The legislative delegation for the Kenai Peninsula have universally expressed disappointment over a recent Alaska Board of Fisheries decision.
At a meeting last week addressing other issues, the board voted to change the location of next year's Upper Cook Inlet from the Kenai Peninsula to Anchorage.
Representative Ben Carpenter of Nikiski said he hopes the Board of Fisheries will reconsider its actions with the "public’s trust in mind.”
Representative Gary Knopp said he could not find “enough words" to express his disappointment and frustrations with the Board of Fisheries.
Representative Sarah Vance said she perceived a " blatant disregard for public input, disrespect for the process, and ultimately a breach of trust."
Senator Gary Stevens said, "Members of the Board should remember who they serve, and rescind their decision to ignore public input."
Senator Peter Micciche said the "people of Alaska deserve better."
While the letter stops short of demanding a certain outcome, it does request a rescinding of the previous decision, allowing the public “adequate notice to revisit the issue.”
Preparations have been ongoing for since last year to prepare for the board's first meeting on the Central Peninsula in 20 years.