We are writing this letter to request that everyone reading takes the time to vote in the 2024 election. The beauty of casting your ballot is only possible when everyone votes for the candidate of their choice so that the majority’s voice is heard. As we have cast our votes consistently over the past six decades in each election, we have witnessed the results, whether we agree or disagree. When constituents do not take the time to go to the poll, they are often dissatisfied with the results. It is imperative to the life of our republic that we take the time to cast our ballot and let our voices be heard!
Should you choose not to vote, you should not harbor ill feelings if you believe the election was swayed in a way that you do not approve. If you are voting and undecided in your choices, we ask that you seek God’s help in the decision-making process. Whatever your choice, we ask that it is a choice to take time to vote in this election.
John and Roberta Walgren
Phoenix, Arizona
SalmonState: Disappointment with Council’s decision to punt, again, and allow trawlers to continue to drag bottom in protected areas supposedly closed to bottom trawling for at least three more years
Upon the conclusion of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council’s October meeting, SalmonState Executive Director Tim Bristol issued the following statement:
Once again, the Council has failed to take a common-sense step to close a trawl-sized loophole in the fishery it manages,” said Bristol. “Several years ago, a study made clear that so-called pelagic, or ‘mid-water’ trawlers actually drag the bottom with their heavy nets between 40 and 100% of the time, depending on vessel type — something the trawl industry itself then admitted it had known for far longer. Instead of acting on this knowledge and clearly defining pelagic or midwater trawlers as trawlers that in no way touch the ocean bottom, the Council side-stepped the elephant in the room and voted to continue to allow pelagic trawlers to crush crab, coral, halibut and other species in sensitive areas closed to bottom trawling and crabbers for reasons of conservation. It’s pretty simple: a trawler that drags the bottom should be defined and regulated as a trawler that drags the bottom, and no bottom trawling should be allowed in sensitive areas closed to bottom trawling. The Council’s refusal to act on this obvious need is shocking but not surprising, given the Council is primarily composed of people who represent the trawl fleet and has a track record of finding ways not to take meaningful action that could affect trawlers’ profits.
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SalmonState Ocean Justice Campaign Coordinator Jackie Arnaciar Boyer and fisherman Alexus Kwachka authored an opinion piece in the Anchorage Daily News on the subject on October 2.
SalmonState works to keep Alaska a place where wild salmon and the people whose lives are interconnected with them continue to thrive.
SalmonState
Juneau, Alaska
The Importance of Smoke Detectors
Twenty-one Alaskans have died to date because of fire in 2024.
As the autumn chill settles in, fire safety is a paramount concern for Alaskans. Governor Mike Dunleavy issued a proclamation to recognize October as Fire Prevention month in Alaska. And as October 6 – 12 is Fire Prevention Week, the Division of Fire and Life Safety is emphasizing the critical role smoke detectors play in safeguarding lives and property. Smoke detectors are a simple yet effective tool that can provide early warnings of fire, allowing families to evacuate quickly and safely.
Lloyd Nakano, Alaska State Fire Marshal, emphasizes the importance of smoke detectors in every home: “Smoke detectors are your first line of defense against fire. They provide the precious seconds needed to escape safely. I urge all Alaskans to ensure their smoke detectors are in working order and to test them regularly. Together, we can make our communities safer.”
In Alaska there have been 21 fire related deaths to date in 2024. For full civilian fire fatality statistics, visit DPS Division of Fire & Life Safety.
Let’s make this week and all of October a time of awareness and action. Ensure your smoke detectors are working and join us in promoting fire safety throughout Alaska.
Department of Public Safety
Anchorage, AK
