Connections and Claims
February 21, 2020
|
|
|
|
Dear Friends and Neighbors, |
Happy Friday! Don't let the snow and the wet keep you indoors all weekend. Go play in it! |
The flag on the Gustavus ferry dock. Alaska tough. (Thanks to Jim Mackovjak for the photo!) |
Riding It Out
I got to go to Haines last weekend. It was great to be there, but like so many of you, I had my ferry ticket cancelled. So I booked myself a plane ticket. Then freezing fog meant the plane was cancelled. I joined up with some folks to hire a water taxi. The skipper had skills, and the other passengers were great folks, but the price tag sure was harsh. And the weather made for more pukers than not. It's sure a good thing the lady in the airport going home from medical care didn't try the boat. She'd have ended up laying on the floor in those pounding waves.
One story isn't data. But I hear every day from neighbors who can't get to or from the doctor, or get the freight they need to keep businesses running right. While we work on the big vessels, we need a stopgap solution. Our region owes a big debt of thanks to our ferry workers for bailing the state out: the unions have agreed to allow some private contracting to fill in the gaps, despite their contracts.
How long are the gaps? I had leadership from DOT in my office today. They tell me the Tazlina is getting warranty work finished (they'll cut in the new side door some other time.) DOT expects her back on the runs March 5. The Columbia is stuck in the yard for another two months of work before she can get back on the mainline run. The Matanuska is still sitting in Auke Bay with brand-spanking-new parts rusted through. DOT and the Department of Law are figuring out who's liable for towing and fixing her: the shipyard or the engine manufacturer. In the meantime they have all manner of experts figuring out how to fix her so the replacement parts don't meet the same fate. I'll update you on the MAT as soon as they figure out how to do the fix.
In the midst of crisis, Kodiak Rep. Louise Stutes just introduced a bill to help with the long term. It sets up a Marine Highway Corporation. A public corporation will take the politics a step away from management of the system. With changing political winds, the long term vision for our ferry system keeps changing. A board of directors with long terms won't be a cure-all, but it could sure help. You can watch a first hearing on the public corporation proposal here.
|
We honored Elizabeth Peratrovich Day and the 75th anniversary of Alaska's Anti-Discrimination Act with a legislative citation. I got to present it with Reps. Story, Zulkosky, and Ortiz. |
Dealing With Docs
I know I said a few weeks ago I'd only introduce a couple more bills. But I've got just one more. Like a lot of things in Alaska, medical care is different here. A lot of physicians handle all types of problems in communities where there are no specialists. So docs in hub communities regularly consult by phone with our rural health care providers.
These conversations are often the difference between treating a patient in a small community and expensive medevac flights (which have risks of their own.) Other times they help a hometown doc decide whether a seemingly routine procedure needs a specialist's touch, after all. My bill (which will get a number on Monday) clarifies where responsibility lies if there's a lawsuit: a doctor who takes the call, doesn't charge anyone, and never actually lays hands on the patient doesn't deserve to land in court.
Rural providers need access to the best advice they can get. My bill will help make sure the specialists keep answering their calls.
|
Rep. Story and I spoke with Teen Council volunteers. These young volunteers work with their peers to prevent teen pregnancy and dating violence. (Rep. Hannan had to leave before the photo.) |
Business of Budgets
The senate got going on budget subcommittees this week. We're considering the governor's proposals and the suggested changes from the House. Our Fish and Game budget review started out with the Division of Commercial Fisheries, and it was more than a little bit spicy.
Reminder to everyone in Haines, Skagway, Klukwan, and Gustavus: You can testify on the budget in House Finance tomorrow (Saturday,) from 12-3pm. Call 844-586-9085.
|
|
Did someone forward you this newsletter?
Did you fall into it through the series of tubes? Want more?
|
|
Juneau Film
Juneau Film Screening and Panel Discussion about Homelessness
Come view the independent film The Public followed by a panel discussion on this vital topic on Feb. 22. See more here.
Juneau CBJ Housing and Development Forum
Learn about financing small homes and more on Feb. 28. See all the details.
Juneau Motown for Our Town
Come for a night of music and fun on February 28. Here’s more information.
Juneau Traditional Games
Join the 202 games on March 7 & 8! More information here.
Juneau Girl Scout Auction
Come support the annual girl scout auction on Feb. 22, which will be a great time! (I’m the auctioneer, so not biased at all…) See the details. |
|
Skagway Buckwheat
International Ski Classic
Ski the Log Cabin Trails on Mar. 7 with a 10K, 25K, and 50K. Plus there’s a 5K for kids and dinner to follow. See the details here.
Haines CelloBop
Come listen to this neat concert on the electric cello on Feb. 23. See all the details here.
Haines Winterfest
Come learn about avalanche safety, participate in the Alpine Adventure Race, ski the Miles Klehini Classic, and watch some great short films through Feb. 23. See more.
Haines History Day
Awards Ceremony
Come to the Sheldon Museum for this great event and see the History Day Projects of Mrs. Andriesen’s social studies class on Feb. 24. Here are the details.
Gustavus Moose
Information Meeting
ADF&G’s hosting an informational meeting on moose hunting and they’re looking for community input on how to cut down on illegal moose harvest on Feb. 27. See more here. |
|
Is there an event in our district I should know about? Please call or email!
|
|
Visit Me!
Alaska State Capitol
Room 419
Juneau, AK 99801
800 550 4947
907 465 4947
|
|
Contact My Staff:
Edric Carrillo
907 465 6419
Cathy Schlingheyde
907 465 6827
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
