There are many new faces in this legislature, and with the Republicans holding a majority in both the House and Senate, as well as being in control of the executive branch, there is a new sense of eagerness in Juneau. Now the challenge will be channeling that eagerness into substantive progress on the problems that linger over the state.
The time for gridlock is gone. The time for excuses is gone. It is worth noting that on last week's KBBI Coffee Table program, two area lawmakers -- Sen. Alan Austerman, R-Kodiak, and Rep. Mike Chenault, R-Nikiski -- wasted little time in picking up where the majority had left off last session; laying all blame for past legislative failures at the feet of former governor Tony Knowles. While finger-pointing of any sort is discouraging and counterproductive, this round, coming at the beginning of a session that holds so much promise, seemed especially inappropriate.
It is our hope that lawmakers will now keep all eyes focused forward. There is a lot of unfinished business on the legislative table. It will require a positive and proactive effort from everyone involved.
That includes us folks back home. It is incumbent on us all to make sure our elected officials stay on task and do what they said they would do. Being in touch should not solely entail criticism, either. When circumstances warrant, a good word and a pat on the back can also go a long way in letting lawmakers know that they are not cloistered in some secret enclave.
The fact they are now "out of sight" in Juneau does not have to mean that they are "out of mind." Modern technology has made staying in touch easy. Daily legislative activity can be viewed on cable channel 3's "Gavel to Gavel" broadcast, the audio portion of which is Web cast by Juneau radio station KTOO. Audio links can be found at both the legislative Web site (http://w3.legis.state.ak.us/home.htm) and the site for KTOO (http://www.ktoo.org/).
Also available at the legislative Web site are online public opinion messages, or POMs, that enable citizens to weigh in on an issue, although there is a 50-word limit. Longer messages can be sent via e-mail. Contact information is listed below.
The local Legislative Information Office, located at 345 West Sterling Highway, is a great source of information. Teleconferenced hearings and constituent meetings allow citizens to be active participants in government without having to travel to Juneau. The helpful staff there also will keep anyone abreast of information on specific bills or issues.
We wish the 23rd Alaska Legislature and new governor all the best as it prepares to tackle the issues facing the state.
How to contact lawmakers:
Rep. Paul Seaton
State Capitol Room 13
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
465-2689, 465-3472 (Fax)
e-mail: Representative_Paul_Seaton@ legis.state.ak.us
Sen. Alan Austerman
State Capitol Room 417
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
465-2487, 465-4956 (Fax)
e-mail: Senator_Alan_Austerman@ legis.state.ak.us
Homer Legislative Information Office
Charlene Ditton, information officer
235-7878, 235-4008 (Fax)
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