Working group works for all

The Alaska State Senate is unique in that it’s made up of 10 Republicans and 10 Democrats. Voters determined the make-up of the Senate at the polls, and most senators chose to make it even more unique.

Before I came aboard, Sen. Charlie Huggins and Sen. Lyda Green created the Bi-Partisan Working Group made up of Republicans and Democrats that puts aside partisan differences – and bickering – to better Alaska for the people we serve.

In his opening remarks after gaveling in Jan. 18, Senate President Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, said: “I can’t believe it was an accident that Alaskans chose to elect 10 Democrats and 10 Republicans two years ago to the state Senate. And I believe even more that it was not by chance that the Alaskan voters once again did the same thing this past election. I believe it was a thoughtful and meaningful election and that Alaskans have great expectations of us to get along, to work across party lines and to accomplish important and wise public policy. We have organized in a very similar way this session, with a 16-member majority caucus and a four-member minority caucus. … With enormous civility and cooperation, each of us as an Alaska state senator represents some 30,000 Alaskans, both adults and children, both conservatives and liberals. Further, every Alaskan is represented here in this chamber, every Alaskan has a senator they can call on who will respond to their questions and needs. We may disagree … [but] Alaskans expect us to find solutions that work, that [respect] the rights of all Alaskans. When you visit our federal Congress, you see the aisle that divides Republicans from Democrats. You see the same thing in many state legislatures, but not here in Alaska. Our state Senate has no such division. Virtually every senator, when they look to their left or right, will find a member of the other party.”

It occurred to me that no matter what our political ideologies, we truly represent all our constituents — Republican, Democrat, Independent, Libertarian, etc. — and I certainly take in the views and opinions of all Alaskans. Some legislators refuse to admit or embrace this. I don’t like that. The working group uses the age-old art of collaboration to work through complex policy issues and leave partisanship behind.

Make no mistake in thinking this means a total compromise of principals. Every member of the working group comes from different backgrounds and brings a certain skill set and knowledge to the Senate. Each bill has to undergo a rigorous committee process, it has to make it past both houses and be signed by the governor to avoid his veto pen. Committee chairmanships are comprised of both party affiliations, with Senate leadership comprised of three Republicans and two Democrats.

I know there have been concerns from some in the Mat-Su that the Bi-Partisan Working Group has a political slant in the direction not aligned with many Valley voters. I don’t think that is true, and legislation from the 26th Alaska Legislature that passed both houses proves it. For instance, House Bill 186, sponsored by former Rep. Mike Kelly, R-Fairbanks, passed the Senate with 15 of 16 working group members voting yea, including Democrats. The bill exempts all firearms, accessories and ammunition that is manufactured in Alaska, and that remains in Alaska from federal regulation. The working group voted to pass a resolution by Rep. Bill Stoltze, R-Chugiak, that urged the U.S. Congress not to enact cap and trade legislation. A multitude of examples like these two exist.

It’s no secret that political discourse on the national level doesn’t always maintain its civility. It never really has. History has shown that throughout our great nation’s lifetime, differences have bubbled over into heated rhetoric and hurtful pronouncements. But you don’t find that in Alaska. What you find in the Senate Bi-Partisan Working Group are 16 senators who maintain the camaraderie and human decency to be statesmen and stateswomen. They show up to do a job and leave the grandstanding and partisanship behind. Working with the other side doesn’t have to be toxic. We are all Alaskans, all Americans, and you never know where a great idea will originate; I yearn to support great ideas.

Article I, Section 2 of the Alaska Constitution are words I live by: “All political power is inherent in the people. All government originates with the people, is founded upon their will only, and is instituted solely for the good of the people as a whole.”

Sen. Linda Menard represents District G in the Alaska Legislature.