Sen. Scott Ogan is friend and man of integrity

Spectrum, by Howard Bess

Sen. Scott Ogan has been taking a public beating recently. Seems his involvement with Evergreen Resources has come under scrutiny, and the discussions have not always been rational or civil. Scott is an enthusiastic advocate of shallow gas well development and has sponsored legislation to facilitate development. Everyone should regret the tone of some of the exchanges. The need for repentance is widespread.

I consider Scott Ogan a good friend. Not just a friend, but a good friend. He is a person with whom I can have good conversation even in the midst of our fundamental disagreements.

I got to know Scott very well when in 2000 I was his Democratic opponent for the House seat that he held for eight years before moving over to the State Senate. As soon as we were past the primary we met together and talked about the conduct of the campaign. We agreed that we would not make personal attacks on each other. Not once in the campaign did we break that promise.

Scott and I had plenty to talk about without attacking one another. We disagreed on just about everything. In the election he beat me badly. On the other hand, I did about as well in the Valley as I could considering that I was a pro-choice, gay-friendly, legalize-marijuana, raise-taxes candidate.

In the long list of our differences, the one notable area of agreement was about gay rights. At one of our forums, he made it plain that he had a lesbian niece and that he believed she should have exactly the same legal rights as every other citizen. He made his statement before an audience that was clearly hostile toward my gay-friendly position. I report this simply to indicate an example of Scott's willingness to state unpopular convictions that he might have.

With Scott Ogan we always know what to expect. He is what he is and believes what he believes.

Back in 2000 he was talking about shallow gas well development with excitement. People who believe that Scott sneaked one in on us have not done their homework.

Scott started to do work for Evergreen as a consultant and made no secret about the relationship. He and I had conversations about his work for Evergreen. He did work for Evergreen. Evergreen paid him for the work. He has not done anything illegal. Whether or not the relationship was wise is certainly open for debate. In my mind his work for Evergreen cannot be called unethical since he was completely open about the relationship.

I see absolutely no difference between Scott's work for Evergreen and a doctor/legislator working on legislation that will benefit the doctor financially. Lawyer/legislators have serious potential of conflicts of interest as they make legislation.

Realtor/legislators do not hesitate to support legislation that benefits their profession.

I ask "Why the rage over Scott working for Evergreen and not about the conflicts of others?" I suspect that every person who has ever served in our Legislature has conflicts every bit as significant as Scott's.

It so happens that I disagree completely with Scott's advocacy for shallow gas well development in the Valley. It is an industry that we simply do not need. If Scott and I were sharing a platform, he and I would be totally on opposite sides of the debate.

The manner in which some of the public discourse about shallow gas well development has been done is embarrassing to thoughtful citizens. Opponents should speak up and let their objections be known. However, to demonize Sen. Scott Ogan and to question his integrity is unacceptable.

Scott's outburst at the Palmer Chamber of Commerce was unfortunate. I personally do not believe in fighting fire with fire. Too many people get burned. The public should not be surprised that Scott reacted to the viscous, inexcusable name calling and vilification that has taken place.

When at home, Scott takes my phone calls. When in session and I am in Juneau, Scott welcomes me into his office and we have good, serious conversation.

Scott Ogan in my book is a fine man and a good friend. The fact that we have very big differences of opinion will not change that reality.

Let's go from this point and have good debate about the merits of shallow gas well development. Let's be civil and thoughtful as we do so.

Howard Bess is the pastor of Church of the Covenant, a Baptist church located in Palmer. He is a community activist and an ardent Democrat.