House District 15/Rep. Mark Neuman

First-term accomplishments noted

First, I would like to thank the citizens of District 15. During the past two years representing this large and diverse district has proved to be exciting and rewarding.

In the last legislative session I was instrumental in making Alaska's laws against sexual assault and predation one of the strictest in the country. This would also include mandatory polygraph testing. Different versions of this law are known as &#8220Jessica's Law.”

I first became involved in this when a concerned grandmother contacted me and asked me to introduce this legislation. This is a perfect example of how I can do my job better through teamwork with you, the public.

Also through public teamwork, I was able to get a bill passed that will force the Office of Children's Services to explain to the people they investigate the reason they are being investigated and provide additional training for their personnel.

I have already pre-filed bills that will address my legislative goals for the upcoming session:

1- Vocational education will be my primary target. I consider this must-pass legislation.

I have spent a lot of time with leaders in education and industry discussing my ideas. I have put together a plan that has been well received by all parties. Industries, including private and organized labor, are more than willing to pay for quality trained employees.

My proposal will create a fund that is financially supported by industry to pay for vo-tech teachers in our schools. This in turn will provide additional funds to the education system without adding costs to the state or boroughs, helping to relieve financial strains such as TERS/PERS.

2- Campaign finance reform. Currently, state law allows political candidates to raise and spend up to $5,000 without any public disclosure. This loophole needs to be closed.

3- A new legislative hall. This bill would allow a new legislative hall to be built in the Mat-Su area. I feel that the public needs better access to their lawmakers.

Some of the capital projects that were approved for District 15 included:

1- For education: $3.85 million for the Su Valley School, other school funds went to Trapper Creek, Houston Middle and High School, Meadow Lakes, Big Lake and Goose Bay schools, along with up to 70 percent state reimbursement for new schools.

2- For public safety: There is a new Alaska State Trooper post that will be opening in the Meadow Lakes area near the end of October. This was a greatly needed project that will go far in making our homes and roads safer. Also, a new fire truck in Big Lake that will save residents an average of $800 per year on their insurance. There were also funds to many other fire departments.

3- Infrastructure: Traffic lights on the Parks and Vine extension, Knik and Fairview Loop intersections, with other smaller road projects from Trapper Creek to Knik. $1.5 million was appropriated to insure we address the shortage of salmon in our streams with a three-year salmon tagging project. This will identify our local stock. Included in these funds is money to provide for a fisherman's satisfaction survey to prove up the value of a sport-caught fish.

These projects and legislative priorities are due to the teamwork that has been established between the citizens, communities and myself, and will continue to grow.

On a personal note, I vow to run a clean political race. Mudslinging and distorted personal attacks should not be tolerated by you, the public.

If you have any questions, ideas, opinions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at 354-7480. Thank you for your consideration.

Rep. Mark Neuman, R-Big Lake, is seeking a second term in the state Legislature.