Author: Robert Woolsey

Alaska senator Mark Begich says the disaster in the Gulf of Mexico has changed the dynamics of US energy legislation. Begich was in Sitka over the weekend along with fellow democrats at the state convention. He took time outside his convention duties to meet with civic organizations, hold a public town hall meeting, and talk shop with local government. He discussed US energy policy with the Sitka assembly on Saturday afternoon.

Extended interview with Lt. Governor candidate Diane Benson.

Among the party hopefuls attending the state democratic convention in Sitka over the weekend was Diane Benson, who has filed to run for Lt. Governor. Benson was last on the political stage in Alaska in 2006, when she challenged Don Young for his seat in Congress. She tried again in 2008, but lost the primary to Ethan Berkowitz, who is among those seeking the democratic nomination for governor this year. Benson is originally from Sitka but now hails from Chugiak. She’s been active in politics for much of her life, but never held elected office. She recently received critical praise for her portrayal of Alaskan civil rights leader Elizabeth Peratrovich in the PBS documentary “For the Rights of All: Ending Jim Crow in Alaska.” KCAW’s Robert Woolsey spoke with Benson about her campaign:

The Alaska Department of Fish & Game captured and collared a problem brown bear in Sitka over the weekend (5-7-10). Biologists can now use radio signals to track the animal and her two cubs, and possibly prevent problems before they start.

Brown bear activity around Sitka is off to an early start this spring. Over the last ten days, Sitka police have fielded a number of calls from residents who have seen bears in trash cans, on streets, on trails, and in the occasional chicken coop. Alaska Department of Fish & Game biologist Phil Mooney is Sitka’s go-to man for bears. So far this year, Mooney estimates that there could be three or four sows on the road system, and like last year, possibly one large and very furtive boar. KCAW’s Robert Woolsey spoke with Mooney about his department’s approach to the bear issue this season:

Despite a hot finish, the winter troll fishery closed on April 30th 3-to-4-thousand kings short of the 45-thousand fish target. The Department of Fish & Game will continue to analyze where the winter chinook originated – either in the wild or at hatcheries – before announcing any adjustment to the spring or summer troll quota.

Extended interview with ADF&G area management biologist Phil Mooney on the department's efforts to move bears off-island.

Repairs to the mechanical systems at Blatchely middle school are more expensive than first thought. The Sitka school board may instead decide to ask voters to approve additional bonds this fall to renovate the entire building.

Reber Stein says Sitka and the other communities of House District 2 need more effective representation in the legislature. The Sitka democrat earlier this spring announced his bid to run for House 2, and the seat currently held by Peggy Wilson, a republican from Wrangell. By the time of the statewide election this October, Stein will have completed one full term on the Sitka assembly. Currently, he faces no democratic challenger in the August primary election. Petersburg resident Steven Samuelson has filed to run against Wilson in the republican primary. Stein works full-time for the Alaska State Employees Association, providing technical support for the labor organization. He’s lived in Sitka for thirty-five years. KCAW’s Robert Woolsey spoke with Stein recently about his campaign:

Extended interview with public-interest attorney Joe Geldhof on the need to engage congress on energy policy. With KCAW's Robert Woolsey.