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If you're looking to reach the capital of Alaska, you're going to have far fewer choices. Practically speaking Alaska Airlines is the only way for most of the Alaska electorate to reach the legislature. If you live near a port serviced by the Alaska Marine Highway and their and your schedule permits, you can take a quick hop to Juneau. For the rest of the state, Alaska Airlines is the only practical option for a face to face meeting with our esteemed elected officials. There is no road access from Juneau to any other metropolitan area of Alaska.
Accessing Juneau from the rest of the state is expensive, making it impractical for most Alaskans to have an effective voice in state government. Technology has made it much easier to make your voice heard, but there are times nothing will replace a face to face meeting with your state representatives. As an example, a 3 day advance economy ticket to Juneau from one of the few cities serviced by Alaska Airlines will cost an average $820 per person. Combined with an average $127 per night at the Westmark Hotel and $100 per day for meals/transportation, etc. and a two day trip could cost you $1,300+/-. If you live in remote Alaska, as many do, the challenge of making the trip to Juneau is even more daunting.
Two bills were recently introduced in the Alaska Legislature seek to make it easier for Alaskans to interact with their representatives in the legislature.
House Bill 318, sponsored by Representative Carl Gatto of Palmer seeks to establish the convening of special sessions of the Alaska Legislature on the interconnected state road system. This is not a bill aimed at moving the capital out of Juneau. Special sessions are often called to address critical issues facing the State of Alaska and it would stand to reason more residents would participate if doing so wasn't quite as costly as it is today.
HB 293, sponsored by Representatives Kevin Meyer of Anchorage, Bob Lynn of Anchorage, Mark Neuman of Big Lake, Bill Stoltze of Chugiak and co-sponsored by Representatives Mike Hawker of Anchorage and Craig Johnson of Anchorage would seek to permanently move the legislature to the "population and logistical center of Alaska in the Municipality of Anchorage." Although not billed as full capital move, the bill certainly seems to have that in mind by moving he entire legislative body to Anchorage. It only stands to reason the rest of the gutted state government would soon follow should HB 293 become law.
There have been numerous failed attempts to move the capital out of Juneau to an area that would be more accessible. As quaint as it is, I think the electorate would be better served with a state capital that could be easily accessed by the voters of the state. Have an opinion? Now is the time to make your voice heard.
Rep Carl Gatto
800-565-3743
Email Contact Form
Rep Bob Lynn
800-87-4931
Email Contact Form
Rep Mark Neuman
800-505-2678
Email Contact Form
Rep Bill Stoltze
907-465-4928
Email Contact Form
Rep Mike Hawker
800-478-4950
Email Contact Form
Rep Craig Johnson
866-465-4993
Email Contact Form
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