There are two public comment opportunities that I would like to share with you today. I hope that you will take time to attend if these topics are of interest to you.

The first public comment opportunity concerns the proposed DeArmoun Road design. Because the meeting held on October 9th did not allow everyone to comment and/or adequately study the project maps, local community councils have scheduled two more meetings. You will be able to review the maps and speak to Department of Transportation staff.

DeArmoun Road Meeting #1:
Date: Thursday, November 6, 2003
Time: 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Where: Holy Spirit Retreat Center at Hillside & O’Malley Roads
Hosts: HALO and Rabbit Creek Community Council

DeArmoun Road Meeting #2:
Date: Thursday, November 20, 2003
Time: 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Where: Christian Church at Lake Otis and O’Malley
Hosts: Huffman/O’Malley, Mid-Hillside, and Hillside East Community Councils

Meeting room space and parking at both of these meetings will be limited, so please consider car-pooling or walking.

If you cannot attend either meeting, you may send written comments by regular mail to Therese Stokes, Project Manager, Highway Design Section, Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, P.O. Box 196900, Anchorage, AK 99519 or by e-mail to by December 20th.

The second public comment opportunity is a joint meeting of the Senate and House Health, Education & Social Services (HESS) Committees regarding ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Department of Health & Social Services (DHSS).

Date: Wednesday, November 5, 2003
Time: 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.
Where: Anchorage Legislative Information Office, 716 W. 4th Avenue

DHSS Commissioner Joel Gilbertson and Deputy Commissioner Marcia Kennai will brief the committees and the public on their work to restructure the department, improve programs, and serve their customers better. You will have the opportunity to speak to committee members about DHSS issues.

For more information about this meeting, or to find out how you can submit your comments in writing, please contact Representative Peggy Wilson, Chair, House HESS Committee, at 1-800-686-3824 or .

Please remember that government agencies need your input if they are going to serve the public effectively. I encourage you to get involved.

# # #

All addresses are "blind" for your privacy. A strict "no spam" policy is observed. If you don’t wish to receive "Legislative Update", just let me know. If you know a friend or neighbor in District 18 who has not received "Legislative Update" but would like to be included, I will be glad to include them if they contact me. Your replies, comments, questions, and/or suggestions are welcome. Constituent comments on legislation and policy issues may be tabulated, shared with other legislators, or quoted in speeches. Names, however, will be kept private.