The Chesapeake Bay Is A Loser In Legislature's Political Grudge Match

(A reader response)

By Stephen Atkinson

The Virginia Saltwater Sportfishing Association, whose mission is to support recreational anglers, is displeased that our recreational angler
representatives on the Virginia Marine Resource Commission Board have been caught up in dirty politics.

Our most recent appointees who serve as associate board members, Christy Everett and Chris Newsome, were appointed by the previous administration.

They will not be confirmed by the House of Delegates as payback for the Virginia Senate not confirming the appointment of Andrew Wheeler as the secretary of natural and historic resources.

It is our desire that VMRC and those who volunteer to serve remain apolitical and nonpartisan when making decisions regarding our fish and bay ecosystem.

These two individuals are highly capable and dedicated public servants. They deserve better and so do we. The VMRC Board is required to have a balanced representation of both the commercial and recreational fishing communities.

We are asking all anglers to contact your delegate and express your displeasure with dirty politics entering our community. The Chesapeake Bay and thousands of anglers are far too important to be penalized by petty partisan politics. Find your representatives at this link.

Stephen Atkinson is president of the Virginia Saltwater Sportfishing Association.

This story was originally published by the Virginia Mercury. For more stories from the Virginia Mercury, visit Virginia Mercury.com.