Klein named as SSE Senate delegation representative

Alaska's two senators jointly welcomed a new addition to their Southeast team.

Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan issued statements December 22 congratulating Chere Klein to serve at the South Southeast delegation representative office in her home town of Ketchikan.

"The district office is kind of the eyes and ears of the senators when they're back in D.C.," Klein explained of the post. "Our main business is doing casework, and that's helping constituents around the district with any kind of federal agency that they're having any issues with, or if they don't think things are getting done in the manner they hope."

Her office connects constituents with their senatorial delegation, but also can help expedite federal applications or procure more detailed responses to policy inquiries. This covers everything from Social Security questions to land policy comments, to helping replace lost passports.

Klein's office will serve the communities of Ketchikan, Wrangell, Petersburg, Angoon, Kake, Prince of Wales and Metlakatla. A separate district office in Juneau handles communities in the region further north than that.

"I think the majority of the communities we're in and out of quite a bit, just through our family business," Klein said. Still, she would like to get better acquainted with her area, particularly Kake and Angoon. "Once the weather calms down a bit, I'll introduce myself around and meet people."

Previously Klein had served in a similar capacity for former state-level Rep. Peggy Wilson (R-Wrangell), and has private sector experience as an office manager, licensed insurance agent, and design principal. Klein has also served as a board member for the Ketchikan Community Foundation, the city's Chamber of Commerce Transportation Committee, its charter school and hospice support group.

"I'm happy to have Chere join our team. Her strong leadership skills and involvement in the community will be valuable assets to connect with constituents," Murkowski commented in a release.

"Chere has demonstrated a history of community involvement and leadership, serving on many boards and with local organizations for decades," Sullivan likewise commented. "I am confident that her experience and strong relationships in the community will be a major asset to Senator Murkowski and I in best serving Alaskans living in Southern Southeast."

For those living outside the Ketchikan area, Klein can be reached by phone at 225-6880, or can be reached by email at chere_klein@murkowski.senate.gov or chere_klein @sullivan.senate.gov.