Berta’s Briefings from Rep. Gardner: There is Hope

The election dust has pretty well settled and I want to let you know how much I appreciate the opportunity to be your senator for District H — where I am thrilled to represent Spenard, Midtown, and the University-Medical District. For those who supported me, thank you. For those who did not, I hope to earn your confidence. For all of you, please do keep in touch and let me know what is on your mind.

Berta’s Briefings from Rep. Gardner: I am Here to Help You

One important role of a state legislator is to help constituents with problems with government agencies. Whether the matter relates to PFDs, child support, or road improvements we can often cut through the clutter of competing issues or excuses and spur agencies into response and solutions.

A current example: After the recent wind and rain storms, I received calls about flooding and drainage issues in the Midtown area. One resident expressed concern about drainage along Rakof Drive, adjacent to the new Campbell Creek bike trail, where Seward Highway upgrade work is in progress.

Berta’s Briefings from Rep. Gardner: Important Voting Deadline this Sunday, October 7

As United States citizens, one of our most cherished rights is our right to vote. With the November 6 elections upon us, I wanted to let you know about an important deadline: THIS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7 IS THE LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE OR CHANGE YOUR REGISTRATION (such as an address change).

To register or update your information, simply fill out, sign and submit your voter registration form to any of the Division of Elections offices across the state. Registration forms can be submitted by mail, by fax or by email.

NEWS: Rep. Gardner: Cook Inlet Gas Permit Bottleneck Is Unacceptable

Legislator calls for increased federal permitting capacity to keep local energy solutions on track

Today, Representative Berta Gardner (D-Anchorage) questioned whether Southcentral energy supplies would be delayed due to a lack of permitting capacity in federal agencies in charge of issuing Cook Inlet oil and gas permits. Citing Apache Corp.’s recent decision to suspend its Cook Inlet exploration due to delayed federal permits, Rep. Gardner called on Alaska’s congressional delegation to work with federal agencies to review whether staffing in the Kenai offices of these agencies needs to be increased to keep up with the resurgence of energy exploration in Cook Inlet.

Berta’s Briefings from Rep. Gardner: Back to School Update

With our children back at school, I have been thinking about the beginning of each school year as a chance to make a fresh start with the winds of change. Unfortunately, the intense winds we received across Anchorage last week were a bit too strong – as many of our neighbors are still reeling from the aftermath. Likewise, the Anchorage School District (ASD) is still reeling from budget cuts it was forced to make earlier in the year.

NEWS: Democrats: Local Gas First

Legislators repeat call for binding commitment to meet local needs before exporting Cook Inlet gas

JUNEAU – Today, seven Democratic legislators in the Alaska Legislature called on the governor to require binding commitments to meet local gas needs before a producer exports Cook Inlet gas as a condition of state support for the producer’s federal export license application.

Berta’s Briefings from Rep. Gardner: What Road Concerns Are On Your Mind?

In between all this summer’s great Alaska activities, I have had the opportunity to meet with many of you to find out what issues are of concern to you, and given the fairly significant road construction underway in the heart of Anchorage, I am hearing a lot about transportation issues.

I am planning a tour of our Midtown district with state transportation officials to look at our streets and roads. Please let me know if there are particular areas you’d like to be sure we see.

Berta’s Briefings from Rep. Gardner: Why Are Alaska’s Gas Prices So High?

One of the big topics of discussion among Alaskans and their elected representatives this summer is the high price of energy. In Anchorage, this conversation tends to focus on gasoline prices at the pump. Other parts of the state are more concerned about heating fuel. But all Alaskans are keenly aware of these issues because these high prices are harming all of us.

NEWS: Rep. Gardner Mourns the Loss of Former State Representative Cheryll Heinze

Alaska Rep. Berta Gardner expressed her profound sympathy on the loss of former Alaska State Representative Cheryll Heinze who died late Tuesday in a plane crash in Homer.

NEWS: House Democrats Call for Firm Timelines on Pt. Thomson Development

Without work schedules, continued delay likely

JUNEAU – Today, nine members of the House Democratic Caucus called on the Department of Natural Resources to require firm timelines and work schedules before approving Exxon’s most recent Plan of Development for Pt. Thomson. In their official comments submitted today, the lawmakers said that without a timeline for Exxon to complete the work, this Plan of Development is likely to result in the same delay and inaction that has kept the resource undeveloped for over thirty years.