Representative Mike Cronk

This is a great editorial from Alaska Railroad CEO Bill O Leary. This vision for Alaska is far overdue, but appreciate the leadership in the now.

I’m thankful for my staff/team and Representative Kevin McCabe and his staff/team for our persistent pursuance of the importance of the Alaska Railroad for the future of Alaska. With the Port McKenzie rail extension as well as the Northern rail extension to Delta Junction, Alaska will begin building on a vision for the future of our state for the next 100 years.

Partnership will advance Alaska’s development and future COMMUNITY PERSPECTIVEBy Bill O’LearyIn the last days of December, i

Wishing you all a Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas to all!!!

Please join me tonight at Fast Eddy's.

Happy Thanksgiving Alaska! I am thankful for living in the most incredible place on earth!

Welcome to the House Majority Thomas.

THOMAS BAKER CONFIRMED AS NEWEST MEMBER OF THE ALASKA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Read the full press release here: https://bit.ly/46b5YmU

Honoring all our veterans today. Thank you for your service!

I’m truly saddened of the loss of Chief Beetus. He was an extremely kind man, yet fierce advocate for his people. I’ve only known him for two short years, but know his heart was with Hughes and his people. RIP Chief.

It is with heavy hearts that we at Tanana Chiefs Conference mourn the passing of First Chief Wilmer Beetus of Hughes. Chief Beetus was an exceptional leader and a tireless advocate for his community and the region. He not only served as First Chief but he also served on the local school board, the village corporation and other economic development boards. He was always willing to share his knowledge and expertise with others. Under his guidance, Hughes embarked on groundbreaking initiatives, including a solar energy project, the development of new housing subdivisions, a long-awaited road to the cemetery and the recent opening of an Elder and Youth Facility this summer.

Chief Beetus's unwavering commitment to the well-being of his people was truly inspirational. His dedication and vision have left an indelible mark on the community of Hughes. Our thoughts and prayers are with Chief Beetus's family, friends, the entire Koyukuk River and the region during this difficult time.

Happy Alaska Day!

A heads up to all my interior villages and constituents. There will be a 15% rate increase for electricity starting October 1. Please read the following. Please share so we can all be prepared to pay more for our electricity.

Don Young Day!

I hope everyone is successful in getting their winter food! If not, you still have time to get your fish!

https://www.facebook.com/100000227956363/posts/24343970388527221/?mibextid=I6gGtw

The Governor signed HB 61 into law. This was important legislation that we worked to get passed. I will always work to protect our 2A rights. This legislation was specifically important to me because during the pandemic, there became a shortage of ammo. For rural Alaska, ammo is essential in our daily lives and allows us the opportunities for providing food for our freezers. This legislation assures that gun stores can’t be closed during a disaster declaration unless all other commerce is closed.

We saw the city of Anchorage close down selected businesses and other entities like churches while leaving other things open. We must protect Alaskans ability to purchase guns and ammo as they are vital to the food security of so many that depend on Alaska’s abundant wild game resources.

When you grow up in rural Alaska, playing sports is a huge part of your life. It leads to opportunities and people later on that you may not even realize at the time.

Going back in time, 1985 to be exact, a basketball team from East Park Christian School out of Anchorage came to Northway and played us. They were very good! They had a center named Keith Rhodes who was about 6’6” and was catching alley oop dunks on us! His team went on that year to win the state championship versus Su-Valley at the Patty Center in Fairbanks and that was the last time I saw Keith.

Fast forward to 2023, 38 years later, Keith and I met up again at the Red Cross headquarters in Anchorage. Keith is the Division Vice President and over sees the Pacific Division of the Red Cross! He is in charge of Alaska, America Samoa, California, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Norherm Mariana Islands, Oregon, and Washington. The Red Cross plays an incredible role in so many things, most importantly disasters and tragic events. I specifically thanked Keith and the Red Cross for their presence at the Las Vegas shooting where they helped so many families during that terrible event.

Some may ask why I’m sharing this?

First, I believe this is a perfect example of how important the education of our kids is.

Whether you attend public school, private school, charter school, or home school, what is important is that our kids are being educated and are provided opportunities that build relationships with other kids. For me the value of playing sports as well as getting my education was invaluable.

We continually have discussions about the importance of education and schools, yet we tend to forget about the importance of the extra curricular activities and the life long relationships that are built. Both the education as well as the relationships are part of becoming life long learners.

Personally for me, I was blessed to have grown up in Northway where we had an amazing school, teachers, support staff, parents, and a community that supported us with tough love.

Great to reconnect with you Keith! Keep doing great things!!

Our guys in blue! Thank you!

Had a great time celebrating the 100th year of the Alaska Railroad! Great to see so many awesome people in the community of Nenana!

Happy 4th of July! Savor the freedoms we all have!

Being a father is the ultimate blessing. So thankful for these amazing daughters of mine. Happy Fathers Day!

All have some, some gave all. God Bless those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Today, a bipartisan group of legislators joined together and voted to pass HB 104. HB 104 is a bill that allows for salvage and expedited timber sales. While it’s not all we need for our timber industry in Alaska, it’s a step towards managing our forests for the benefit of future generations while providing for timber to build a thriving industry in Alaska!

The future of Alaska depends on building private businesses/industry across Alaska. It’s time for a cultural change in Juneau. We need to re-examine what is called the “BIF”- best interest finding for the state. It appears our state is driven by this. It’s time we change the “BIF” to: BEST INTEREST FINDING FOR THE PEOPLE!

Had a great meeting with the emerging leaders from TCC! Was thankful that Governor Mike Dunleavy could fit them into his busy schedule!

DISTRICT COURT REJECTS LAWSUITS THAT HALTED WILLOW

“This is tremendous news for everyone involved, especially the people of Alaska! We are ready for this major project and all the benefits it will provide for decades to come. I want to thank all my fellow legislators and other interested parties who supported and advocated for the Willow Project.” - Speaker Cathy Tilton (R-Wasilla)

Read the full press release here: http://bit.ly/4379Wg6