Gatto’s service was invaluable

To the editor:

In this last legislative session our community lost our longtime representative Carl Gatto. His 10 years of service was invaluable to our community. He understood the needs of his constituents and was always visible in our community. Rep. Gatto was a member of the school board, a retired firefighter and a committed supporter of seniors and veterans. Firefighters were always welcome in his office and he made sure the departments were well equipped. Rep. Gatto was proud of his contribution in establishing Palmer’s new senior center that opened last year.

Palmer and the whole of the Mat-Su Valley should be proud of the spirit and connection demonstrated by our delegation following Rep. Gatto’s passing. I would like to add a special thank you to Rep. Bill Stoltze. From his announcement of Carl’s passing on the House floor to the final moment of the session Rep. Stoltze demonstrated commitment and respect to his fellow Representative’s community and budget priorities. Rep. Stoltze took the initiative to insure that, in addition his constituents. Gatto’s constituents also received consideration in the final days of the legislative session.

I also want to make special note to what I witnessed behind the scenes. Rep. Gatto’s aide, Karen Sawyer, a very unpretentious and reserved professional, took extra steps to see that Rep. Gatto was able to participate effectively for as long as possible in the Legislature. Her tireless dedication to not only Rep. Gatto, but also to his constituents is much appreciated.

During these past few weeks our House delegation has been a positive illustration of legislators working together and I am pleased to say these are the people who represent us here in the Mat-Su Valley.

Mayor DeLena Johnson

Palmer