Citizens advisory council gets new president to replace Stephens

ANCHORAGE (AP) -- The Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory Council has elected John Allen as its new president.

The council represents 18 organizations and communities affected by the Exxon Valdez oil spill.

Allen, who represents the village of Tatitlek on the council, was elected at a special meeting Monday. He replaces Stan Stephens as president. Stephens resigned earlier this month after 11-years with the oil-industry watchdog group.

In stepping down, Stephens was critical of the council, saying it needed to do a better job of managing its money, spending less on administration and more on projects to safeguard Prince William Sound.

Allen had been serving as vice president of the council. Steve Lewis of Seldovia has been elected vice president, replacing Allen.

Stephens represented the Alaska Wilderness Recreation and Tourism Association on the council. The group has not yet designated a replacement for him.