KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
As Kodiak’s legislative delegation made final plans to head to Juneau, they met with constituents Tuesday evening at a local open house.
Mostly it was a meet and mingle sort of event, but both Senator Gary Stevens and Representative Alan Austerman made comments to the group of about 40 people..
Kodiak’s two legislators are in the majority in their respective bodies, and this year both hold leadership positions.
Stevens said he’s positive about representing Kodiak’s interests in Juneau this year.
-(((Leg Open House 1 :32 "Just so you know…do our best.")))
Austerman said his new position as Majority Leader in the House is similar to what most people think of as being Vice President of the House. He joked that it meant than instead of being on the outside wondering what the insiders were doing and discussing, he’ll be right in the thick of things. He’ll be active in goal setting and in ensuring that the House Majority reaches the goals it sets for the session.
Austerman said that he thinks Kodiak will fare well when it comes to resources. Many of the people on the House Resources Committee are new to the legislature, but the membership weighs heavily toward rural legislators.
Stevens says Kodiak and rural Alaskans also have a strong presence on the new five person redistricting committee which will determine the make-up of future legislative districts.
–(((Leg Open House 2 :46 "The law’s very clear…for rural Alaska.")))
Both Stevens and Austerman told the group that they welcome comments throughout the session. Austerman suggested sending a quick e-mail with a comment. Or you can work with the legislative information office to stay in touch during the 90 day session which begins January 18.
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