(JUNEAU) - Legislators representing the Matanuska Valley assembled yesterday for the first Valley Caucus of the 23rd Alaska Legislature. Members of the caucus include Sen. Lyda Green (R-Wasilla), Sen. Scott Ogan (R-Palmer), Sen. Gene Therriault (R-North Pole), Rep. Nancy Dahlstrom (R-Government Hill/Eagle River), Rep. Carl Gatto (R-Palmer), Rep. John Harris (R-Valdez), Rep. Vic Kohring (R-Wasilla), Rep. Beverly Masek (R-Willow), and Rep. Bill Stoltze (R-Chugiak). Members will meet each week to discuss issues pertaining to the Matanuska Valley. Yesterday the caucus elected Rep. Carl Gatto to chair the delegation.

"The Valley delegation shares common interests and commitments," Gatto said. "This gives our elected representatives an opportunity to discuss current legislation and how it impacts our community. I think that benefits us all."

Representative Gatto also chairs the Education Committee, vice-chairs the House Education and Social Services Committee, and sits on both the House Resources Committee and the House Labor and Commerce Committee.

# # #