Safe and Sound?

WASILLA — The Dunleavy administration attempted to quell fears of insufficient infrastructure and security at his special session set to begin July 8 at Wasilla Middle School during a visit to the school Friday morning.

While many questions directed to Deputy Chief of Staff Jeremy Price were yet to be determined and often ultimately up to the decision of the Legislative Affairs Agency, Price gave the media a tour of WMS, which could house the operations of the legislature unless Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s call to a special session is prevented by prior action from the Legislature.

Among the concerns listed by Legislative Affairs were the lack of hardline telephones for legal consultation during floor sessions, no audio privacy safeguards for discussions during at-eases, a lack of press area and insufficient space in general to house 60 legislators, their staff, and the public. Dunleavy was insistent that giving road-system access to legislators for the majority of Alaska’s population would be a positive influence on the session centered around the Permanent Fund Dividend. Price had proposed that the legislature could convene floor sessions in both the large and small gym. Price said that it was possible to seal off one wing of the school from the other, keeping elected officials on one side and the members of the public on the other for security reasons.

Each of the 40 classrooms have interior latch locks, and the egresses can all be locked simultaneously from a remote location in case of a security threat. While the school has 40 classrooms, each legislator could theoretically have their own office space as the building does contain 60 "office-like" spaces as described by Mat-Su Borough School District Facilities Manager Tony Weese.

Walking inside of a science classroom complete with chairs, tables, and a promethean board, Price described the classrooms as an "optimal solution" for legislative office space. Price also proposed the cafeteria as a large space for legislative gatherings and mentioned that the cafeteria was equipped to serve food.

Rep. David Eastman mentioned the wide variety of fast food options immediately available in Wasilla. Dunleavy’s office will not be located in the principal’s office, where security displays of surveillance cameras are. The cameras are not located in each classroom, but along hallways and each gym. Dunleavy’s Press Secretary Matt Shuckerow said that the Governor’s office was “willing to accommodate in any way we can.”

No cost analysis was given at the press conference, but some estimates have been as high as $1 million. Price did mention a nominal janitorial fee that would be incurred, but said that previous estimates were grossly overcalculated by assuming the Menard Sports Complex as the destination, which comes with a fee. Price and the Dunleavy administration were able to work with MSBSD to select WMS at no cost. Price assured media that the school came complete with copiers, microphones, a new sound system and two drop-down screens in the large gym. Cottle proudly mentioned that Wasilla High was also available, which houses roughly 1,200 students and the 24,000 square foot library with 60 computers and two additional meeting rooms.

“I don’t know what we can’t do, so there’s no reason not to come here. My hope is that they don’t just gavel in and gavel out,” Cottle said.

The Middle School shares a parking lot with Brett Memorial Ice Arena, which will have programs for learning to skate and hockey leagues running in to July, and the Library. Price mentioned that there is nowhere to park in downtown Juneau, making it inaccessible to large groups. Cottle also lauded the infrastructure in the Valley. The Wasilla airport will be the weekend home of 250 small aircraft for the Wings Over Wasilla airshow. Cottle also proudly stated that Wasilla hosts the largest wrestling tournament in the state and has hosted state volleyball and hockey. Cottle said that 33,000 cars a day travel past Wasilla Lake, and that there should be no traffic issue if the legislature convenes at WMS. Mat-Su Borough Manager John Moosey did not forsee a major economic advantage for the Mat-Su Borough while the legislature is in Wasilla.

“We really want them there. We think we can be great hosts to them and as borough manager, I’m excited that there’s an opportunity to come so they could explore and see the Mat-Su Borough,” Moosey said.

Moosey said that the legislature should not cause a problem for school starting in the fall. If legislators finish the session on their 30th day on August 8, that gives WMS staff roughly one week to prepare for students.

“We think this is a great opportunity to show off the Mat-Su Borough,” Moosey said.