Alaska Gov. Bill Walker announced today he was naming former Alaska lawmaker and fisheries analyst Sam Cotton acting commission of the state’s department of fish and game.
“It was an honor to be asked, and I’m pleased to respond to the governor’s request to take on the responsibilities as Acting Commissioner,” Cotten said.
Cotton served in the Alaska House of Representatives for 16 years, from 1975 to 1991, and was the House Speaker from 1989 to 1990. He also served two terms, from 2007 to 2013, on the North Pacific Fisheries Management Council. He has also worked since 2002 as the fisheries analyst for the Aleutians East Borough, the municipal government that covers the southwestern portion of the Alaska Peninsula and some of the easternmost Aleutian Islands..
“I think Governor Walker has picked the exact right person for the job of Acting Commissioner,” said Ernie Weiss, Aleutians East Borough Director of Natural Resources. “Sam is a good person who has the right experience. He will be a great steward of our fish & game resources to the benefit of all Alaskans.”
