Wrangell Sentinel -

A state Senate committee has advanced a measure that would block an executive order giving the governor total appointment authority over the entire Alaska Marine Highway Operations Board.

State statute currently provides that House and Senate leaders appoint four members of the nine-member advisory panel.

The executive order removing legislative power to appoint members to the board is one of a dozen issued by Gov. Mike Dunleavy in mid-January. The orders, dealing with various state boards, will take effect unless the House and Senate meet in joint session before mid-March and vote to reject a...