The five candidates namely, Congressman Don Young, state Rep. Gabrielle LeDoux, R-Kodiak, and Democrats Diane Benson, Ethan Berkowitz and Jake Metcalfe, have agreed to take part in the well-known fisheries face-off. The topic of the debate is ‘that’s the catch’ which is limited to fisheries and the seafood industry.
Deb King, director of the Kodiak Chamber of Commerce, said that the Alaska’s fishing industry is the biggest private employer and produces more than half of nation’s wild seafood. According to him this debate allows the candidates to share their knowledge and ideas about this vital industry.
LeDoux said that the fishing industry is one of the top money makers for Alaska. She added that the ComFish debate provides a unique opportunity to tell Alaskans the real importance of this industry. Jake Metcalfe of Juneau said that commercial fishing is more than just a job for many Alaskans, it’s a defining lifestyle. He added that anyone who wants to represent fishermen should take advantage of any opportunity to meet with them, and to respond to their concerns.
