Recently-elected Alaska House District 36 Representative Dan Ortiz paid Wrangell a visit Tuesday, meeting with Mayor David Jack and Borough Manager Jeff Jabusch at City Hall that afternoon.
Since the Nov. 4 election, Ortiz explained he has been connecting with his constituent communities, and gathering input for setting goals for the next legislative session when it starts in January. As Wrangell's future representative, he said three local projects stood out.
The first was final phasing for the Wrangell Marine Service Center, which is expected to cost $4 million. Finding funding to fix the public swimming pool will also be on his radar, as it topped the borough's list for capital funding projects approved at the Nov. 12 Assembly meeting. That project is currently estimated to cost around $2 million.
Eventually, funds for constructing a new hospital will be another priority, though in light of the state's finances the Borough has decided to focus on funding smaller projects.
“Those three things are of concern. Anything the state can do to help out are of interest to the mayor and assembly,” Ortiz said. “Wrangell's certainly not going to be forgotten.”
He said the biggest issue facing the Legislature when it reconvenes next month will be that of the budget, which has in recent years seen sizable deficits due to declining oil revenues.
“It's going to be a challenge for sure,” he said.
Despite caucusing with the minority Democrats, Ortiz felt a bipartisan solution to Alaska's finances could be found. He also expressed hope that the election of Independent Gov. Bill Walker will signal a new model for politics in the capitol.
“In the end we're all Alaskans, and we've got to work together,” he said.
Once in the Legislature, Ortiz has been picked for several committees and subcommittees.
“I'm very happy that I'll be on the Transportation Committee,” Ortiz explained. Along with energy, he said it was one of the primary areas where government would be a valuable partner for development. On the committee he intended to advocate getting the Alaska Marine Highway System the proper attention it needs.
In addition to being tapped for the Committee for Economic Development, Trade and Tourism and a pair of financial subcommittees, Ortiz will also be serving on the Special Committee on Fisheries.
“I feel I've established contacts in all those different industries,” he said. “I will be looking for regular communication and advice from the United Fishermen of Alaska,” as well as the Southeast Alaska Seiners Association and other groups.
Ortiz has already named a future team to assist him, with Deborah Banaszak to be his lead staffer.
“I'm very thankful she decided to step on board,” he said. Among her accomplishments, Banaszak formerly worked under governors Steve Cowper and Wally Hickel and at the departments of Labor and Transportation. As his lead member of staff, she will be bringing considerable legislative and executive experience to Ortiz' office.
“I think she'll be a real asset to me,” he said.
Heading up legislative research and outreach for his office, Ortiz named former campaign manager Elizabeth Bolling. Bolling is currently pursuing a master's degree at the University of Alaska Southeast and is a former legislative aide.
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