Citizen legislators

It seems like the moment folks file for elected office they turn into politicians. When Gov. Murkowski wanted to use the PFD to fund government, forming the Conference of Alaskans, I was one of those 55 Alaskans. I met Jay Hammond there. During that event I often asked, where is the average Alaskan? It was obvious that the deck was stacked by folks who already wanted to do that.

I must have got noticed . The last day that you could sign up to get your name on the ballot I get a call . Fellow convinces me to spend 30 bucks. I won that first election with 1300 bucks. My first contribution was from the Hammonds. Along with a note signed by Jay saying I was a good guy. It hangs on my wall. He often coached me. Take the high road. Talk about what you can do.

As a state legislator I understand that we all have our own way. For me just trying to be a guy from Big Lake serving in a citizen based legislature is an honor. There are plenty of politicians.

I remember when we were homeschooling our kids. Seemed the state was trying to kill homeschooling. As an upset dad I called the commissioner of education. He told me if I didn’t like the rules than change them. My first comittee chair was education. We changed the rules. I have also had the honor to carry legislation such as expanding the castle doctrine to wherever you have a right to be.

I have never gone out to dinner with a lobbyist or other group. My policy is if you want to visit make an appointment for my office. My point in all this is that where are the average Alaskans? Where are the folks who represent the majority?

The folks who’s biggest concern is putting food on the table, the heat on, keeping the family vehicles going. I see plenty of legislators with a phone in each hand. Facebook and Twitter is the priority for them.

The worst is legislators that do not realize that they are the people’s voices on the people’s floor. They gave up that right when they asked you to be your voice. Or legislators that lie. Used to be that all you had was your word. Now it seems that as long as they will give you a vote today that is all that matters.

I’m proud to do my best to be just a guy from Big Lake serving as a citizen legislator.

Mark Neuman represents Big Lake in the Alaska State House.