Speaker of the House Mike Chenault(R – 29) and Representative Kurt Olson(R – 30) took turns addressing topics at a town hall meeting attended by around 40 people Saturday morning.
Chenault addressed the seeming conflict over House Bill 132 between Governor Bill Walker and himself, saying that they are often around each other and friendly.
Speaker Chenault(R-Nikiski): “I’m hoping that we can finally come to an agreement on what we’re doing there as a state and what the meaning of it is and if we can do that, maybe we can move forward on other things.”
HB 132 is the bill introduced by Chenault which limits participation by Alaska Gasline Development Corporation in an alternate gas line.
At the town hall meeting he said the bill still offers sensible ways for the state to get out if the Alaska LNG Project were not to develop in the next few years including if one partner pulls out of the deal or if there is still no Front End Engineering Design by July 1, 2017.
Another popular topic of the day, marijuana. Peninsula residents spoke to the representatives in support, as well as doctors and nurses speaking to their fears of the new legalization.
Education and Fish were also brooched but in passing and Olson said he was surprised there were not more teachers who attended, although with the lack of volume in the Trans Alaska Pipeline System he stated that the teachers “know there is no money”.
Olson also said he thinks they may go into a special session…
Rep. Olson(R-Soldotna): “The difference between an extended session and a special session is with an extended session, anything can be brought up. On a special session, if we bring it up, we have to outline what the topics are if they Governor makes the call, he’ll specifically list 1 to 5 or 8 items that have to be addressed.”