I rarely write letters to the editor, even when I know someone is exaggerating or grossly mistaken about facts, particularly when it comes to fisheries issues. However, I must write to correct misinformation submitted by John Finley this week.

While I was among other Kodiak residents at the recent North Pacific Fishery Management Council meeting, John Finley was not. I feel it is important to correct some of the errors in his entertaining summary.

Council members always have a discussion and debate on issues. The suggestion that “squabbles” occurred is not accurate. A lively debate is more accurate. The word “livid” is a bit strong as well. While there was disagreement, I didn’t see any livid council members at the final vote. The members of the council rarely agree unanimously. This issue is particularly controversial, but the words “squabble” and “livid” are inappropriate.

Gov. Palin made a brief stop at the council meeting on Thursday – not Friday as John asserts. She did not have a “room” at the meeting, nor did she convene an Alaskans-only summit to reach an “agreement.”

While it makes good reading, it just isn’t factual.

The issue of allocating individual fishing quato to crew was addressed by Bill Tweit from Washington, not Duncan Fields. Many believe his motion was an attempt to divert the discussion from the state’s simple motion, which was to look at 90/10 processor shares and consider another number ranging from the status quo down to zero processor shares for each specific fishery in the Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands.

I agree that Palin and her administration should be thanked by folks in this community. During her campaign for governor, she made it clear she didn’t believe processor shares were a good idea.

Commissioner Lloyd, the State of Alaska’s representative at the council meeting, took the lead to analyze possible changes to 90/10 processor shares in crab. The clear signal from the state is that there are concerns with the policy of processor shares and we need to look at other options. That’s a good thing.

— Linda Kozak