Casey Kelly, KTOO – Juneau
Wednesday, the joint Fish and Game Board is sending a list of two potential Commissioners to Governor Sean Parnell.
They are Cora Campbell and Ron Somerville.
Campbell is currently acting commissioner, and Parnell has said he’d like to see her get the job permanently. But questions have arisen about the 31-year-old’s leadership and experience. Prior to being tapped for the top job, she’d been a special assistant to the governor and had worked for a couple different commercial fisheries interest groups.
Somerville retired from the department years ago. He was the only other applicant for the job, saying he wanted to give the boards another option. Both were interviewed in person last week by a joint committee made up three members from each board. Board of Fisheries Chairman Vince Webster of King Salmon said either would make a fine commissioner.
Though he won’t be required to, Board of Game Chairman Cliff Judkins of Wasilla suggested Governor Parnell take time to interview both Campbell and Somerville himself.
“There’s a wealth of knowledge and information there, and I think it would be of value to him to interview both candidates,” Judkins said.
Campbell and Somerville are both Juneau residents and lifelong Alaskans. Campbell grew up in Petersburg and Somerville in Craig.
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