Weekly Press Availability - March 2nd, 2004
Senators Johnny Ellis (Senate Minority Leader) and Senator Kim Elton (Senate Minority Whip) held a press availability this morning. They took questions on the library bill, and open meetings.
Sen. Kim Elton on why his problems with the Library Bill (SB 269)"We don't provide in law that a parent can go to a movie theatre and ask the movie theatre owner what movies their children have seen. We can't pass a law that provides a parent go to a book store and ask the bookstore manager what books their children have bought"
030204_spa_ke01.mp3 -- mp3 audio file
Sen. Elton's solution to making sure parents know what young kids are reading"This is a problem that can be fixed very simply by a parent, or any Alaskan family. The fix is, my child will not have a library card. My child's books will be checked out under my card
030204_spa_ke02.mp3 -- mp3 audio file
Sen. Ellis on the caucus position for closed door meetings"Our caucus position is that we will conduct our business in public, and when we're required to plan our legislative strategy or whether we're talking about personnel matters, or things that are appropriate to executive session, we reserve the right to do that as a caucus."
030204_spa_je01.mp3 -- mp3 audio file
Sen. Ellis on what happens during caucus meetings"Eagle Scout's honor, we do not bind our members, and we do not take votes in caucus. We discuss personal matters and our political strategy"
030204_spa_je02.mp3 -- mp3 audio file