Vic Kohring reflective on last day in office

July 20, 2007

By Russell Stigall/Frontiersman

WASILLA - Rep. Vic Kohring was somber on this last day in office Thursday.

"Best describe it as a feeling of melancholy," Kohring said. "I'm walking away from an office I've worked hard to achieve."

Kohring, R-Wasilla, took time out of his final day to write letters of thanks to his constituents and staff, and said he hopes to be remembered as a leader who helped the people of his district and state.

"That has been the focus of my work these last 12 years, the constituent work,” Kohring said. &#8220I've knocked on many, many doors and that has enabled me to be in touch with my constituents. I'll meet them at their door; this is pretty rare.”

Kohring has spent the last 13 years as a representative for District 14, much of that time in the Legislative Offices on Railroad Avenue in Anchorage. He won seven elections, averaging about 60 percent of the vote.

"I'm surprised I've lasted for 13 years," Kohring said of the job he compared to running back-to-back marathons.

Kohring announced last month he would leave office to fight a federal indictment on charges of bribery and extortion. He faces up to 50 years in prison if convicted

Gov. Sarah Palin has tapped Wes Keller to fill Kohring's seat.

Kohring believes he will be found innocent but understands the gravity of his situation.

"I have been charged with some very serious crimes," Kohring said, adding he is pleased with the replacement Gov. Palin approved.

"[Wes] Keller is a fine human being,” he said. &#8220I have a lot of respect for him.”

Sitting in his office for the last time Thursday, Kohring recalled the recent past as difficult. He had his Wasilla offices raided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in May 2006, at the same time he suffered from personal health issues. Later, Kohring's wife and daughter, who live most of the year in Beaverton, Ore., were injured in an auto accident.

"I'm not complaining, more marveling at it," Kohring said.

Kohring said he has many friends and supporters in the Valley and plans to stay in Alaska.

"I'm Alaskan to the core," Kohring said.

Part-time work takes up some of Kohring's time in the coming months, Kohring said.

"But the primary effort over the next few months is the federal investigation. I had a purpose for announcing my resignation, to make sure I adequately prepare for the trial," Kohring said.

With much of the worry and reflection behind him, Kohring said he is optimistic about the future.

"Once I'm done with investigation the world is wide open," Kohring said. "Maybe even the Legislature again."

Contact Russell Stigall at 352-2267 or russell.stigall@frontiersman.com.