September 24, 2013

Dear Neighbors,

Our Air Quality, Our Local Solution

I’m sure a lot of you have seen or heard about the new state air pollution regulations released last week by the State Department of Environmental Conservation. You may be wondering what it means for you and what it means for Fairbanks. I read over the regulations and want to share some information with you.

Generally, the regulations will bolster and clarify the response that the State of Alaska already has under state law to address air quality since voters decided that the state, not the borough, should make the rules. If pollution rises to an unhealthy level, the DEC can now announce an ‘air quality episode’ and can enforce prohibitions on egregious polluters. Will it solve our air quality problems? Maybe in the short term, but the real solution will come from better efficiencies and better fuels, like natural gas.

The draft is now open for public comment. There will be a significant amount of public testimony taken either online, through the mail or at open houses in Fairbanks. The DEC has extended public testimony to allow everyone to have plenty of time for input. For more information, click HERE for the public notice.

• Oct. 2, 5 to 7 p.m. at the Wedgewood Resort.

• Oct. 16, 5 to 7 p.m. at North Pole Middle School

• Nov. 20, 5 to 7 p.m. at Watershed School

We all have a stake in solving our polluted air problem, I encourage you to take advantage of opportunities to share your thoughts and comments.

Elections Day Approaches

October 1st is local Election Day! While federal and state races usually have a higher profile on FOX or CNN, local elected officials and local government play the most important role in everyday life in Fairbanks. Local school board members set school district lines and bus routes. The City and Borough are charged with roads, police, fire protection and setting property tax rates. The City Mayor works closely with state legislators to balance community priorities and budget requests. All officials play a role in making Fairbanks a great place to live, work and raise a family.

Members of the School Board, City Council, Borough Assembly and the City Mayor are up for election this year. There will also be a school bond proposition for a number of Fairbanks area schools, including Ryan and Tanana Middle School which lie in the heart of the district I represent.

Do you need more information on the candidates? Click HERE. Or how the state will reimburse local residents for up to 70% of the final costs of school construction? Click HERE.

Need more information about where to vote these days? You can find out your polling location HERE and area residents are able to vote early (Today) at the Borough Building during business hours.

Protect the $900 Dividend! (For a Rainy Day)

I remember dividend day in 1982 because, at 7 years old, I wanted to buy candy- lots of it! Instead, my parents wisely put my first PFD away into the same credit union account I still own today. The original dollars have long been spent for things like college, an old Chevy and plenty of heating oil. But, if I had actually saved every dollar since my boyhood, my account would be bursting at over $50K, with nearly $20K in cumulative interest (assuming 4% fixed). Now that is a lot of candy!

Seriously, though. Spending a dividend on college tuition, early childhood education, a home, or saving them for the proverbial ‘rainy day’ are sound investments. Alaskans are truly blessed with incredible resource wealth which has created a $47-billion dollar fund. Whether folks decide to donate to local charities, invest or spend wisely (and locally), let’s be thankful for leaders who protect the fund.

Internship Opportunities!

Do you know someone who is interested in getting involved in Alaska politics? Senator Mark Begich has paid internship openings in his offices. Job duties include researching Alaska issues, working with legislative staff on state and congressional issues, helping with constituent cases, and attending meetings and briefings. The internship requires that applicants have graduated high school or received a GED. You can find more details and a copy of the internship application HERE.

The Fairbanks office is currently still accepting applications for a fall 2013 intern. The deadline for the 2014 Spring Internships is October 7, 5pm. There also an opening in the Senate Page Program. Currently the opening is for a male page for spring 2014. You can find more information HERE. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about government, make valuable connections and it’s great on resumes.

When I graduated from Lathrop High in ‘93, one of my first work experiences was as a high school intern for Senator Frank Murkowski. It was an eye-opening experience that furthered my interest in public service and American history.

As always, please contact me if I can be of service in any way. You can call my office or stop in anytime, I’d love to talk with you.

Working Hard for Fairbanks Families,