Seattle Times LTE – Bristol Bay, Alaska, is a uniquely special location that merits protection from large-scale mining and Iâm glad Sen. Maria Cantwell recognizes its importance [âCantwell aims to halt gold mine in Alaska,â page one, Sept. 12].
I spent my first season there in 1970 as a 14-year-old, fishing with my father; Iâve skippered my own boat there fishing for sockeye since 1981; and now my son has just started there as well. About 90 percent of my income comes from fishing in Bristol Bay.
I also serve on the board of the Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association, to help protect and market this healthy, wild salmon. Iâm glad the senator is helping shed light on the serious risks to Bristol Bay from the proposed Pebble Mine and that she appreciates all the jobs and economic benefits that are tied to the Bristol Bay fishery, as well as the strong ties between Washington and Alaska on this issue.
As one of the most beautiful states in the unionâand one of the richest in natural resourcesâWashington has a special interest in energy and environmental policy. And Maria has fought hard to uphold the stateâs conservation tradition, while also working to bring our energy policy into the 21st century.
Maria knows Washingtonâs business community â because, as an executive at an innovative software company, she was part of it. And as a Senator, sheâs led the way in helping businesses large and small throughout Washington grow, thrive, and create jobs.
Maria has taken a leadership role on safety and security issues, including defending our borders, strengthening our military, cracking down on gangs, and taking on drug crime in Washington communities
Middle-class families around Washington and across the country are facing tough timesâand tough decisions about balancing the family checkbook each month. Maria has fought to strengthen the economic security of Washington families and cut taxes for middle-class families.
