KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
When the 26th Alaska State Legislative session opened about two weeks ago, there was a new but familiar face in the State House District 36 seat, Kodiak Representative Alan Austerman, who returned to the Legislature after a six-year absence.
KMXT’s Erik Wander has more.
Austerman, a life-long Kodiak resident who once served as a state representative and state senator, returned to the Alaska Legislature when the current session began on January 20th. Austerman was elected to the post this fall after a six-year absence, during which he spent four years serving as Governor Frank Murkowski’s fisheries advisor.
Austerman said he spent a significant portion of the first week of the session making the transition back into public service.
— (Austerman 1 47 sec. "The first week of … to start working on our budgets.")
Austerman said he’s glad to be back in the Legislature after the layoff and looks forward to fostering old relationships and forging new ones with some of the newer members.
— (Austerman 2 25 sec. "I’m very comfortable … forward to some good things.")
Austerman, who is serving on the House Finance Committee, said that his new role on that committee and fisheries issues will be crucial as the session moves forward.
— (Austerman 3 50 sec. "Over time, our main concern … that I’m working on.")
In addition to being a member of the Finance Committee, Austerman is Chair of the Finance Subcommittees Commerce, Community and Economic Development as well as Environmental Conservation. The 26th Legislative session continues until April 19th. I’m Erik Wander.
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