(Wasilla) - Senator Scott Ogan (R- Rural Mat-Su/Chugiak) reaffirmed his strong commitment to protect the interests of his constituents.

Senator Ogan vowed to hold any company that operates in the Mat-Su region to the highest standards in the industry. "I will terminate my consulting position for Evergreen Resources (Alaska) Corp. if there is any culpable disregard by Evergreen for the health, safety or property rights of my constituents." He went further to say, "I will use the power of my office to run out of this state any company that violates this principle based on sound scientific review."

When asked about a potential conflict of interest in consulting for a company that wants to operate in his district, Ogan replied, "I must be satisfied that their operations would have the same benign impact if it was developed on my land; in other words, do unto others what you would have them do unto you."

In regard to working outside of his legislative duties, he cited the following Alaska Statute:

AS 24.60.010 (4) a part-time citizen legislature implies that legislators are expected and permitted to earn outside income and that the rules governing legislators' conduct during and after leaving public service must be clear, fair, and as complete as possible; the rules, however, should not impose unreasonable or unnecessary burdens that will discourage citizens from entering or staying in governmental service;

"As a citizen legislator, I have always affirmed that I bring a private sector perspective to government." Ogan went on to say, "Most legislators only talk of diversifying the economy and encouraging private sector development." He paraphrased Teddy Roosevelt with this comment, "I would rather fail while daring greatly, than be with those cold and timid souls that knows neither victory nor defeat."

Ogan made these statements before traveling to Houston, Texas on Tuesday to prepare for assuming the chairmanship of the Energy Council later this month.

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