Mayor on the right side of beluga issue

To the editor:

I respectfully have to disagree with John Kennedy of Chugiak that Mat-Su Borough Mayor Talis Colberg is on the wrong side of the Cook Inlet beluga whale issue.

The listing of beluga whales under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) is an action that could paralyze the entire Southcentral region. The issue of the ESA bolstered by a more anti-development national administration, which in turn has emboldened professional litigants, is a statewide (and truly nationwide) concern. Mayor Colberg is not alone with concerns about ESA listings and litigation. Anchorage Mayor Dan Sullivan, Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor David Carey and North Slope Borough Mayor Edward Itta are just a few of the regional leaders who have grave concerns about ESA misuse and abuse to promote agendas.

As chairman of the Department of Law Budget Subcommittee, and co-chairman of the House Finance Committee, I intend to fully support Attorney General Daniel Sullivan by making sure he has the necessary resources to protect community and economic interests of Alaskans from Barrow to Ketchikan.

Mayor Colberg is on the rights side of this issue, and in very good company with other Alaska leaders.

Bill Stoltze

State Representative

House District 16 (Chugiak/Mat-Su)