FALL IS IN THE AIR

Dear Neighbors,

I have had a very busy summer, and now fall is in the air. My daughter is back in school, and has her first swim meet this weekend.

In early August, I attended the Council of State Governments meeting in Anchorage where I participated in sessions on retirement plans, marijuana initiatives, economic development, healthcare and state legislation. I was able to learn an amazing amount about issues and statutory solutions in other states, some of which could benefit Alaskans.

I also had an opportunity to travel to Excursion Inlet and I joined representatives from the Haines Borough for a tour of the Ocean Beauty Seafood Processing Facility where I was amazed at the state of the art technology used to deliver fresh frozen, canned and processed salmon products. I also enjoyed a brief tour of the residential areas of the community.

Also in August, I was able to attend the graduation ceremony for the Alaska Military Youth Academy, this 22 week program is a great opportunity for Alaska’s youth who have struggled in traditional school environments, to excel and turn sometimes troubled lives around. The graduates and their families celebrated their accomplishments and they can look forward to bright futures.

In Juneau, as you may have seen, there is an active interest in finding solutions to some of the safety and aesthetic issues that are concerning downtown residents and businesses. Some of these issues include littering, second hand smoke, deteriorating and abandoned buildings, and the homeless and chronic inebriate population. An organization of downtown business owners and concerned citizens tagged with the acronym DIG (Downtown Improvement Group) has come together to discuss the problems and collaborate on possible solutions. I have attended several DIG meetings and I am pleased with the civility and productivity of the discussions. We have had discussions with the Juneau Police Department, the Downtown Business Association, the Glory Hole, and the Tobacco Prevention & Control Coordinator from NCADD. This effort, along with other encouraging discussions about supportive housing possibilities, have provided a positive framework for how the community can address some of these important issues.

Next week, Senator Egan and I will be in Skagway attending the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities public meeting on the Southeast Transportation Plan (see further down for more info). I was also able to attend the SE transportation plan public meeting held here in Juneau in August. Comments on the plan are due by September 30, 2014. Follow this link to find out more about submitting comments on the plan.

Sam with the scholarship recipients after he spoke at the Filipino Community’s Scholarship Awards Night.

Sam touring the Ocean Beauty processing plant in Excursion Inlet

RECOVERY RESOURCES

Last month I was honored to be able to say a few words along with Juneau Mayor Merrill Sanford at the Reentry Coalition’s Recovery Fest 2014. This event brought many people together to celebrate Juneau’s recovery community and recognize individuals with awards for their tireless work with the Reentry Coalition. The event was very well attended, and we were privileged with a visit from John Shinholser with the McShin Foundation, and music played by Teri Tibbett. It was great to see all of the support organizations and individuals in Juneau who are engaged in helping individuals overcome drug and alcohol addiction working together to build a community network of support.

Some of the resources available to individuals and families working through addiction and re-entry issues are provided below.

• Gastineau Human Resources 780-4338 - Juneau

• National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence 463-3755 - Juneau

• Juneau Youth Services 789-7610 – Juneau

• Juneau Alliance for Mental Health 463-3303 - Juneau

• SEARHC 364-4445 - Juneau

• Front Street Clinic 586-4230 - Juneau

• Dahl Memorial Clinic 983-2255 – Skagway

• Gustavus Community Clinic 697-3008 – Gustavus

• Petersburg Medical Center 772-4291 – Petersburg

• Petersburg Mental Health Services 772-3332 – Petersburg

• SEARHC 772-4963 - Petersburg

Sam stands with Lt. Governor Mead Treadwell. The Lieutenant Governor is in charge of the Division of Elections including organizing the public hearings on the initiatives.

INITIATIVE HEARINGS

There are three ballot measures on the November general election ballot. Public hearings have been scheduled for all three. The hearing times for Juneau are as follows:

• Marijuana - Monday, September 15, Thomas Stewart Building, Beltz Room 105, 206 4th Street, Juneau, 12 – 2 p.m.

• Minimum Wage - Monday, September 15, Thomas Stewart Building, Beltz Room 105, 206 4th Street, Juneau, 4 – 6 p.m.

• Bristol Bay Forever-Tuesday, September 16 ,Thomas Stewart Building, Beltz Room 105, 206 4th Street, Juneau, 12 – 2 p.m.

Sam taking a turn at carving a totem pole.

SOUTHEAST TRANSPORTATION PLAN HEARINGS

The Department of Transportation and Public Facilities has released their draft transportation plan for the Southeast Region and has been holding public meetings in Southeast communities. The last two meetings will be held next week in Skagway and Haines. The Skagway meeting will take place on September 9th with the open house starting at 5:30 p.m. The final public meeting will take place in Haines on September 10th, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Senator Egan and I will attend the meeting in Skagway. More information can be found on the DOT website, including a copy of the draft plan and an email address where you can send your comments on the plan.

Sam visiting with Rep. Neal Foster from Nome and his aide Paul LaBolle in Foster’s Juneau legislative office.

VOLUNTEERING TO HELP STUDENTS

This year, the Juneau School District lost 16 and ½ staff positions because of a lack of education funding. Our Democratic caucus worked very hard this past session to fully fund education, and move our public schools forward. There was a modest increase in the Base Student Allocation, however, there is still much work to do. It is important for all of us to do what we can to help our students, especially with the budget pressure on our schools. I encourage everyone to look into the following volunteer opportunities in your communities.

HELPING IN SCHOOLS

Schools are always in need of volunteers. You can call your local school’s in Juneau, Petersburg, Skagway or Gustavus and speak to the school principal or administrative assistant for opportunities. If you want to volunteer for a specific event or date, make sure to contact the school at least a week in advance to allow them to perform a background check.

MENTORSHIP THROUGH BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS

Another great way to get involved is to be a mentor to youth. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Juneau is looking for mentors and their biggest need is for male volunteers, as they have many boys on the waiting list for Big Brothers. They need volunteers in their School Program, which involves spending time with a child at their school for less than an hour a week. They also need volunteers in their Sync Program, which matches mentors with youth transitioning out of foster care, and in their Johnson Youth Center Program, which matches male mentors with young boys in treatment at the center. Contact them through their website or at 586-3350.

BECOME A COURT-APPOINTED VOLUNTEER SPECIAL ADVOCATE TO A YOUTH IN NEED

You can also help an at-risk youth by becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). If you volunteer, you will have an opportunity to help a child who has been the victim of abuse or neglect by providing courts with information and recommendations about the best interests of the child. CASAs do not need to be lawyers or social workers, just adults who care. You do need to participate in a training program and commit to stay with a case until it is closed. Contact Lynn Squires-White, Program Coordinator at 465-2268 for more information.

Please come by the Capitol and visit with me or my staff about any issues, concerns or comments you may have.

Sincerely,

Sam Kito III