Dear Neighbor,

Student Government Leads the Way

Senator Joe Thomas, Representative David Guttenberg and I  addressed the Coalition of Student Leaders at their summer legislative conference last week. Why would young students complicate their schedules with meetings during a beautiful  summer? The students who attended discussed important issues  like the possible 10% tuition increase, needs based scholarships  and the need for education bond package for better classrooms.

 A study I read asked seniors (80-90) about their lives and if they had regrets. Interestingly, many seniors gave similar answers. First, many seniors wish they would have pursued their dreams. Second, they wish that they would have taken more risks in life. Third, seniors wish they had done more to leave a legacy for their community. I have a deepest admiration and respect for these young leaders because they are doing all three today.

Summer Solstice is Here!

Alaskans know how to take advantage of the midnight sun and celebrate in style. This weekend marks the Midnight Sun Festival and all the activities that we as Alaskans cherish. I hope to see folks out and about in the heart of the district I represent during the Midnight Sun Run, the Solstice Street Fair and the Midnight Sun Baseball game.

The first Midnight Sun Baseball Game was played in 1906 and has become one of Fairbanks’ oldest traditions. The game has been occasionally moved to accommodate weather, but never been delayed by darkness. The Goldpanners, which are the northernmost baseball club in the world, have had former major leaguers like Dave Winfield, Tom Seaver and Rod Carew. The first pitch is at 10:30pm and the sun never reaches the horizon. I hope that folks will join me in celebrating our home team and the Summer Solstice.

I’d Rather Be Fishing!

Fishing isn’t just a summer hobby. For many Alaskans, it’s a way of life that puts food in the freezer and keeps us connected with our fragile environment. On a recent trip to Chitina, it was gratifying to take free ice from Summit Lake and catch a 40 pound King salmon-worth about $1000 in Seattle! Not many Americans have that opportunity and that is why I so proud to be the sole Interior member on the House Special Committee on Fisheries.

Many of the issues I face in the House Fisheries Committee have  huge impacts for those of us north of the Alaska Range. Poor salmon counts resulted in the closure for of King salmon at Chitina. Many families along the Yukon River were denied fish for their families because of an inaccurate fish counter. Alaska has one of the best managed fisheries, but we need more study on how to satisfy upstream users and commercial fisherman as well.

I do want to thank you for the many comments and support I have received in regards to fish issues. It is clear that Fairbanks enjoys fishing and demands smart protection for our amazing renewable natural resource. I will continue to fight so Fairbanks will have fish in our streams for generations to come.

As always, my office will be open all summer long if you have comments or questions. Please feel free to contact me if I may be of service to you in the future.

Working Hard for Fairbanks Families,

Scott Kawasaki
Alaska State Representative
Interior Delegation Chairman