Governor Walker has yet to announce Representative Zach Fansler's replacement, but in the meantime Fansler’s former aides are keeping the office in Juneau running while his seat is being filled.
According to a newsletter sent by legislative aide Mary Schlosser, the staff is continuing to meet with constituents. Willie Kasayulie and Ivan M. Ivan stopped by their office just last week; they were in Juneau on behalf of the Yupiit School District.
House District 38’s legislative aides also provided updates on Juneau politics. The House Finance subcommittees might restore $85,000 to the budget for the Yukon Mainstem Sonar Operation Extension, which estimates salmon run abundance in the lower Yukon at Pilot Station. The money would enable the sonar to operate earlier in the season and for longer periods of time.
And a resolution working its way through Alaska’s Senate urges the United States Congress to create a loophole in other states’ ivory bans so that Alaskans, who legally obtain ivory through subsistence, can sell their carvings more widely.
House District 38’s staff will maintain their office’s day-to-day operations until Representative Fansler’s replacement takes office. Governor Walker is expected to announce that appointment on March 14.