KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
In what’s become an annual tradition at the Kodiak City Council this time of year, the city’s seafood processing workers were honored at last night’s meeting for their contribution to the community.
City Councilman John Whiddon, the manager of a processing plant himself, read the proclamation on behalf of Mayor Carolyn Floyd.
— (Honored 1 48 sec "Whereas, the commercial … Processor Worker Day.")
Councilman Gabriel Saravia urged the city to adopt the idea, after hearing of a similar project in Cordova several years ago. All but two of the canneries in town pitched in to help pay for the commemorative t-shirts.
— (Honored 2 50 sec "I want to thank you … for everything you have done.")
Councilman Terry Haines pointed out that Kodiak was unique in how the processing workers have become such a part of the community:
— (Honored 3 23 sec "There’s no other place in … economy, in a lot of ways.")
Councilwoman Josie Rosales said that many times the city’s processing workers go unnoticed. Whiddon agreed, saying if he didn’t manage Island Seafoods, he’d probably think the same.
— (Honored 4 54 sec "We had four people representing … to this community.")
In addition to five of the town’s seafood plants, five other companies in town pitched in for the printing of the hundreds of t-shirts, including the Alaska Whitefish Trawlers Association, Belarde (bell-are-dee) Custom Concrete, Brechan Enterprises, Horizon Lines and Lester Brothers.
In other council news, Mary Monroe was sworn in as a temporary city council member. It’s the third time she’s stepped up to serve when other councilmembers were forced to step down. She’ll serve until late October when the one-year seat left vacant by Paul Smith’s departure is filled.
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