Rural Alaska is a boundless place filled with rich culture and an adventurous spirit. Its people are known for having a certain toughness and a "can do" attitude because of the remote distances and unforgiving environment.
It's these qualities that will help get us through what are expected to be a challenging next couple of years. Amidst low oil prices and multi-billion dollar state deficits...Alaska is at a crossroads. Tough decisions will have to be made, and rural Alaskans have never been shy to step up to the plate.
We are willing to be a part of the solution, but we must ensure that we are not left carrying a disproportionate share of the burden. Many things are at stake including rural Alaska's energy assistance program - commonly referred to as PCE (power-cost-equalization).
I hope to bring my seniority in the House and experience as the chair of the finance committee's operating and capital budgets to the table to defend rural Alaska's interests next January.
I am proud to have visited every one of our 29 communities. To see photos, please visit my photo gallery. They are organized alphabetically by community. My Aunt Iris is in many of the pictures, and she was an invaluable resource. She created a very detailed family tree, which has been requested by folks throughout the district. It has been great connecting with relatives and meeting with so many of you who also enjoy sharing your family history.