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TESTIMONY OF MAYOR BRUCE TOBEY 

 GLOUCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS 



Chairman Torkildsen and Members of the Committee: 



Thank you for this chance to be heard on the effectiveness 

 of the fisheries assistance we have received from the Small 

 Business Administration. Although the economy of my City has 

 diversified dramatically in recent years, some four hundred and 

 fifty Gloucester breadwinners still look to the fishing industry 

 for their livelihoods. 



When we think with our heads, that means Gloucester and 

 our fishermen have taken very seriously federal promises to help 

 the fishing industry in the aftermath of stringent federal 

 rulemaking. The same is true when we think with our hearts -- 

 the character and heritage of the historic Port of Gloucester are 

 inextricably linked with our fishing industry. 



One of the many federal promises we received came from 

 the SB A — with the promulgation of Amendment Five in 1994, 

 what did the SBA say? They and their money were going to be 

 there for Gloucester's fisheries. But have they put a dime on the 

 table? No. 



Now, on one hand, we need to face facts: the Gloucester 

 fleet is generally over- capitalized as it is, and too many of our 



