I'm proud of the first session of our 23rd Legislature and honored to be a representative. Do I agree with every action - and inaction - of the Legislature? Absolutely not. Did we do a good job? Absolutely yes. Voters sent us to Juneau to jumpstart progress for Alaska - and that's exactly what we did.

Our Legislature achieved nearly a $60 million decrease in state spending. We may disagree with some of the cuts (and I do), but we made tough decisions necessary for moving Alaska toward fiscal responsibility. Our Legislature took actions proclaiming Alaska is "open for business." We passed bills paving the way to responsible resource and economic development - including actions that help get the gas pipeline built. Revenue from resource development takes time, and that's why we worked so hard to start the process. Hats off to Rep. Norman Rokeberg for his Compass article ("Session was difficult but successful," July 18) that helps set our legislature record straight.

Frankly, the legislature might have accomplished more if the minority had spent less time obstructing progress and more time working with the majority for bipartisan solutions that serve all Alaskans. Debate is part of the legislative process, but there's a difference between debate and demagoguery.

There's good news in Alaska. Our Legislature is listening to constituents, working hard to fix historic problems, creating opportunities and making good things happen.

Rep. Bob Lynn
District 31
Anchorage

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