Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The Fourth of July is upon us, and this coming weekend I will be at the Ester Parade dressed as my favorite alter ego—Uncle Sam.  Come out to support Ester at this fun, family event, and feel free to chat with me about any concerns or questions surrounding our community and state. 

In the midst of one of Alaska’s busiest fire seasons on record, I encourage everyone to pay close attention to the fireworks ban.  Although the burn ban has been temporarily lifted, please use caution and avoid burning if necessary.  I am grateful to all the men and women who are working tirelessly to protect the communities that are being threatened throughout Alaska.

Rep Guttenberg and Governor Walker take part in signing HB 105.

Fox Spring Well Public Meeting to take place at Noel Wien Library

Due to recent budget cuts throughout the state, the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT/PF) has announced that with declining funds, the Fox Spring Well is no longer a sustainable cost for the department.  I disagree with the DOT’s stance and would like to emphasize that cutting easily accessible, and healthy drinking water to save a mere $50,000 in a budget that needs billions cut is not in the best interest of the community, and is in fact, counterproductive.  The well which has traditionally been free, has supplied water to residents in and around Fairbanks since 1966.  On Monday July 6, a public meeting will be held to discuss the transfer of ownership of Fox Spring at the Noel Wien Library and I encourage anyone who is concerned to join the discussion to support keeping the Fox Spring Well free to the many borough residents who rely on it.

Date:  Monday, July 6th
Time: 4:00pm to 6:00 pm
Location: Noel Wien Library Auditorium

Governor Signs HB 105, Interior Energy Project

Recently Governor Walker signed HB 105 during a visit to Fairbanks, a bill which opens up all options of transporting affordable gas to the interior.  This widely supported bill is essential in gaining progress to provide energy at lower costs to those residing in the interior, and allows for gas to be transported not only from the North Slope, but the Cook Inlet as well.    The bill tasks Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) to manage the extraction of natural gas in the most economical way possible. I am pleased at the progress we are making in introducing alternative forms of energy at more affordable prices and look forward to seeing the positive effects this bill will most certainly have on those living in the northern part of our state.

Welcome to our new Staff!

I am pleased to announce a new addition to my staff.  Kaitlin Wilson, a life-long Alaskan, photographer, and graduate of the University of Alaska Fairbanks, she brings a fresh perspective to our office and is eager to be involved with new challenges and the legislature.

Thank you for reading and please feel free to call my office and share your ideas.