MAY 17, 2013

Dear Neighbors,

Geran meeting with Premier Robert Ghiz. Click here to read the article at The Guardian

It’s wonderful to be home! It’s hard to believe that it’s been a month since the legislative session adjourned. While the legislative session ended on April 14th, I didn’t arrive back to Anchorage for another couple of weeks because I rushed off to Prince Edward Island, Canada.

Why go to Canada? Prince Edward Island is the home of the AquaBounty facility that would be used to produce Frankenfish eggs. Like Alaskans, there are many Canadians who oppose genetically modified salmon and don’t want their province to be known as home of the Frankenfish.

I was honored to be invited and am proud I was able to represent Alaska and Alaskan interests on my trip where I met with Premier Ghiz, member James Aylward, Atlantic salmon fisherman groups, and watershed scientists. I also spoke at a public event, did tv, radio, and newspapers interviews, including The Guardian newspaper, and CBC radio and television. Many PEI residents and groups spoke out in opposition to Frankenfish following my visit! The deadline for submitting comments to the FDA has now passed and we are waiting for their final decision. I'll keep you updated on this important Alaskan issue.

Being Home is Wonderful!

I'm loving being home and getting out in the community. There have been many important events happening. I want to congratulate the Mountain View Community Council for their successful Mountain View Clean Up. A huge thank you to Scott Kohlhaus, the volunteer coordinator for this event. This project receives legislative funding and I was pleased to see how the small amount of state dollars we put towards this effort are maximized through the incredible volunteer support. Way to go Mountain View!

Also recently I spoke with youth from Facing Foster Care in Alaska. Their stories are powerful and sadly the state has not done our job in keeping them safe and finding safe homes for them. I hope to work with them next session to improve the foster care system in Alaska.

I've been visiting with principals and students and checking in before the school year ends. We are lucky to have incredible educators at our neighborhood schools. I was delighted to hear about improvements in student performance! For Airport Heights folks, there is a great opportunity to be involved in the design planning for improvements to the school. There are upcoming meetings with the design firm and they will be in attendance at the upcoming Airport Heights picnic on June 8th at Tikishla Park.

I hope to see you soon!

Sincerely,

Representative Geran Tarr

P.S. Our Anchorage office is open and we're available if we can be of assistance to you. Please give us a call at 269-0144.

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