Bill Walker and Byron Mallott named two co-chairs to their transition team today at 1 pm.
First Walker clarified why the team was being created.
Walker: “We’re talking about a transition team not because we know anything different than what you know, about the vote tally or the outcome, we’re constitutionally bound to be sworn in on December 1 and we need to be prepared for that so we’re going down this path because we don’t have a choice even though we don’t know the final outcome of the election it seems to appear to be prudent, we’re doing what we’re doing because that’s what we’re required to do by Alaska’s constitution.”
He then introduced the first co-chair, Ana Hoffman, who was born and raised in Bethel, has attained a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Stanford University and a masters in rural development from UAF, and has served at the CEO President of the Bethel Native Corporation since 2006.
Hoffman: “I look forward to working with Bill and Byron and the other co-chair as well and addressing the many important issues facing Alaska after this transition process.”
Mallott introduced former Alaskan Senate President Rick Halford who is from southcentral Alaska, and a registered guide who has a passion for flying.
Mallott: “I know that he is known throughout Alaska, a man of integrity, a man who is very thoughtful in considering the full range of Alaskan public policy issues, again, Bill and I are so honored to have someone with the credentials of Rick Halford to serve as co-chair of the Walker Mallott transition team.”