Greetings from Capitol Hill, Juneau,

I am writing you from my new Senate office in the Capitol. It has been an exciting two weeks getting settled in my apartment, office and new position in the Senate. I am Chair of the Senate Resources Committee and serve as Vice-Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Many people asked me before session started if I was excited to be going to Juneau. My response was generally "not really". The reason for that response was mostly due to leaving my family behind, leaving the job I really like, and missing my home and friends in the Valley.

Now that I am here, I am excited, as we have a new governor with a new agenda. I have told many people it will be nice to go into the governor's office for something besides being yelled at. I still cannot get used to the feeling of visiting on the third floor (governor's floor) and seeing friends everywhere I go. It will be a positive and constructive relationship.

The governor's State of the State speech was a real inspiration. Oh, what a change a new governor can make! I am very optimistic about our state's future. It is such a wonderful change to have a leader that articulated pro-development positions I have strongly held for years. We have a tall order ahead of us with some serious fiscal problems. However, with Governor Murkowski's leadership, I think we can turn this state around.

Governor Murkowski is committed to managing our fish and game rather than capitulating to animal rights activists. I am very encouraged by his appointments to the game board, and I am keeping a close watch on the appointees to the fish board.

The legislative agenda is predictably slow to start. With a new administration and a new legislature seated, the pace will be slow to build. However, I expect a full plate as soon as the governor and the legislature develop their agendas.

We have started a Mat-Su Valley Caucus. The objective is to communicate with each other to make sure that the valley issues and needs are met. This has been a very effective model for the Fairbanks region. We have an expanded Valley Caucus this year with Representatives Bill Stoltze (Chugiak/ Mat-Su), Carl Gatto (Palmer), Vic Kohring (Wasilla), Beverly Masek (Willow), and John Harris (Valdez). Senators Gene Therriault (North Pole), Lyda Green (Wasilla) and me as members. Senator Fred Dyson and Representative Nancy Dahlstrom, both from Eagle River, have been invited to join us as well. Working together as a team, we shall be effective.

I plan to be in the valley on Saturday, February 15, for a town meeting. The meeting is scheduled for 12 Noon - 2 PM at the Legislative Information Office in Wasilla and 4 - 6 PM in Eagle River in the meeting room above Garcia's Restaurant. Please mark your calendar if you wish to attend, and let us know your concerns with your government.

It was great seeing many of you at the Inaugural Ball in Palmer. I have never seen so many valley folks looking so good. Thanks to all who attended. I am sorry the governor could not make it due to weather conditions. I was fortunate because I left early in the morning before the fog closed in. Juneau has had the worst year ever for planes not getting in due to fog.

Keep in touch. I will strive to do the same.

Senator Scott Ogan
District H
Twenty-third Alaska State Legislature

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