Dear Neighbors,
With the election behind us it’s now time to roll up our sleeves and get to work as we prepare for the 28th Legislative Session, which will begin on January 15th. My office will continue to be open for your legislative needs until we transition to Juneau in early January. You are always welcome to call, email or drop by in person. As we prepare for a new session it is helpful to get feedback and hear your legislative requests.
Read More →Success: Compromise Reached on Healy Coal Restart
I applaud the decision reached between the Environmental Protection Agency, Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority, and Golden Valley Electrical Association to move forward with the restart of the dormant coal plant in Healy. For years I have supported the restart of the plant, under the stipulation that it could be accomplished in an environmentally responsible, efficient manner that kept the best interests of the ratepayers under consideration. I believe the terms of this exciting announcement does exactly that, and can finally offer Fairbanks some tangible relief from burdensome energy bills without ignoring the need to address our air quality challenges.
Read More →Welcome Back to the Classroom
School is back in full swing, with students from Pre-K to UA resuming their school year routines. This time of year always inspires and reminds me of the important role quality education plays in Alaska. And of course, please be aware of the increase in vehicle and foot traffic around schools and bus stops. Let’s keep our students safe this school year.
Please remember to slow down and beware for flashing yellow lights to keep our kids safe this school year. School zones are marked at 20 miles an hour for safety.
Read More →Summer Abundance
Something everyone can agree upon is how fast Fairbanks summers pass and how many great opportunities there are to get involved with our community. Last week we were busy celebrating Golden Days, the World Eskimo-Indian Olympics and countless other summer celebrations. In the coming weeks, as summer winds down, we will start to transition to a time of preparation - busying ourselves with berry picking, fishing and hunting to fill our freezers for the year ahead. And perhaps purchasing school supplies, or taking one final meander down the Chena River. I wish everyone a productive, safe and enjoyable end to the summer months.
Read More →Energy a Fairbanks Focus
Just yesterday, the Governor released the FY13 budgets and a bond bill for voters in November. While he admitted it is ‘healthy’, I am pleased both the Senate and the House stayed within the budget cap agreed upon before the session. To do this takes a strategic plan that covers the essentials needed to keep the state going, while promoting businesses, organizations, and projects that create strong commerce and communities.
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