Lawmakers vote down Board of Fisheries nominee after sexual harassment allegations surface

JUNEAU — The Alaska Legislature rejected one appointment and tabled another by Gov. Mike Dunleavy to state boards and commissions after lawmakers said the two appointees may have committed misconduct not previously disclosed in confirmation hearings.

Meeting in joint session Wednesday to consider officials for state boards and commissions, lawmakers rejected Karl Johnstone for the Alaska Board of Fisheries and tabled a vote on Scott Flamme for the state board of veterinary examiners.

Speaking on the House floor, Rep. Ivy Spohnholz, D-Anchorage, said she heard from two women who said Johnstone made “inappropriate and unwelcome sexual comments” to them while previously serving on the board.

Spohnholz said the women “were not willing to testify on the record because of the fear of retribution.”

Read more: https://www.adn.com/politics/alaska-legislature/2019/04/18/lawmakers-defer-vote-on-board-of-fisheries-nominee-after-sexual-harassment-allegations-surface/