RE: Resignation of Representative Zach Fansler

Like many others, we were shocked and saddened to learn of the allegations that were reported last week in the Juneau Empire about our boss Zach Fansler. Those allegations came as a surprise to us as Representative Fansler always treated his staff and constituents with respect and professionalism. We feel that he had done his best to serve the people of House District 38.
These are very serious allegations that warrant full and careful consideration, and Mr. Fansler and the victim deserve to have the matter handled within the justice system. We support Speaker Edgmon’s leadership and swift action in addressing the topic of violence against women.
Zach Fansler has submitted his letter of resignation this morning (Feb. 2nd, 2018), which allows the business of the District to get back on track. The next few weeks may be confusing as the selection process for a replacement moves forward, but we are committed to continuing our work in the office to support the communities in House District 38. The office remains open and we will continue to do our best to keep constituents informed and have their legislative and agency issues addressed as the second session of the 30th Alaska State Legislature continues for the next two to three months.
Mary Aparezuk, Michelle Sparck, Jill Yordy, Ben Anderson-Agimuk
District 38 Staff
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE

Valentine’s Day
Well friends, it’s that time of year again – time to step up and show your beloved that you in fact do care and love them.
My wife and I have been married 35 years now and I can tell you there was more than a few near misses on my part. I would often find myself improvising at the last minute or I would plan weeks ahead depending on the results of last year.
Some of my gifts, or shall we say, gestures could be considered romantic and others quirky even if I meant it to be romantic my since of humor tends to surface every time.
My wife doesn’t expect much, just the thought will do. Some years I would go overboard and think to myself, I’ve got a 10 year pass on that one!
But then we get that rutting mode that kicks in around the 14th of February each year and we put on our best romantic charm.
For those of us that tend to blow off Valentines’ Day altogether, you might as well slam your head in a sliding glass door ‘cause you won’t be needing it! P.S. not the big one either!
I found this clip that I wanted to share. It sums it up for y’all
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Please don’t get me anything for Valentine’s Day. I mean it. I don’t need anything. I don’t need you to give me material things to show me how much you love me. I know you love me. That’s all that matters.
I mean, OK, if you really want to do something to show me you love me this Valentine’s Day, you can just make me something. Handmade gifts are the best! I would love nothing more than a thoughtful handmade Tiffany diamond ring or card.
If you do make me a card, you don’t have to write a love poem in it or anything lke that. I don’t need all that mushy stuff. Besides, not many words rhyme with my name. Maybe try love. Dove…glove…in awe of… I don’t want to put words in your mouth.
I for sure don’t need a pretty heart-shaped box of chocolates for Valentine’s Day. You never know what is inside each piece, so you have to take a little bite out of all of them just to find the one you like – which is all of them. But no because I’m trying to not eat sweets, unless it’s a special occasion.
Some women like getting adorable red or pink teddy bears for valentine’s day, you know those that have I love you embroidered on them. But not me! I can’t even imagine where I would keep something like that, besides on my bed or on the couch. I don’t need to go out for a fancy restaurant on Valentine’s Day and there’s no need to make a special romantic candlelit dinner for me at home. I’m fine with leftovers.
Oh, and definitely don’t get me red roses, yuck! Who would want red roses? Pink roses are prettier but please don’t get them for me.
And don’t even think about planning a surprise romantic Valentine’s weekend getaway. How would I pack for a surprise trip? I would have to wear what you packed for me. Like a bikini? Or that blue sweater (in the third drawer on the right) to keep me warm during those chilly February nights in Paris. But I know you and I’m sure you are sensible and know a surprise romantic trip would not be something I would enjoy at all.
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Harry Faulkner Jr.
Bethel, AK

Murkowski Comments on President Trump’s First State of the Union Address
Tonight (Jan. 30th) U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement in response to President Trump’s first State of the Union address.
The President’s vision that he outlined tonight of an America that is safe, strong, and proud is one that all of us should be able to support. I welcome his outreach to members of both parties and the policies he laid out that can draw support, even in a divided nation.
“There was a lot of good in the President’s speech tonight—from gains in our economy to lowering the price of prescription drugs and from fully funding our military to investing in infrastructure and our skilled workforce.
But the President’s best point was more fundamental: we need to work together to solve our country’s problems. Whether it is the opioid epidemic, immigration reform, or rebuilding areas devastated by natural disasters, we must work together to build bipartisan solutions for the American people.
The President outlined a number of areas where we can find bipartisan agreement, and it is now our responsibility to work together and begin building a more united America.”
Senator Lisa Murkowski
Washington D.C.

Protection of subsistence
I hope the folks back home are active in protecting the modern day subsistence threats of the decimation of the Yukon-Kuskokwim fish supply stocks and the poisoning of the Bering Sea food supply. We want to see our traditional lifestyles retained with no reliance on foreign stocks and cash systems and the protection of the upriver neighbors subsistence lifestyle.
Gilbert Keywehak
Mount Pleasant MI