Sen. Menard attends Council of State Governments-West 62nd Annual Meeting
Joining other legislators from across the western region of the United States, Sen. Menard took an active
role during the Council of State Governments-West 62nd Annual Meeting. The meeting’s theme was “The West: America’s Future,” which plays nicely with a legislator from the Last Frontier. This state
certainly embodies the spirit of discovery and adventure like so many western states have in the past.
During the meeting, presenters ranging from historians and futurists, media relations professionals and
health experts to authors and political scientists enlightened attendees. An added perk was the event’s
location in beautiful Sante Fe, New Mexico. Through a recommendation from Senate President Gary Stevens, Sen. Menard received a stipend of $750 from CSG-West for the trip.
Traveling to these types of events carries with it a learning opportunity each time for Sen. Menard. Sharing experiences and wisdom with other legislators can be an invaluable tool for expanding and improving
Alaska lawmaking.
One teachable moment came during a transportation roundtable Sen. Menard participated in with legislators from other states. The topic was public transit, and differences between how different states approach the subject
were very apparent. Sen. Menard sat between lawmakers from Arizona and Colorado, states with
populations and cities that are demanding public transit.
The state of Alaska is more rural, compared to areas in the Lower 48. This sets up bigger challenges to
serve a more spread out and minimal public while using public resources wisely.
The topic of public transit in the Mat-Su Valley should be interesting to watch as it develops.
High-tech, 2nd generation robot arrives at Mat-Su Regional Hospital; Sen. Menard takes it for a test drive
The Mat-Su Valley’s wonderful hospital is the new owner of da Vinci, a high-tech, super specialized
surgical robot. The robot, according to the hospital, can facilitate minimally invasive surgeries that can lead
to shorter recovery times.
Sen. Menard was invited to operate the new robot.
“As limited as my dexterity skills are, I was in awe as to how easily I could manipulate the paper around a Starburst piece of candy using the robot,” Sen. Menard said.
Sen. Menard and Karen Tucker look at da Vinci, the Mat-Su Regional Medical Center’s new high-tech surgical robot
Don’t worry, Sen. Menard isn’t performing surgery. The senator takes the controls of da Vinci.
Sen. Menard takes part in Public Transit roundtable representing the Mat-Su Valley
Capping off a three day event at the Hotel Captain Cook in Anchorage, Sen. Menard, along with Rep. Max Gruenberg and Rep. Cathy Munoz, took part in a roundtable discussion titled “Public Policy in the Political Arena.”
The senator, who serves as the vice chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, was invited to the
roundtable to inform participants of the Mat-Su Valley’s own public transit challenges, goals and
advancements.
During Sen. Menard’s presentation she addressed the Valley’s spread out population and how that plays into setting up a public transit system.
She also talked about her own bills related to transportation and what she
hopes to see during the next legislative session.
The senator thanks David Levy, the executive director of the Alaska Mobility Coalition, for inviting her to
be a keynote speaker.
Sen. Menard takes the lectern at the Hotel Captain Cook to discuss public transit issues. The
senator concentrated on Mat-Su Valley transit issues, addressing the challenges the area has.
From left, Sen. Menard, Alaska Zoo Executive Director Patrick Lampi, and Michael Rovito
display some of the Marmot Day signs going up at the zoo. Marmot Day takes place in Alaska on
February 2.
Yakkity yak-yak, here’s a baby yak at the zoo.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!
Sen. Menard hopes you enjoyed this short update from her office in Wasilla. The beginning of the second session of the 26th Alaska State Legislature is just around the corner, and the senator and her staff are staying busy preparing. We’ve said it before, but we’ll say it again, we love visitors! Don’t hesitate to call us at (907) 376-3370, or visit at 600 E. Railroad Ave., in Wasilla.
Sen. Linda Menard: Senator_Linda_Menard@legis.state.ak.us
Michael Rovito: Michael_Rovito@legis.state.ak.us
Sarah Munson: Sarah_Munson@legis.state.ak.us |
