Sen. Stoltze was a tireless fighter for his constituents

We were saddened to hear the news Wednesday that Bill Stoltze won’t seek re-election to the Alaska Senate this year.

The Alaska Legislature won’t be the same without Sen. Stoltze. Although he’s served in Juneau since 2002, Stoltze has been hanging around the halls of the capitol for much longer than that. In fact, he’s spent much of his adult life as a political insider, putting in 20 years as a legislative aide before being elected to the State House.

Like any politician, Stoltze has had his share of critics over the years for his policy positions, but he’s never once been questioned for his commitment to the sprawling and diverse community he serves. A Chugiak boy through and through, Stoltze has never neglected his constituents here in the Mat-Su Valley. He’s as likely to turn up at a Butte Community Council meeting as a Mat-Su Miners game, and his ball cap-covered head is an ever-present site at Alaska Baseball League games throughout the summer.

Behind the scenes, Stoltze has developed a well-deserved reputation as a dogged budget brawler, and over the past two decades you’d be hard pressed to find a more influential person in state politics. Known for his down-home, folksy manner and razor sharp wit, Stoltze has been one of the most influential members of the Legislature since his arrival in the State House more 14 years ago.

Despite his massive influence, Stoltze has always spent time supporting causes that are dear to his heart, including Special Olympics, a charity with which he has an intimate and personal connection.

Stoltze has been a tireless advocate for the Mat-Su Valley and its people during his time representing us in Juneau, and it appears that enthusiasm has finally caught up with him. Although he’s not facing any imminent health crisis, the 54-year-old diabetic admitted during a speech to colleagues on the Senate floor that he can no longer maintain the energy needed to do the job full speed.

That’s a shame. While many have taken Stoltze to task over the bills he’s championed or the positions he’s espoused in Juneau, there can be no doubt that the former high school wrestler was a fighter for those who sent him to Southeast to represent their interests.

We wish Sen. Stoltze well in his retirement from the Legislature, and hope for the best in whatever his future may hold. And since the lifelong Alaskan doesn’t appear to be going anywhere, we look forward to seeing his face in the stands even more once baseball season rolls around this summer.

Good luck, Bill. You’ll be missed.