NEWS: City and Rep. Kawasaki to Hold Downtown Traffic Meeting

Fairbanks, AK – In conjunction with the City of Fairbanks, Representative Scott Kawasaki have coordinated a public meeting to discuss the possibility of installing speed humps on residential streets in the downtown area known as “Slaterville.” The meeting will take place Thursday, November 1st at 4:30pm and will be held in the City Council Chambers at 800 Cushman Street. The public is welcome to attend. Information will be provided on the impacts of adding speed humps to neighborhoods and there will be time for open discussion with the legislators and City of Fairbanks leadership.

Rep. Tuck’s Community Connection: Upcoming Joint In-State Gas Caucus Meeting and Other Important News

I hope you have been having a great summer this year and have been making the most of the recent sunny weather. I have put together the following list of upcoming events and other information that might be of interest to you. Please keep in touch, and do not hesitate to call or send me an email any time I can be of service.

Joint In-State Gas Caucus Meeting

On Monday, July 30, at 1:00 PM the Joint In-State Gas Caucus will be having an update on Alaska natural gas pipeline projects.

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.

Rep. Tuck’s Community Connection: Texting While Driving Banned Again and Info on Traffic Delays

As you prepare to start your weekend here are a few things to help make your travel safe and hassle free.

First, texting while driving became illegal again starting today. A previous law had not withstood court challenges, so the legislature rewrote the law this year and the governor signed it into law yesterday. From now on, reading or typing a message on a screened device while driving a moving vehicle is against the law.

Second, with the start of the summer construction season, traffic delays and road closures are going to increase. You can get information about which areas to avoid and alternate routes at the following link: Road Project Traffic Delays

NEWS: It’s Official: Texting While Driving Is Illegal in Alaska

Ban Signed Into Law Today

Today, thanks to legislation led by Representative Les Gara (D-Anchorage) and Representative Bill Thomas (R-Haines), Alaska’s strong anti-texting law is officially back on the books. Last year, a number of judges questioned whether the law at the time covered texting while driving, but the new law is clear—it is illegal to text while driving in Alaska.

Committee Approves Bill to Restrict Minors’ Cell Phone Use While Driving

Rep. Gardner: “It’s important we do what we can to keep teens focused on the road”

JUNEAU – Today, the House Judiciary Committee passed legislation by Rep. Berta Gardner (D-Anchorage) that would restrict minors from using their cell phones while behind the wheel.

Rep. Kawasaki’s Juneau Note: Special Call to Action

Democracy works when people claim it as their own.
~BILL MOYERS, The Nation, Jan. 22, 2007

Public testimony is an extremely important part of the democratic process. I often hear about the lack of interest in the political system today. I still find that hard to believe. Today, there are several opportunities to become engaged in an issue that is important to you. I’ve sponsored two bills that are scheduled to be heard in House committees that directly focus on SAFETY and FISH.

Berta’s Briefings from Rep. Gardner: Update on Cell Phones and Driving

It’s the second year of the two-year legislative session and this is the time that bills start flying or dying. Many people have contacted me to tell me how they feel about using cell phones while driving.

It is an issue about which Anchorage residents have many different opinions. Some people believe that using a cell phone while driving should be completely banned, while others believe the government should stay out of regulating personal behavior. Still, others believe that hands-free devices are one solution to permit safer use of a phone while on the road.

Rep. Tuck’s Community Connection: Winter Driving Safety: Icy Roads Require Extra Caution

Dear Neighbors,

Now that the snow has finally arrived, I thought I would take a moment to remind everyone that we should use extra caution over the next few weeks as we adjust to the new winter driving conditions. I have found the following list of winter driving tips provided by the American Automobile Association to be very informative, and I hope you will take a few moments to read them:

Rep. Kawasaki’s Juneau Note: Ice Dogs Champs, Safe Routes, and Seniors

On Friday, I, along with Representative Thompson, had the distinct honor to present a Legislative Citation to the Ice Dogs Hockey Team for winning the NAHL West Championship Title. I saw the 2011 Robertson Cup trophy and can say it is very impressive! Congratulations to all of the players, staff and fans and good luck this season.

A Legislative Citation is a way the Legislature can pay tribute to people and businesses who have achieved a level of distinction in their respective fields, or have made a recognizable impact on their community. If you have an idea of someone or something to honor with a Legislative Citation, please let us know!