(Juneau) The Juneau office of Sen. Bert Stedman (R-Sitka) is open, staffed and working on behalf of its District A constituents.

Lifelong Alaskan and Sitka resident Bert K. Stedman was appointed by Gov. Frank Murkowski to replace Robin Taylor on Nov. 20, 2003.

"The welcome we've received in Juneau has been incredible. I speak for the entire staff when I say we're excited and honored to be given an opportunity to work on behalf of Southeast and the entire State of Alaska," Stedman said.

Stedman said he will focus this session on addressing the immediate needs of the district-protecting jobs, driving economic growth, responding to the downturn in the fishing industry and upgrading the Southeast region's transportation infrastructure. In addition he will work closely with his Senate and House colleagues to address statewide issues, the most immediate of which is the State's fiscal gap.

Stedman chairs the Community & Regional Affairs Committee and sits on the State Affairs Committee and Joint Salmon Industry Task Force. He serves on the Finance subcommittees for the departments of Administration; Community & Economic Development; Education & Early Development; Labor & Workforce Development; and Military & Veteran's Affairs. He is an Alaska Legislative representative to the Pacific Fisheries Legislative Task Force and the Western States Legislative Forestry Task Force.

Stedman's staff includes Miles Baker, Ian Fisk and Dick Coose. All three are available to help resolve constituent problems. Baker serves as aide to the Community & Regional Affairs Committee and covers transportation, commerce and tourism policy. Fisk is State Affairs Committee aide and oversees fisheries, judiciary and marine transportation policy. Coose covers forestry, timber and other related resource issues.

Stedman is a 1985 graduate of the University of Oregon's College of Business Administration. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in Finance. He has been self-employed in the financial services industry in Sitka since 1986 doing business as Pioneer Capital Management. He spent his early career fishing commercially out of Petersburg and working in the heavy construction trade in Sitka.

Stedman will open his main district office in Ketchikan at the conclusion of this year's legislative session in May.

Stedman's Juneau office is Room 30 in the State Capitol. Address mail to Senator Bert Stedman; State Capitol; Juneau, AK 99801-1182. His Juneau office number is 907-465-3873 or toll free 877-463-3873. His Juneau Fax is 907-465-3922. Stedman's district office in May will be 50 Front Street; Ketchikan, AK 99901. The Ketchikan phone number is 907-225-8088 and Fax is 907-225-0713. His email address is Senator_Bert_Stedman@legis.state.ak.us

Senate District A includes the Southeast Alaska communities of Ketchikan, Sitka, Petersburg, Wrangell, Pelican, Elfin Cove, Port Alexander, Saxman, Meyers Chuck, Thorne Bay, Coffman Cove and Hollis.

STAFF BIOGRAPHIES

Miles Baker
Miles Baker was born in New Orleans and came to Juneau in 1969. He moved to Anchorage in 1975 and graduated from West High School. Miles began his career as a Logistics Officer in the United States Marine Corps and attained the rank of Captain. Most recently, he has been working as a strategic marketing and business development consultant in the media and communications industry. He has been Director of Strategic Initiatives for NBC Entertainment in Burbank, a National Sales Director within the music division of Bertelsmann and a Client Partner with technology consulting firm iXL Enterprises. He holds a BS in Ocean Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis and an MBA from UCLA's Anderson School of Business. He is a member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) and the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS). Miles enjoys music, skiing, cooking and international travel.

Ian Fisk
Ian Fisk was born in Anchorage, Alaska and has been a Juneau resident since 1981. Ian is a commercial fisherman, who has also spent the past six winters working for the Alaska State Legislature. When the Legislature is not is session, he fishes for salmon, halibut, black cod and shrimp throughout Southeast Alaska. In addition to his understanding of the fishing industry, he is well versed in the legislative process. Ian began working for the Legislature in 1998 as a member of the Senate Floor staff and was Sergeant-at-Arms for two sessions. Prior to joining Senator Stedman's staff, Ian worked as a legislative aide to both Senator Alan Austerman and Representative Dan Ogg of Kodiak. He holds a BS in Geography from the University of Oregon. An avid hockey player, Ian also enjoys sailing, deer hunting, reading and traveling.

Dick Coose
Dick Coose has lived in Southeast Alaska since June 1980 and has been a Ketchikan resident for over 16 years. Dick has been an active participant in Ketchikan Borough government. He served two 3-year terms on the Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly (1997-2003) and has been a member of the Ketchikan Borough planning commission. Dick retired from the US Forest Service with 34 years service, 14 of which were in Southeast Alaska including 7 as the Ketchikan District Ranger. He is currently the State Chair of the Alaska Society of American Foresters. Dick is active in the Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce, served on the board of directors for 8 years and as Chamber President in 2000. In addition, he is an officer of the Ketchikan Lions Club and acting as Lion's coordinator for Ketchikan's 4th of July celebration. He holds a BS in Forest Management from the University of Missouri. Dick is married with two daughters and five grandchildren all living in Ketchikan.

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