May 8, 2014

Back in Fairbanks!

Dear Neighbors,

It is with tremendous sadness that I write on the traumatic passing of two Alaska State Troopers. Sgt. Scott Johnson and Trooper Gabe Rich were killed last week in the village of Tanana after an altercation that is still under investigation. I knew these honorable men and they exemplified everything it means to be a law enforcement officer and an Alaskan. I am proud of the support shown by our great city to the families and friends of Gabe and Scott. They will be in our hearts and minds for the weeks to come.

Busy Summer Ahead!
Although we’ve just started the month of May and the mornings are still rather brisk, the scenery will green overnight and summer will begin at a hurried pace.

This weekend kicks off early with some events starting tonight. The League of Women Voters of the Tanana Valley hosts their annual meeting at Tubby’s BBQ at 5:30pm tonight. On Friday, join myself and thousands of Fairbanksans in the annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk through the Golden Heart City at 5:00pm. This is a fantastic opportunity to raise money for your favorite local charity while enjoying the sights, sounds and food donated by downtown small businesses.

The weather report forecasts a sunny day this Saturday which bodes well for the vast number of activities across the Interior. Saturday is the Fairbanks Clean-Up Day, so get your yellow bags and head out to your neighborhood streets to help keep our city clean. I will be walking the streets of Aurora picking up any trash that has accumulated over the winter and look forward to seeing neighbors doing the same!

I will be hosting a BBQ in the first event of my summer series “Picnics in the Park” where we celebrate our glorious summer at our local neighborhood parks. Saturday’s picnic will be at the Fairbanks Senior Center at 1424 Moore Street from 11:30am-1:30pm. Come learn about the results and good work done during the legislative session while enjoying your favorite barbeque foods.

Later Saturday, please join all of Alaska for the remembrance of Sgt. Johnson and Trooper Rich at the Carlson Center at 4pm. These men made the ultimate sacrifice while upholding the loyalty, integrity and courage of the Alaska State Trooper. We are all thankful for their service and will remember them, their families and many friends in our prayers.

Mothers’ Day and UAF Graduation
Of course, Sunday is Mothers’ Day. As all mothers do, my mom has provided a pillar to guide me throughout my whole life. This Sunday we get to thank all moms for the hard work they do in watching over us and keeping us on the right track.

After I’ve made my mom breakfast, I’ll be heading to the UAF graduation ceremony to celebrate the success of our up and coming Alaskan leaders. Join the entire UAF community in recognizing the outstanding achievements of this year’s graduates at 1:20 at the Carlson Center. I look forward to seeing what these graduates do in the next couple of years as they continue to lead Alaska on a successful and prosperous path.

Newsletters Are Hot Off the Presses
By now you should be receiving my end of session newsletter delivered to your home. If you haven’t received a newsletter by this weekend and would like to get a copy, please contact my office either by emailing Riley Leonard or by calling 456-7423 and we will happily send one your way. It was a busy session with a lot of important legislation. My newsletter breaks it down and helps provide some real world numbers about the budget, education reforms and the natural gas export legislation.

Working Hard for Fairbanks Families,

Scott Kawasaki
Alaska State Representative
District 9 - Fairbanks