Mapmaker, Mapmaker, Make Me A Map

September 25, 2021

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Want a say in how legislative districts are drawn? Want a close up look at the legislative process? Want to laugh at my mistakes? Read on!

Paint By Numbers

For a change, this newsletter won’t be about fiscal policy. Instead, let’s talk redistricting!

Every ten years Alaska has to re-draw election districts to keep the population close to equal. That preserves the principle of one person, one vote. Where those lines get drawn matters a lot. Our constitution has rules: districts need to be compact, contiguous, and socioeconomically integrated. So districts should connect regions in ways that mirror the community ties in the area. It’s not easy. Give it a shot if you’d like, with this paint-by-numbers-style tool.

How’s it going? Not spectacular. But you can help fix that. The redistricting board adopted a series of maps for you to comment on. The board members drew some of them, while groups and corporations submitted others. Some plans for our area look pretty similar to the current lines. Others are really different. In one, every Juneauite who lives past the ferry terminal would have to drive into—or through—a different house district to buy bread. One map has a Juneau district without a drop of saltwater in it. Really? You can’t swing a skunk cabbage leaf in this town without hitting a dock of some kind, but they managed it.

Elsewhere in Southeast, there are questions about whether Saxman and Metlakatla should be split into different districts, whether Wrangell & Petersburg should be together or apart, and who gets the privilege of being grouped with Gustavus. The good news is, they’re all just drafts right now.

Please take a minute to let the board know what you think. If you live in Juneau or Haines, you can learn more about the maps and comment in person:

Monday the 27th from 4:30-6:30 pm at Centennial Hall
Tuesday the 28th from 2:30-4 pm in the Haines Assembly Chambers

Everyone can submit written comments to the board at [email protected].

Part of the proposed boundary between two House districts in one board member’s map. The little rectangle on the right scuttles across Glacier Hwy. to put just six buildings—including Rep. Story's house—into the district represented by Rep. Hannan. Lay people call this ‘gerrymandering.’ Alaska courts call it an “unnatural appendage” and strike it down as unconstitutional.

Up Close & Personal

Want an in-depth look at how the legislature works? Come be part of it! With the fourth special session fast approaching, the Senate is hiring pages. We can’t do our work without the pages to keep the Senate floor on track. The job is set to last 30 days, starting on Oct. 1. (And it comes with regular state employee benefits.) If you’re interested, email [email protected].

What’s one extra zero?

I said this newsletter wouldn’t be about fiscal policy, but I need to correct a mistake: We passed a roughly $1,100 dividend this year, not an eleven thousand dollar PFD as I mistakenly wrote last week.

Some of my colleagues pushing for mega-checks thought for a second I might be coming around to their side. It was just a typo.

Direct deposits start hitting bank accounts in mid-October, so keep an eye out.

All my best,

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Events & Happenings Around District Q

Rent Relief

You can apply for rental relief from Alaska Housing Finance Corp. through Oct. 1. They have grants to pay for three months rent and utility assistance. See if you're eligible and learn more here.

Juneau Jazz and Classics

Fall Music Festival

Check out this in-person, live music event Sept. 29-Oct. 2. You’ll be serenaded by award-winning professional jazz & classical musicians! (If you don’t see Judy Carmichael, you’ll probably regret it forever!)

Spruce Root Work Readiness &

Soft Skills Workshop

Looking to change jobs? Learn new skills to advance in the one you have? Check out this workshop from Spruce Root. Sign-ups are due by Oct. 13.

Orange Shirt Day

Come to Pioneer Pavilion in Douglas to learn about and remember indigenous children forced to attend boarding schools. Join us at 5:30 pm Sept. 30 at the pavilion at Savikko Park.

Reading!!

The Juneau Public Libraries want you to “Fall in love with reading.” They made to-go crafts for all ages to encourage kids to read more about our great state!

Haines Backcountry Games

Show off your skills during the Backcountry Games on Oct. 10. Part highland games, part Alaska wacky, it’ll be fun for competitors of all ages!

Juneau Capital Brewfest

The 9^th Annual Brewfest hosted by Rotary – it’s a community favorite. Don’t miss out on local/statewide craft brews, food vendors, & supporting Rotary’s charitable work.

Skagway Festival

Autumn is here which means the Skagway Fall Festival is just around the corner! This is a celebration of arts, music, and life in the North – plenty of things for the whole family starting Oct. 15!

Juneau Heat Smart

From Sept. 15-Oct. 15 you can win cash prizes and more! All you have to do is fill out this survey about the “Thermalize Juneau” project to bring affordable heat to the capital city.

Capitol Tours

Our awesome friends at the City Museum are back giving FREE tours of the Alaska State Capitol! Learn about the buildings proud history and stop by my office (Rm 419)

to say hi!