Governor Bill Walker said he’s going to take some time choosing a third candidate to replace former Board of Fish Chair Karl Johnstone. Walker was asked if he has a short list…
Gov. Walker: “Not a list as such. I’ll certainly go back to those who were considered, who were on t he list before. There was no reason that they didn’t come off the list necessarily. It’ll be not something that we do overnight. It’s something we’re going to take some time with.”
Governor Walker’s first two choices were from the Kenai Peninsula. Commercial drift fisherman Roland Maw withdrew from consideration after reporters began questioning his residency and the State of Montana launched an investigation into his hunting license history. He was replaced by Robert Ruffner of the Kenai Watershed Forum who was denied the seat by just one vote last night.
Walker’s next appointee will hold the position for a one-year interim term before facing Legislative confirmation next year.
