The Observer, July 2007
Cordovan chosen council president
Patience Andersen Faulkner is the new president of the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens’ Advisory Council. Faulkner, who represents Cordova District Fishermen United on the council board, replaces Stan Stephens. He did not seek re-election.
Steve Lewis, who represents the city of Seldovia, will continue as vice president, while John French will serve as treasurer and Marilynn Heddell as secretary. French represents the city of Seward and Heddell represents the city of Whittier.
In addition to the four officers, the executive committee includes three members at large. They are: Blake Johnson, representing the Kenai Peninsula Borough; Stan Stephens, representing the Alaska Wilderness Recreation and Tourism Association; and John Velsko, representing the city of Homer.
Faulkner, who was born in Cordova, holds a degree in justice and sociology from the University of Alaska Anchorage. She has worked as a legal technician with the litigation team in the civil damage suit against Exxon over the Exxon Valdez oil spill and now works with the Oiled Regions of Alaska Foundation, set up to benefit communities and regions directly affected by the spill. Her interests include teaching Alaska Native crafts and studying the uses of herbal plants. She has served on the council board since 1998.
“I am encouraged by the past presidents’ leadership, and I feel the direction the council is going is a good steady one,” Andersen said. “We have to remain alert to our mandate. We are partners with the agencies and the oil industry, but not always recognized as such.”