This is from Rossi:
CANDIDATE QUESTIONAIRE
Do you currently sport fish? Yes. When I was young my father took me fishing, and
now when I have the chance I take my children fishing.
Do you consider sportfishing an important part of the economy? Yes.
Why? Sportfishing is both a tourist draw and a popular pastime for Washington
residents.
What is your dollar estimate of the economic impact of sportfishing in Washington State
is? I believe the combined impact of sportfishing, hunting and other outdoor
recreational activities is well over $2 billion.
In your opinion, how many residents sport fish? I know that in 2003, the WDFW
processed almost 1 million fishing license transactions.
Do you believe that accessing fish and wildlife on public lands and waters is a right or a
privilege? I believe it is a right. Why? Fishing and outdoor recreation are part and
parcel of our lifestyle in the Pacific Northwest. On public lands, the public has a
right to responsible use of our great outdoors.
Do you believe the WDFW is properly funded? Our struggling economy and weak
business climate have caused budget problems for the state. My goal as
governor is to help get people back to work and get our economy moving again –
that way, we can adequately fund all the necessary functions of state
government.
What, in your opinion, could be done to adjust WDFW funding to the proper level?
We’ve got to improve the economy and help get people back to work – that will
provide more funds for government services and agencies such as WDFW.
Do you believe that science should be a primary factor in resource management? Yes.
Why? When the government makes decisions about managing our natural
resources, those decisions should absolutely be based on scientific findings.
The people deserve to know that government policy is based on facts.
Have you heard of the Hatchery Scientific Review Group recommendations for hatchery
reform? Yes.
If so, what is your opinion of the recommendations? When I served in the state
Senate I secured funding for the Issaquah hatchery, so I’m a strong believer in
fish hatcheries. But, as the group report notes, we can’t lose sight of the
importance of restoring wild salmon runs.
Do you support funding the recommendations? As governor I will continue to
support funding for hatcheries and for salmon restoration.
In your opinion, what can be done legislatively or otherwise to increase sportfishing
opportunity? The state government can first of all make sure we are promoting and
not stifling sportfishing opportunities. On the economic side, we have
tremendous opportunities to work with state and local-level economic
development councils to promote tourism and to market our sportfishing
resources around the country and the world.
Any additional comments: I look forward to working with sportfishers to make sure
we are fully supporting this important part of our economy and Northwest way of
life.