Juneau -- Wednesday, the Anchorage Caucus, a bi-partisan group of Anchorage legislators from both the House and the Senate, elected their respective co-chairs for the 21st Legislature.

Senator Dave Donley (R-Midtown Anchorage) and Representative Andrew Halcro (R- Sand Lake) were selected as the 21st Legislature's co-chairs of the Anchorage Caucus. Senator Donley, who served as the previous Senate co-chair of the Anchorage Caucus, was entrusted with the Senate's chair position for another two years.

Rep. Halcro, a freshman legislator, is new to the caucus, but is excited about having the opportunity to serve as co-chair.

"I am honored and excited to be co-chairing the Anchorage Caucus with Senator Donley. As a former Community Council Chair, local issues are the reason I decided to run for the state legislature. Co-Chairing the Anchorage Caucus will provide me with the opportunity to focus on the important issues facing Anchorage," said Halcro.

Senator Donley, a veteran of the caucus, echoed Representative Halcro's enthusiasm for being selected again as a co-chair. "It says a lot about the respect Rep. Halcro has from his fellow house members from Anchorage that he was selected as a co-chair to the caucus as a freshman legislator. It will be a privilege to work with him, as we address the issues and concerns of the people of Anchorage during these difficult next few years," said Donley.

"Senator Donley's past leadership role on Anchorage issues is key to his selection as a caucus co-chair," said Senate President Drue Pearce (R-Sand Lake).

"Senator Donley has been one of the most staunch advocates for the people of Anchorage," Pearce said. "Dave will continue doing a great job coordinating the efforts of the Anchorage Caucus. Today's vote to return Dave as the Anchorage Senators' choice as co-chair demonstrates the confidence the Senate members have in his abilities and work ethic."

The Anchorage Caucus is a bi-partisan group within the legislature that is dedicated to ensuring the issues and needs of Anchorage are properly addressed by the state legislature.

"The Anchorage Caucus represents a true bi-partisan effort to address the varied issues concerning Anchorage, and I am dedicated to ensuring that the caucus continues to work hard for Anchorage in a bi-partisan fashion. The members of the caucus must continue to work together to effect positive outcomes for the people of Anchorage," said Donley.

Halcro agrees with the seasoned Senator Donley. "The purpose of the Anchorage Caucus is to provide a united voice on issues effecting the people of Anchorage."

Both of the co-chairs are excited to tackle the issues facing their Anchorage constituents.

"There are a number of important issues facing the Anchorage Caucus this year. Schools, road improvements, UAA funding, and airport improvements are bi-partisan issues for the community. They affect all the people of Anchorage equally and I am confident that the caucus will work as a team to address these matters as they come before the legislature," said Halcro.

"The Anchorage Caucus provides legislators, regardless of party, an opportunity to unify behind common goals for the people of Anchorage," concluded Halcro.

"It is our job, as caucus co-chairs, to ensure that the caucus is an effective forum for Anchorage issues, and an active body in achieving results for the people of Anchorage," added Donley.