Juneau – The 13 members of the Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition (AIDC) have chosen Representative Sam Kito (D-Juneau) as the new Minority Whip. Rep. Kito replaces the late Rep. Max Gruenberg, who passed away last month while in office, as the Minority Whip. The Whip is the second highest leadership position within the Coalition.
Juneau – The Democrats in the Alaska House of Representatives will meet as soon as possible to deliberate on Governor Walker’s choice of Ivy Spohnholz to replace the late Representative Max Gruenberg as the Representative for House District 16.
Recently, the legislature lost Max Gruenberg, one of the longest serving members of the Alaska Legislature, and a dear friend to many. After 22 years of public service, he left a legacy of work that reflected his vision of what it takes to make Alaska a great state.
This Saturday, February 27, I will be in Anchorage for a public meeting of the Anchorage Legislative Caucus, and later that day for my regular update on the Legislature to my friends and neighbors in House District 23. This area includes South Midtown Anchorage and the Dimond Business District.
We’ve had a tough week here in Juneau with the sudden loss of a member of our legislative family. On Sunday, February 14th, we lost a dear friend, Representative Max F. Gruenberg, Jr., House Minority Whip and the longest serving legislator in the Alaska House of Representatives. Max was a sweet man. He and I sat next to each other my first two years in the Legislature. He always went out of his way to see if I had any questions or if I needed help with anything. I learned so much from him during that time. It was a gift!
Please join us this Saturday, February 20th from 4 – 5pm at West High (Room C252 in the new add-on building) for a constituent town hall meeting with Senator Costello, Greg Razo (Chair of the Criminal Justice Commission), and me!
Juneau – Two memorial services have been scheduled for Representative Max Gruenberg, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 72. The first memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, February 21 at the Resurrection Lutheran Church in Juneau. The second memorial service will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 25 at Temple Beth Sholom in Anchorage. The public is invited to attend the memorial services to show their respect for Rep. Gruenberg.
