Let your voice be heard

As Americans, we pride ourselves on our form of government. Our democracy has been the standard for the rest of the world nearly since its inception, and few countries have been able to duplicate it with the same success we have.

But democracy requires nurturing and constant vigilance. It does not stand on its own, and it should never be taken for granted.

Low voter turnout and seeming lack of interest in the process work insidiously to chip away at our democracy. Alaska is not immune to this.

But Alaska is in an enviable position when it comes to our state government. Perhaps it is because of our small population and sense of shared pride in living together in this American outpost, far from the rest of the country, that we have better access to our elected officials. They are, after all, our friends, neighbors and co-workers.

Although we send them into the geographic isolation of Juneau for 90 days every year, our state legislators are never really far from home. For the next two weekends, they won’t be far at all.

So if you’re wondering what the latest news is on oil taxes, or what is being done to ensure a supply of natural gas to keep the lights on, our homes warm and businesses operational, you’ll have a chance to weigh in and be a part of the discussion yourself. Most of the Mat-Su delegation will be available to the public for two meetings to discuss major issues facing the state and the Legislature this year.

The first meeting is scheduled for Saturday at Snowshoe Elementary School in Wasilla. Sens. Charlie Huggins and Fred Dyson will be joined by Reps. Bill Stoltze, Mark Neuman and Lynn Gattis for the noon gathering. On Feb. 23, it will be Sens. Huggins and Mike Dunleavy, along with Reps. Gattis and Shelley Hughes for a 10 a.m. meeting at the Legislative Information Office in Wasilla.

There are many pressing issues facing Alaskans these days. Meetings like these foster inclusivity and afford everyone an opportunity to have their voices heard.

We appreciate that legislators take time out of their busy schedules to stay in touch with those who elected them. We encourage everyone to attend and share their concerns. After all, democracy is not a spectator sport.

What: Town Hall Meeting

Where: Snowshoe Elementary School, 2001 W. Fairview Loop, Wasilla

When: Saturday, noon to 2 p.m.

Who: Sens. Charlie Huggins and Fred Dyson, Reps. Bill Stoltze, Mark Neuman and Lynn Gattis

What: Town Hall Meeting

Where: Wasilla Legislative Information Office, 600 E. Railroad Ave.

When: Feb. 23, 10 a.m. to noon

Who: Sens. Charlie Huggins and Mike Dunleavy, Reps. Lynn Gattis and Shelley Hughes