Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Yesterday, I spoke with Governor Dunleavy with the other legislative leaders. In that conversation, he said we would not be happy with his budget vetoes, but hoped we could all work together on crafting the budget. But to say I am not happy with these vetoes is an understatement.
I'm disappointed that the governor has turned his back on the legislative process - especially after the hard work of all four caucuses - Independents, Republicans, and Democrats - over the last six months to resolve a crisis that we need not have faced. Now we face a new crisis. Instead of working to resolve the broader fiscal plan, the need for a redefined Dividend, and a stable budget for all Alaskans, we are going to spend the next weeks and months focused on reversing these devastating vetoes and fixing a budget he just broke.
Make no mistake, most of these vetoes were not necessary. When the governor asks the legislature to ‘put their pettiness aside,’ he should start by setting an example. These vetoes reflect the pettiness of his first year in office and only hurt Alaskans. We, as a legislature - all parties, both bodies - have come together with a commitment to working toward the future. These vetoes stand to reverse that progress.
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Senator Tom Begich
Senate District J
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On Thursday, Governor Dunleavy wrote to the Alaska Judicial Council rejecting the three highly qualified Supreme Court nominees and requested they submit the name of his choosing. That is not how the Alaska Constitution lays out how to select judges in this state. Judicial nominees are chosen from the non-partisan Alaska Judicial Council, made up of the Alaska Bar Association members, public members, and the Supreme Court Chief Justice. The Council submits three names to the Governor to choose from that receive the highest qualifications.
The Governor’s decision to reject the most qualified nominees for the Supreme Court in favor of his personal preferences underscores his desire for a court that will do his bidding and support his frivolous legal challenges. It’s an action that ought to disappoint all Alaskans – prioritizing politics before the people. This directly violates the spirit of separation of powers.
Similarly, in 2019, Governor Dunleavy refused to appoint a qualified candidate selected by the Council to the Palmer Superior Court, neglecting his constitutional duty to appoint a qualified judge to the seat within 45 days set forth by the Alaska Constitution.
I encourage and expect Governor Dunleavy to follow our constitution and select a Supreme Court Justice by July 11.
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Many fun and exciting things are happening this July 4th weekend (in addition to today being a First Friday). Below are just a few of the neat things happening around town:
Anchorage Veterans 4th of July Parade: On the Delaney Park Strip, festivities kick off at 11:00 am. More information is available on their Facebook post.
We're Still Standing July 4th Community Celebration: Happening on and around the Delaney Park Strip, vendors will abound to celebrate this July 4th. More information is available on their Facebook post.
Independence Day Doubleheader with the Anchorage Bucs: Wear your red, white, and blue and stick around for after the 10 pm game for fireworks! At Mulcahy Stadium. More information and ticket prices are available on their website.
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Keep an Eye Out for Road Maintenance |
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With the weather warming up and the sun staying out late into the day, it can mean only one thing - road construction season (what some might call "summer") is upon us!
Here are a few construction projects to keep an eye on:
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Reeve Boulevard, 5th Avenue to Post Road Pavement Preservation
- Airport Heights, Debarr Road to Glenn Highway Pavement Preservation
- Mountainview Drive, North Burn Street to North Bliss Street Pathway Reconstruction
- Work here includes existing pathway work in Louis G. Mizelle Park
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(907) 465-3704 (Juneau / session)
(907) 269-0169 (Anchorage / interim)
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