The following statement was released this evening by Mayor Scott Lang of New Bedford, Massachusetts, America's financially top-producing seaport:
NEW BEDFORD, Mass. – Oct. 5, 2011 — "Like many others in attendance at Mondays Boston field hearing of the Senate Oceans Subcommittee, I'd hoped that in her testimony, NOAA administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco would provide solid solutions, and a clear vision for a better future for our fishing families. Instead, question after question from Senators Begich, Kerry, and Brown, and Congressmen Frank, Tierney, and Keating were answered evasively and with equivocation. New Bedford has tried, since her appointment, to work with Dr. Lubchenco and her appointees at NOAA Fisheries. After witnessing her performance on Monday, I have decided to add my voice to the chorus of elected officials who disapprove of her performance and call on President Obama to replace Administrator Lubchenco with an individual who will work with fishing communities around the country. We need a leader in NOAA who understands that the welfare of communities is a priority and that there can be a balance between economic sustainability and conservation."