Press Release
Rural Subcabinet Heads Out on Third Outreach Trip
November 2, 2009
Anchorage, Alaska - Attorney General Dan Sullivan and other Cabinet members in the Parnell administration flew to Tanana today as part of the third tour of the governor's Rural Action Subcabinet.
Sullivan, the chair of the subcabinet, is being accompanied by Emil Notti, the commerce commissioner; Mike Black, his deputy; Larry Hartig, the commissioner of environmental conservation; Click Bishop, the labor commissioner; and John Moller, the governor's rural affairs advisor.
"As before, we are looking for suggestions on how to improve the quality of life in rural Alaska," Sullivan said. "These three days of public hearings will help guide us as we prepare recommendations for Governor Parnell on how to approach the economic and energy challenges that exist in rural Alaska.
"One of our goals has been to significantly open up the process to get direct input from our citizens in rural Alaska. We are accomplishing this goal, having heard from dozens of concerned citizens and community leaders at our previous hearings and meetings, and have made many more contacts through e-mailed correspondence. We appreciate this input and hope for continued good attendance at these events this week."
"I'm happy to be back in the region where I grew up," said Commissioner Notti. "All of us are interested to hear what local residents have to say about the challenges they face."
Tonight, the subcabinet will hold a town hall meeting in Tanana with local and tribal officials. In the morning, the group will meet with Tanana Chiefs Conference officials Lisa Jaeger, Agatha Erickson and Mike Smith.
On Tuesday, the subcabinet flies to Ruby, meeting with local government officials before holding a public hearing in the community hall. Later Tuesday, the administration officials will be in Galena, where a town hall meeting and potluck will be held in the community hall in the evening, followed on Wednesday morning by a community breakfast in the Galena Interior Learning Academy dining hall.
The rural subcabinet previously held public forums in Unalakleet, Kotzebue and Barrow. There also has been input from an advisory committee consisting of leaders of rural communities. The subcabinet is scheduled to present recommendations to the governor next month for long-term strategies to improve life in the Bush.
Comments or suggestions for the subcabinet can be sent to attorney.general@alaska.gov.
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Department Media Contacts: Communications Director Patty Sullivan at patty.sullivan@alaska.gov or (907) 269-6368. Information Officer Sam Curtis at sam.curtis@alaska.gov or (907) 269-6269.