Dear Neighbor,

The 4th of July weekend is a time for fun, family and of course, fireworks! Yet, let us all remember that 234 years ago, our Founding Fathers created a blueprint for our freedoms and democracy by penning the Declaration of Independence. The moment set in motion the building of the foundations of the America we share today. Every Independence Day, we should honor those who built America before us, spend time with loved ones today and be hopeful for a better tomorrow for our future generations. It is the legacy left to us by the Founding Fathers.

I want to ask that you would also consider the meaning of freedom and democracy. While I watch CNN this afternoon, it sometimes feels we are a nation sharply divided by partisanship, economics, race, gender and geography. Alaska needs holidays like this to bring us all together. Bring us together to remind us that we are all in this together. To remind us of our shared victories and challenges and the common goals that should unite us.

I hope to see many of you out and about while I participate in a number of gatherings, parades and picnics with my fellow Fairbanksans. It sounds like Pioneer Park there will be a great location to celebrate the 4th. Bands will be playing, children events will be available and everyone will be eating hot dogs and ice cream. I hope many of you will come and visit with me.

Finally, as we join our families and friends around Fairbanks this weekend, I want to caution everyone to remember to be safe. Happy 4th of July Fairbanks! Happy Independence Day! Have a great weekend.

Working Hard for Fairbanks Families,

Scott Kawasaki
Alaska State Representative
Interior Delegation Chairman