KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
Only about a dozen community members came out for the legislative open house Wednesday night. The event was an opportunity for residents to meet with Kodiak’s Senator Gary Stevens and Representative Alan Austerman and talk about the issues most important to them in the coming year.
Austerman said the turn out was especially low compared to last year’s open house.
— (Legislature chat 1 :09 "Last year we had …that there were last year.")
While the number in attendance was low, the variety of issues voiced was broad. Representative Austerman and Senator Stevens listened to topics ranging from high school construction funding to bike path construction. Kodiak resident Betty Mactavish stopped by the open house to discuss a recent cut in funding for tobacco education.
— (Legislature chat 2 :36 "The governor’s proposed … have here.")
Other community members came out to thank the legislators for the work they do. Jake Jacobson was especially pleased with their oil tax efforts.
— (Legislature chat 3 :28 "I want to congratulate … structure this year.")
Pebble mine and Chuitna coal were also hot topics of the evening, with most constituents voicing their concerns with both of the proposed mines.
Marian Johnson has lived in Kodiak for more than 55 years and said she’s worried about a variety of things but mainly just likes to get out and talk to her legislators.
— (Legislature chat 4 :34 "I’m concerned about what … this or that.")
Both Senator Stevens and Representative Austerman will head to Juneau in January for the start of the legislative session. Austerman said they plan on bringing the ideas and concerns of Kodiak with them and encourage their constituents to keep in contact with them while they are away.
