Out of town, not out of touch

Temperatures may be hitting historic lows across Alaska, but there's plenty of work to keep state lawmakers warm when they convene today in Juneau.

From multiple pieces of legislation affecting oil and gas tax credits, to amending the residential requirements for some convicted sex offenders, to creating a Susitna State Forest, legislators have much to debate and discuss before the session closes April 15.

History tells us that since it's an election year, difficult decisions, especially ones about revenue and spending, are likely to be deferred. But, as is always the case, much depends on voters. All of us need to live up to our part of the bargain made when we elected these state senators and representatives.

They can't effectively be our voices if they don't know what we want them to say. And just because they're in Juneau for the next 90 days doesn't mean the door is closed on providing that input.

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.

Residents have a lot at stake during this legislative session. With so many options at hand, there is no excuse for not making your voice heard.

Contact information for individual legislators is listed below.

SEN. CHARLIE HUGGINS

State Capitol Room 423, Juneau, AK 99801

Phone: (907) 465-3878

Fax: (907) 465-3265

E-mail: Senator_Charlie_ Huggins@legis.state.ak.us

SEN. LINDA MENARD

State Capitol Room 9, Juneau, AK 99801

Phone: (907) 465-6600

Fax: (907) 465-3805

E-mail: Senator_Linda_Menard@legis.state.ak.us

REP. ERIC FEIGE

State Capitol Room 126, Juneau, AK 99801

Phone: (907) 465-4859

Fax: (907) 465-3799

E-mail: Representative_Eric_ Feige @legis.state.ak.us

REP. CARL GATTO

State Capitol Room 118, Juneau, AK 99801

Phone: (907) 465-3743

Fax: (907) 465-2381

E-mail: Representative_Carl_ Gatto @legis.state.ak.us

REP. WES KELLER

State Capitol Room 432, Juneau, AK 99801

Phone: (907) 465-2186

Fax: (907) 465-3818

E-mail: Representative_Wes_ Keller @legis.state.ak.us

REP. MARK NEUMAN

State Capitol Room 513, Juneau, AK 99801

Phone: (907) 465-2679

Fax: (907) 465-4822

E-mail: Representative_Mark _Neuman@legis.state.ak.us

REP. BILL STOLTZE

State Capitol Room 515, Juneau, AK 99801

Phone: (907) 465-4958

Fax: (907) 465-4928

E-mail: Representative_Bill_ Stoltze @legis.state.ak.us