Stephens asks to be reinstated as Prince William Sound RCAC president

In June, Stan Stephens resigns as council president, on June 25 John Allen elected new president; July 3 Stephens rescinds resignation; council to vote on matter in September

By Petroleum News Alaska

On June 25, following the resignation of its long-time member and president Stan Stephens, the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens’ Advisory Council held a special meeting and elected board member and vice president John Allen to replace Stephens. The council represents 18 organizations and communities affected by the Exxon Valdez oil spill; Allen is from the village of Tatitlek, one of those communities.

Stephens, who represented the Alaska Wilderness Recreation and Tourism Association on the council, said the oil-industry watchdog group needed to do a better job of managing its money, spending less on administration and more on projects to protect Prince William Sound. He was disturbed by the council’s decision to demand an apology from the U.S. Coast Guard after the Coast Guard raised questions about RCAC’s spending.

At the June 25 meeting, Steve Lewis of Seldovia was elected vice president, replacing Allen.

On July 3, Stephens said he had a change of heart and rescinded his resignation. A few days later, the Alaska Wilderness Recreation and Tourism Association board unanimously approved Stephens’ reappointment to the RCAC board.

RCAC told PNA July 20 that Stephens request to rescind his resignation as board member and president of the council would be considered at the board’s next meeting Sept. 27-28 in Cordova.