Alaska State Legislature
News from the House Majority

Jerry Ritter, House Majority Press Secretary
716 W 4th Avenue, Suite 630
Anchorage, AK 99501
Phone: (907) 269-0167
web site: http://www.akrepublicans.org
Actuality line: 1-800-478-6540

Alaska Grand Old Party Welcomes Rep. Bill Williams

Veteran Southeast Legislator Joins Republican Party

For Immediate Release: November 5, 1998 Contact: Rep. Gail Phillips (907) 269-0167.

Anchorage -- Leaders of the Republican-led Alaska House Majority today reacted with sincere pleasure to the announcement by Representative William K. Williams that he has joined the Republican Party of Alaska.

"This is wonderful news, especially for the people of House District 1" said House Speaker Gail Phillips (R-Homer). "Bill Williams has been a valuable member of our Majority Coalition for six years. He has a broad and deep range of experience on the vital issues that affect all Alaskans, but he is especially well-versed in resource and access issues affecting the Tongass National Forest, where he has lived and worked his entire life," Phillips said.

Williams, a Native Alaskan who makes his home in Saxman, has represented House District 1 since 1992. During the 20th Legislature, Williams was a member of the House Rules and Resources Committees and Chair of the House Transportation Committee.

Williams said he made his decision, announced yesterday, because the Republican party is "the party with clear legislative priorities which mirror my own . . . . Supporting private enterprise, encouraging resource development, protecting the Permanent Fund, balancing the budget, opening (the Coastal Plain of) the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, enhancing public safety, and improving education."

"Welcome to the GOP, Bill. We're proud to have you and looking forward to serving the people of Alaska with you in the 21st Legislature and, hopefully, into the 21st Century," Phillips said.

House District 1 is the southern portion of Southeast Alaska, including the communities of Ketchikan, Hyder, Meyers Chuck, and Saxman.

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