August 20, 2018
Monday PM

As an maritime and insurance legal expert who has worked on Arctic issues for many years, I've built ties with people around the ocean at the top of the world. Our common bond is this: we need to make sure fisheries, subsistence whaling, walrus and seal hunting and people who live off this ocean are protected while the ocean opens up to shipping.

Arctic shipping is growing quickly as many new Russian LNG tankers are coming through the Bering Strait soon 28 transits a month or more. Mead Treadwell is a candidate for Governor, and among leaders in the United States, he understands the need for food security, the need for safety, and the economic potential of the North. He has promoted Arctic shipping as an opportunity for port communities, from Ketchikan to Barrow, as a way to strengthen the Coast Guard presence based in Kodiak and the North, and as a way to put Alaskans from across the State to work. It can strengthen tourism and it can open new markets for Alaska resources. Arctic shipping services could total more than a billion dollars a year in the near term, and Alaskans should get some of those jobs.

Mead has helped Alaskans see their interests protected with new agreements on search and rescue, oil spill prevention and response, and safe shipping standards (called the Polar Code on shipping) and knows we need to do more.

It is not my business to tell Alaskans who to choose as Governor. It is my business to work with who you do choose to make this ocean safe. Mead Treadwell has been in the forefront of this effort for many years, and people in the Arctic know him as someone who works and wins for Alaska's interests, for energy, mining and shipping jobs, for fishing, and for the protection of the people of Alaska. He has done this as a Lt. Governor, chair of the Arctic Research Commission, or as a business and civic leader, and also simply as a very decent human being. Having heard that Mr Treadwell is running for Governor I thought it important to acknowledge the work that he has done that sometimes is not always seen. I have been hugely impressed by his tireless efforts for the State. Alaskans may want to keep this in mind as they choose their next Governor.

With kind regards

Yours sincerely

Michael Kingston
London, UK

About: Advisor to Lloyd's of London on Polar issues
Special Advisor to Shipping Expert Group of Arctic Council (including United States)
Goleen, Co Cork
Director Irish Cultural Centre, Hammersmith, London
Chairman Gaelic Athletic Association All Britain Competition
Managing Director
Michael Kingston Associates
Email: michaelkingston@michaelkingston.org

Editor's Note:

The text of this letter was NOT edited by the SitNews Editor.

Received August 20, 2018 - Published August 20, 2018

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