New Web site gives inside look at state affairs

There is no shortage of options for folks interested in finding out more about how their state government is working for them. Newspapers, magazines, television and talk radio offer a wide array of perspectives, some more credible than others.

Add to the mix a freshly launched Web site by two-term former Republican legislator Andrew Halcro, www.andrewhalcro.com. The Anchorage resident made a name for himself in his four years in the Legislature as a bright intelligent and independent voice for the people of Alaska.

As such, he often found himself at odds with his party and its leaders. But Halcro's highest priority always was doing the right thing for the state and its people, even if that meant being marginalized by his majority colleagues.

Halcro's Web site, a personal political blog, offers a comprehensive look at the 41-year-old who is likely to launch an independent bid for governor next year. He offers literate, well-observed commentary on the problems facing the state, as well as common-sense solutions to those problems.

Each opinion piece is interactive, giving readers the opportunity to weigh in themselves on what Halcro writes about. In the Web site's centerpiece essay, &#8220A new day for independence in Alaska politics,” Halcro explains his reasons for launching the site:

&#8220The federal deficit is out of control, ethical behavior has become a scarcity and mismanagement has become a constant. As a registered Republican since I was old enough to vote, I'm dismayed.

So after four years of serving in the legislature … and a combined seven years of engaging the public in conversation about the direction of Alaska, it's time to offer a forum for Alaskans to start talking to one another rather than at one another. It's time for independent thought.”

Never one to shy away from difficult decisions, Halcro is steadfast in his belief that business as usual is no longer good enough for the state:

&#8220In 1994, so-called conservative politicians were also swept into power in Alaska by a growing anti-government sentiment. Most got elected by promising a drastic reduction of government.

What's happened over the last two years is that these same conservative politicians, (who have now become career politicians living off of government) have presided over the greatest expansion of state spending in over twenty years.”

He beats a steady drum of support for a new direction in planning for the state's future, and is a tirelessly vocal advocate of meaningful ethics legislation and campaign finance reform. Indeed, his essays about ethical issues, which include discussion of controversial state Sen. Ben Stevens and power broker VECO, are among the most compelling - and frightening.

&#8220During the current administration, Alaska's campaign finance and ethics laws have become increasingly weakened at the expense of the public good. In three short years, the governor has doubled campaign donation amounts, limited the amount of public disclosure from individuals lobbying government and even attempted to bring back corporate soft money. And if you want to question any of it, God help you.”

There's even a section on Mat-Su politics and issues of interest to Valley voters. It's must-read material for anyone who wants to be an informed voter.

Like Sarah Palin, Halcro has emerged as part of the vanguard of a new generation of energetic problem-solving Alaska leaders. His Web site is worth a look.