Comment from David Demmert

I am surprised by the fact that not many fishermen commented on this issue. I've talked to many fishermen and one in say ten were for this buyback program. maybe it's the timing of the whole ordeal and they are too busy fishing already or are getting prepared for the up coming season to express their feelings. I am against the program. I believe it will make it very difficult for someone to enter the fishery. I believe if passed it will hurt all the communities in southeast alaska and more so to those in the smaller towns. I was told that the ones who would benifit the the most if this passes are those who have never fished or fished very little. and yes many never made a go of it when market condition were poor and they had to bail out and they deserve this. I don't think so. This maybe legal, however is it ethical? For this reason I don't want to pay the 3% and I would rather share more with crewmen and put more in my savings. Talking with processors they believe we would be just taxed 3% and earn less & nothing else will change because it is a fishery that is market driven. Most processors have the fleet they desire. The bottom line is that we will be buying back permits not being fished already. It doesn't make sense. If the fleet increases as it is happening slowly with this better market condition the fleet will shrink again if the market condition turns sour. It will cycle as before. It never ends. Yes, I know there are many fisherman holding on to his permit hoping for this program to be passed I would guess maybe 125 to 150 not being fished that will vote yes for this program plus the ones that hold multiple permits will probably be plenty of votes to surpass the no's, I just think this is bad. Don't let it happen! Also give the younger generation a chance to get in to this fishery less permits will make nearly impossible as the the cost will surely sky rocket if this passed. vote no for permit reduction.