Out of sight shouldn't mean out of mind

The first session of the 25th Alaska Legislature gets gaveled in to action today. Members of the local legislative delegation are back in Juneau, faced with a slew of prefiled bills and the usual assortment of big-picture issues.

Coming off a pivotal election year, in which clear messages were sent by voters, lawmakers have some work ahead of them. Closing a decent gas pipeline deal that has the potential to benefit Alaskans for future generations is, without a doubt, the biggest ticket item on the Legislature's agenda this session. But that's hardly the only order of business.

Voters in November were clear about the need for meaningful ethics reform. It's been an issue that has lingered for at least two years, with majority legislators unwilling to make it a priority.

That should change now. With a new governor who made issues of ethics a cornerstone of her campaign, and a host of prefiled bills that address different pieces of the ethics reform puzzle, it appears that there is positive momentum afoot and that lawmakers will roll up their sleeves and take care of business this session.

The trail of history is littered with the refuse of abandoned campaign promises. Voters have a lot at stake here. It is up to them to keep their elected officials honest, accountable and on task.

Alaska presents many geographic challenges to residents, and the distance between here and the capital is one of them. But just because legislators are far away, does not have to mean they are out of reach.

Thanks to the wonders of modern technology, it is easier than ever for concerned citizens to make their feelings known to their elected officials and to keep up with information coming out of Juneau.

Much is available from the comfort of home for those with a computer. The Legislature's Web page, found at http://w3.legis.state.ak.us, has links to legislators, bills, teleconference and committee schedules and so much more, including the Public Opinion Message System, which allows users to send a 50-word message to a legislator, committee or caucus.

Public opinion messages can also be hand-written and filed at the local Legislative Information Office, 600 E. Railroad Ave. in Wasilla. Befitting its name, the LIO, open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., is a veritable information clearinghouse, as well as a place for residents to go to listen to or provide testimony during a teleconferenced hearing. For more information, call 376-3704.

Contact information for Mat-Su legislators is also listed on this page in every edition.

As ever, Alaskans have much to be concerned about during this legislative session. With so many options at hand, there is no excuse for not making your voice heard.