Cordova deals with aftershock of decision

JOY LANDALUCE

July 03, 2008 at 1:19PM AKST

Cordova is still reeling over the disappointing decision on the Exxon Valdez punitive damages issued on Wednesday, June 25, by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Fisherman Sheelagh Mullins, interviewed on June 25 by Channel 2 News, said that plaintiffs have been relying on the justice system.

“Herring have gone, which affects the food chain, bottom to top,” she said.

Fisherman Donnita Shaw, 62, noted her disappointment on June 25 at the Cordova Café. “It’s awful, a big corporation like that,” Shaw said. “You know who is running the country and the justice system.”

Bering Glacier researcher Jay Fleisher, interviewed on First Street, said that this decision has opened a can of worms.

“The U.S. Supreme Court has redefined the legal definition for punitive damages,” Fleisher said.

Cordova native Gary Patton stated that you couldn’t get justice in a country that is addicted to oil.

Oil spill recovery technician Christine Belgarde wondered how could the judgment for the punitive damages be so low.

Jen Smith, 19, stated that her father, Bob Smith, had missed her birth, as he was out working on the Exxon Valdez oil spill.

“I was hoping for some college money, but not with that small settlement,” Smith said.

“I hope it really is over,” fisherman Barb Jensen said.

Fisherman Mark King, also interviewed on First Street, said that he thought Exxon should not be welcome in the state anymore.

“They are a corrupt corporation with the federal government behind them,” said King, aboard one of the first fishing vessels to arrive at the 1989 spill and try futilely to contain it.

Linden O’Toole told Channel 2 News reporters that justice has not been served.

“Things are broken in our justice system. … We don’t have justice, but we have closure and we can move forward with our lives,” O”Toole said.

“Big business got a hall pass with the U.S. Supreme Court decision to now run amuck. What we can do to help ourselves is get Senate Bill 552 passed.”

Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, has been a leader in supporting commercial fisheries, fishermen and their sustainability and is working to move a Democratic bill that would extend or revise dozens of tax incentives.

“Time is of the essence. The U.S. Supreme Court has issued that Exxon Mobil must pay out punitive damages to fishermen and other Alaskans impacted by the crude oil spill in Prince William Sound in 1989,” Murkowski said.

“The goal is to get a bill to the White House that the President will sign — as quickly as possible — that contains the Murkowski proposal to give individual plaintiffs the ability to increase retirement contributions and to provide tax relief through income averaging.”

Persons who wish to can send email to Murkowski by navigating to the following Webpage:
murkowski.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=ContactMe.EMailLisa.

Gov. Sarah Palin joined the chorus of Alaska officials decrying the decision.

“I am extremely disappointed with today’s decision by the U.S. Supreme Court,” she said upon learning the news. “While the decision brings some degree of closure to Alaskans suffering from 19 years of litigation and delay, the court gutted the jury’s decision on punitive damages.

“It is tragic that so many Alaska fishermen and their families have had their lives put on hold waiting for this decision. My heart goes out to those affected, especially the families of the thousands of Alaskans who passed away while waiting for justice.”

Palin noted that the decision undercut one of the principal legs of deterrence for those engaged in maritime shipping in Alaska waters. She called on state and federal agencies to be vigilant and firm in regulating such activities.

Joy Landaluce can be reached at (907) 424-7181.