The governor has proposed the names of Kenneth Jennings, the assistant director of Hudson County Parks and Recreation, and Eleanor Ann Bochenek, who has a doctorate in marine science and works for Rutgers University’s Haskin Shellfish Research Laboratory in Cape May as nominees for the vacant seats on the board. These seats are dominated by commercial and recreational fishermen and harvesting quotas for marine species off state shores. The proposal only needs Senate’s approval in order to effect.
Now both the commercial fishermen and the recreational fishermen are running after the seats. They said that research scientists are not linked to the fishing industry, environmental educators or people from the eco-tourism industry so they are not fit for the seats. Eric Stiles of Audu bon said that when people with special interests are appointed to a council like this then the public interest like protecting fishes gets screwed.
Jeff Tittel of Sierra explained that in the council there are seats for the commercial fishing industry, the recreational fishermen and two spots for public members. He added that the governor is trying to fill these public seats and the people he appoints to them should not come from the commercial or recreational fishing perspective.
Jim Gardner, Corzine spokesman, informed that the nominees’ credentials are extensive and fit even the two environmental groups’ standards. According to him these two people are very much committed to public service on a number of levels.
