Public forum on AGIA great place to learn

I attended a portion of the AGIA (Alaska Gasline Inducement Act) Alaska Gasline Determination Public Forum on Thursday, May 29, and was impressed by the quality of information provided by Governor Palin and her administration. The purpose of the forum is to provide an opportunity for legislators and the public to understand the recent AGIA decision, to explain the basis and rationale for the commissioner’s findings and determination, present the analysis and results prepared by expert consultants and allow interaction between legislators, the public and the expert consultants.

I also applaud the attendance of the many legislators who participated in this important event to educate themselves on the very complex issue of building Alaska’s gas pipeline.

Those legislators who chose to be absent have certainly missed an opportunity to inform themselves on the most critical issue that will ever come before them. Our legislators have an obligation to us, their constituents, to be prepared and informed before they head to Juneau for special session.

My thanks to Governor Palin and her administration for preparing a high-quality forum, and to our legislators who attended.

Sharon Benson

Palmer