Democrats Welcome Agreement on New NPR-A Oil Development – Agreement between federal agencies and ConocoPhillips means more exploration, jobs

Representative Berta Gardner • Representative Bob Miller • Representative Les Gara • Representative Pete Petersen

Today, Alaska House Democrats welcomed news that federal agencies have reached an agreement in principle with ConocoPhillips that could allow the company to go forward with its plans for a major new development in the National Petroleum Reserve – Alaska (NPR-A). ConocoPhillips first applied for its permit to expand the Alpine field into the NPR-A over a year ago.

Berta’s Briefings from Rep. Gardner: The City Has a List. Maybe You do to?

Last Friday afternoon Anchorage legislators were invited to meet with the Mayor as he rolled out Anchorage’s 2012 Legislative Program. The city’s requests touch on planning, maintenance and public safety.

The only surprise for Midtown Anchorage was an intriguing proposal to move the Transit Center from downtown to midtown Anchorage. The mayor is asking for funds to begin an investigation for a new site, design and planning. Given that riders from all over the city often have to go downtown the change buses, this idea might turn out to have much merit.

Berta’s Briefings from Rep. Gardner: My New Facebook Page and Honoring Our Veterans

I just wanted to let you know that I just set up a Legislative Facebook page to give you updates on the latest legislative issues and community happenings. If you are using Facebook, I urge you to send me your comments and ideas at www.facebook.com/bertagardner. This is just one other way to communicate with me. I look forward to hearing from you!

Tomorrow we mark the solemn national holiday of Veterans Day to honor all those men and women who have served to protect our country. Many people of my generation have parents who served in World War II but there are not many who can say “My mama was a marine.” Also, when my dad served as a navigator in the South Pacific he was one of the youngest lieutenants in the US Air Force.

Berta’s Briefings from Rep. Gardner: What Should We Be Doing?

Whether a flood, earthquake or wildfire, a natural disaster could strike our community any time of the year. This September, communities around our state have been observing Emergency Preparedness Month. The purpose is to help make sure we are adequately prepared for an emergency or disaster in our community – and Alaska is no stranger to natural disasters.

In light of the enormous stakes at hand, what should we be doing to prepare now?

Berta’s Briefings from Rep. Gardner: The Latest on Key Anchorage Transportation Projects

With the advent of fall, Anchorage Community Councils resume their monthly meetings, giving me another opportunity to hear the concerns of my neighbors. One of the big opening topics is the status of local road construction projects.

Rogers Park Community Council members were concerned to learn that the DOWL HKM representative scheduled on the agenda had sent regrets and was unable to appear because she did not yet have written permission from the Department of Transportation (DOT) to talk with us about the U-Med Northern Access Project.

Berta’s Briefings from Rep. Gardner: Hearing on Local Hire Tomorrow - Let’s Hire More Alaskans

One of the big secrets during all the ongoing oil and gas tax debate is that oil field employment is at near record levels. Sadly, the Alaska Department of Labor statistics show that half the workforce is now from other states. This is unacceptable to those of us who want to support Alaskan hire.

I am pleased that the Senate Labor & Commerce Committee is holding public hearings in Fairbanks and Anchorage, trying to understand why hiring from out of state is increasing, and how the state can encourage the hiring of Alaskans.

Berta’s Briefings from Rep. Gardner: What you told me at the BBQ

I want to thank all of you who attended our first BBQ/Constituent Meet & Greet this past Wednesday. It was a great success with well over 100 people attending from the surrounding neighborhoods – despite the continuing rain.

What I love about such events is the opportunity to meet with you in-person and directly hear your concerns. Because we had such great fun and learned so much, I plan to make this an annual summer event.

Democrats Disappointed by Failure to Extend Alaska Coastal Management Program

Program’s demise threatens jobs, development, local control

House Democrats are disappointed today by the unraveling of the special session to retain the Alaska Coastal Management Program (ACMP). Democrats said abandoning the ACMP will directly affect Alaskans by killing jobs, impeding development and decreasing state and local control in Alaska.

Berta’s Briefings from Rep. Gardner: We’re Moving Like Molasses

Finally, it feels like the logjam is beginning to break. Today the House and Senate reached concurrence on the Operating and Mental Health budgets. In excess of nine billion fat ones, the Operating Budget is a cornucopia stuffed with goodies enough for everybody. My view is that the size alone is scary, but I have to confess that the things important to me were pretty much included…

Berta’s Briefings from Rep. Gardner: But Is It Constitutional?

During this morning’s House floor session we rolled through the calendar:
· Messages from the Governor? None.
· Messages from the other body? None.
· Any new legislation? None.
· Anything on the daily calendar? None.
One of my colleagues expressed the feeling we all share when he commented “This feels like Groundhog Day”.