(ANCHORAGE) - Senate Majority members have confirmed the Governor's appointee, Bert Stedman, of Sitka, as the replacement for Senate District A. Senator Robin Taylor resigned his seat September 14. Stedman, 47, is a lifelong Alaskan who grew up in Petersburg and Sitka. He currently is the owner and operator of Pioneer Capital, a financial services firm, in Sitka.

Majority members met Wednesday with Stedman. Since then, all members have signed a letter of confirmation that has been sent to the Governor. Stedman is excited about coming aboard and says, "Southeast Alaska has a bright future in front of it. I will work to see that we seize the opportunities presented to our communities." Senate Majority members look forward to working with him on issues confronting Southeast Alaska during the upcoming legislative session. Lieutenant Governor Loren Leman has been asked to perform Stedman's Swearing In Ceremony in Sitka. No date has been set for the ceremony.

Senator Fred Dyson (R-Eagle River) will replace Taylor's position on the Senate Finance Committee. No other committee appointments have been made at this time. Taylor also sat on the Community and Regional Affairs Committee and chaired the Joint Legislative Council Committee.

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