State government is simply too big and the state legislature has not made adequate progress in reducing the burden of big government.  According to the State of Alaska, Office of Management and Budget, (www.omb.alaska.gov), only minimal reductions in the total state operating budget have been achieved in the last 2 years.  Note that the FY15 operating budget was off trend and higher because of an extraordinary $3 billion dollar direct appropriation for the state retirement liability. 

This year of 2016, we must act to preserve our country and state’s spirit. It is something that only individual Alaskan citizens can do, since depending on money and authority and our existing political organizations has been proven worthless at accomplishing it. 

 If you want freedom and sustained opportunity to be happy, you must participate in your government. Demanding in 2016 that your votes are honestly counted and recorded is a simple start.

During this year’s big Who Let the Girls Out event, the public will be able to get a glimpse of some local valley talent thanks to the women who belong to the Valley Quilters Guild. Their quilts will be displayed all over Palmer inside the participating businesses and malls. The VQG ladies will also be offering some hands-on projects you’ll be able to join in.

WASHINGTON, DC—Today the Alaska Congressional Delegation praised the news that Eielson Air Force Base was selected as the new home for the U.S. Air Force’s first F-35As in the Pacific Theatre. Construction is scheduled to begin in fiscal year 2017, with the arrival of the F-35s expected in 2020. The Record of Decision was signed this morning by the Air Force, finalizing plans to base the F-35A Joint Strike Fighter at Eielson, bringing 54 new aircraft and 2,765 additional residents to Interior Alaska. 

The Alaska Libertarian convention is less than a month away. We ask everyone who is interested in attending to RSVP convention Chair Michael Chambers at:

chambones@hotmail.com
(907) 748-6323 

Or go to our website at: www.alaskalibertarian.com and hit the RSVP button which allows you to RSVP register and pay now. Please register via the website or RSVP via the email so we can get a proper headcount regarding the food count so we are prepared.

When I was three years old, I started having seizures and was diagnosed with Rasmussen's Encephalitis. Rasmussen's Encephalitis is a rare brain disorder that basically causes seizures while it eats away at one hemisphere of the brain.

The only cure for this disorder is having the diseased portion of the brain removed through a type of brain surgery known as a hemispherectomy. I had this surgery done when I was four years old. The surgery saved my life, but there was a cost. 

On Saturday, April 9th, the State Senate took the first step in passing the most significant and wide-reaching piece of criminal legislation in the history of Alaska—Senate Bill 91.  The legislation was passed by a vote of 16-2. I voted against SB 91. I felt I have a responsibility to tell you why I could not support this bill.

Becky Henderson who has recently moved up north from Eugene, Oregon has been named the new Director of Instruction at Settlers Bay Golf Course in Wasilla, Alaska.

As Director of Instruction, Henderson will be available for private aand group playing lessons. She plans to implement player development programs, and offer evening beginner clinics to those that are interested in getting into the game and haven’t had the opportunity previously.

Williwaw and Alaska's Rock 106.5 KWHL are proud to present Everclear on Wednesday, April 27th! Making their Alaskan return for one show only! 

Meet the artist, Nancy Angelini Crawford, Saturday, May 7th, 1-4 at the Town Square Art Gallery located in the Carrs Wasilla Mall. The art show includes Nancy’s original works of art depicting her personal journey of self-discovery as she has traveled and painted her way through Alaska, the US and Europe. 

We have great need for Ice-class Arctic yachts and ships that cannot pollute our air and sea. If a ship on an Arctic route were to run aground or to collide with a substantial iceberg, then an environmental disaster would ensue, because it is extremely expensive, if not impossible, to contain and clean-up an oil spill in Arctic sea ice.

The Quilts of Valor Foundation is looking forward to participating in “Who Let The Girls Out” activities in Palmer this year. We’ll be sitting in front of the fireplace at the Downtown Deli where everyone is invited to add a few stitches to a Quilt of Valor® that will later be awarded to a local veteran. 

 Don’t quilt? There are other ways you can help. Stop by the Downtown Deli during the “Who Let The Girls Out” event and we’ll explain how you can help. 

The Alaska State Fair is pleased to announce the first 10 performers confirmed for the 2016 AT&T Concert Series at the Borealis Theatre. Tickets for the following shows go on sale Friday, April 8 at 6 a.m.

Anchorage Assembly member, Amy Demboski, will be hosting a new afternoon radio show from 4 PM to 6 PM, Monday through Friday, on KVNT 1020 AM and 92.5 FM in Anchorage and Mat-Su. 

"The Valley and Anchorage are starving for true conservatives on talk radio in the afternoon," said Demboski. "I can peel the curtain back and get down to business in coverage when policymakers don't walk the walk. It's all about accountability and transparency."

Alaskan band, Woodrow, has been rocking audiences all over the 49th state for the past 12 years. They've logged countless miles traveling throughout Alaska, playing music from Juneau to Fairbanks, and every town in between. 

"Known for their "Don't let up 'til the lights go out!” sensibilities on stage, Woodrow offers a lot of variety for their listeners.”
-Anchorage Press

Every year, the Alaska Railroad sees an increase in trespassing incidents on the train tracks when summer arrives. Trespassing is not only illegal, but it is the leading cause of rail-related deaths in America. 

Each year in the U.S., approximately 400 people die from trespassing along a railroad's right of way. Additionally, almost as many are injured.

Alaska Raceway Park is excited to announce the debut of our brand new 1/3-mile asphalt oval track, recently sanctioned by NASCAR in its Whelen All-American Series. Sponsored in part by Tesoro, this new track boosts Alaska Raceway Park into a bona fide motorsports complex, diversifying beyond our customary IHRA drag racing and other automotive events. 

Spectators are welcome to the new oval track before the June 4 Tesoro Oval Debut race day at any of our Test and Tune events, taking place May 20, 21, 27, and 28. 

During chemo, I joined an elite group that enjoys a camaraderie that many hope not ever to know. You get to know people in a different way. You measure the progress of your treatment by the amount of hair loss (or eyebrows or eyelashes). You can tell what kind of week they have had by the color of their skin. Is it jaundice yellow? Is it pale and accompanied by sunken cheeks and black circles under their eyes? 

Over four years ago, Arkose Brewery offered its first “Beer Meets Canvas” tasting at the brewery as part of the 2nd Saturday monthly Palmer Art Walk. Since then the event has expanded to include Wednesday evenings, or you can book your own day and time for you and a group of friends or family. 

At the Beer Meets Canvas tastings our motto is “Sip. Relax. Create.” A theme and a sketch are always provided as a guideline to Inspiration, although individual expression is the Rule!

One of the books in my library is “Start with Why” by Simon Sinek. A sentence in that book really struck a chord with me: “Loyalty is when people are willing to turn down a better product or price to continue doing business with you.”

When you picture your current customers, do you believe they would willingly turn down a better product, service or price to continue working with you? If you can’t answer that question with a resounding “YES!” then it may be time to look at (among other things) what you’re doing to nurture those relationships and build loyalty.