternative perspectives. However, over the last few weeks, 8 public hearings have been held with the last one scheduled for tomorrow. The last statewide teleconference hearing will be held on Sat., Oct. 13, from 1 - 3 p.m. Sign-in begins at 12:45 p.m. Testimony will only be taken over the phone at 907-586-9085 in Juneau, 907-563-9085 in Anchorage or toll-free 844-586-9085 in the rest of the state. Ballot Measure 1 will go before Alaska voters on November 6, 2018. Yes for Salmon (Vote YES) is a diverse group of Alaska-based individuals, businesses and organizations dedicated to passing a ballot initiative that updates Alaska’s law governing development in salmon habitat. To learn more, visit www.yesforsalmon.org. The Stand for Alaska group (Vote NO) represents a broad, statewide coalition, including Alaska Native corporations, trade unions, businesses and industry organizations, as well as a growing coalition of Alaskans concerned about the state’s economic future. Stand for Alaska opposes Ballot Measure 1 which would overhaul regulations affecting virtually any type of project in Alaska. The measure poses a threat to our jobs, our economy and our communities. To learn more visit www.standforak.com
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Editing by Mary Kauffman, SitNews
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