Juneau -- Representative Jerry Sanders (R-Anchorage), Co-chair-Designate of the House Resources Committee, Wednesday hailed the selection of Marilyn Heiman to be Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Interior for Alaska.

"I think the fact that Secretary Babbitt has appointed an Alaskan who shares our values and concerns to this position is a positive step in the ongoing relationship between Alaska and the Interior Department," Sanders said. "That relationship has had its ups and downs over the years,. but the appointment of a distinguished Alaskan to oversee Interior's operations in the state should do nothing but help in this long, drawn-out, and volatile relationship. We congratulate Ms. Heiman on her appointment and look forward to working with her," Sanders said.

Sanders noted that there are still some vast differences between how Alaskans and the Secretary of the Interior look at Alaska and its unique circumstances.

"We continue to support our Congressman, Don Young, in his efforts to keep the Interior Department from closing vast areas of open country to snowmachines," Sanders said. "It's good to know that we'll be dealing with at least one Alaskan who understands Alaskans' position in this matter," Sanders said.

"I hope and expect that this appointment will open a new and positive era in the relationship between the Clinton Administration and the people of Alaska," Sanders said.

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