Tammie Wilson chosen for House District 11 seat
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Tammie Wilson smiles after being appointed by Gov. Sean Parnell to the House District 11 seat during a video press conference Tuesday afternoon, November 24, 2009. Wilson is replacing John Coghill, who vacated the seat when he was appointed to the Senate. Wilson was one of three finalists after eight people applied for the position, and was chosen by Gov. Parnell over the other finalists Doug Isaacson and Mike Prax. Eric Engman/News-Miner
Gov. Sean Parnell, at the Governor's Office in Anchorage, listens as Tammie Wilson, bottom right at the Governor's Office in Fairbanks, answers questions after being appointed to the House District 11 seat during a video press conference Tuesday afternoon, November 24, 2009. Wilson is replacing John Coghill, who vacated the seat when he was appointed to the Senate. Wilson was one of three finalists after eight people applied for the position, and was chosen by Gov. Parnell over the other finalists Doug Isaacson and Mike Prax. Eric Engman/News-Miner
Wilson will leave her post on the Borough Assembly to join the House, replacing John Coghill, who moved to the state Senate this fall.
Gov. Sean Parnell chose Wilson over North Pole Mayor Doug Isaacson and former assembly member Mike Prax.
Wilson, who narrowly lost a runoff for borough mayor early this month to Luke Hopkins, made a name at the municipal level during the past four years largely as a neighborhood and community organizer. She said she expects to run for a full term in the House, representing District 11, next year.
Wilson said she expects no major initiatives this spring — she plans to remember that she’s a “freshman,” work closely with the Interior delegation to learn issues and check in regularly with constituents to keep them informed.
“I’m really excited to get to work and learn how the system works,” she said.
Wilson thanked Parnell for the opportunity to serve in the House and said Isaacson, Prax and others who applied for the seat were all solid candidates.
“It was a great slate, and I’m glad I didn’t have to be the governor and make the choice,” she said.
It falls to House Republicans to confirm Wilson’s appointment. Republicans meet Dec. 2, and Parnell spokeswoman Sharon Leighow said Wilson could be sworn in as soon as next week.
Parnell said he interviewed all three finalists for the position and was influenced positively by Wilson’s activity at the municipal level and emphasis on private property rights.
“I was very impressed by her commitment to the people and her willingness to take a stand for them,” Parnell said from Anchorage during an afternoon news conference.
“Tammie’s dedication to her community and passion for people will make her a strong leader in the House,” he stated in a news release announcing Wilson’s appointment.
Wilson came within 1,000 votes of Hopkins in the mayoral runoff. She said she expects to have a good working relationship with the new mayor, saying both are “interested in serving Fairbanks.”
The Borough Assembly could declare Wilson’s assembly seat technically vacant at a meeting Dec. 10. That would be five days before the group is tentatively set to vote on a replacement for Hopkins, who left to become mayor earlier this month.
Wilson said it’s too soon to think about possible staff aides or requests for committee assignments in the House. She said she’d be interested, where possible, to focus on lowering energy costs in the Interior.
Interior Republicans in the House backed the appointment Tuesday.
“Tammie Wilson has demonstrated an ability to get out among voters and reflects the values and passions of her constituents,” Rep. Jay Ramras stated in a party news release. “Tammie has the ability to fill the shoes left by Senator Coghill.”
“I called to congratulate Tammie on her appointment by Gov. Parnell and told her that I look forward to working with her in Juneau when the Legislature starts up in January,” Rep. Mike Kelly said.
Contact staff writer Christopher Eshleman at 459-7582.
Regarding this latest choice, by district 11 republicans, it was frankly out of her hands to earn it or not. All three of the final candidates were well liked and stalward District 11 leaders. every one was eminently qualified and went through identical interviews. The difference between the top ranked pick and the 3rd place ranking was just a couple of points out of hundreds. Sean Parnell made the final choice and I have to assume he saw something in Tammie's "work" that nudged him over, as the article states.
She stood shoulder to shoulder with stiff competition, "earning" this office in a new way.
Let's just see how she does?
On another note... I've read the postings on Daily News Miner forums for months/years and some were amusing, some thoughtful, some idiocy and many clearly outrageous. I'm a new poster and am hoping to start a trend, actually more like issuing a challenge: delete your account and sign back up with your real name as your "handle". I'm curious to see (of the more inflammatory posters) who is really willing to stand behind their comments, good or bad.
I'm doubtful that many will do it but, I should at least ask and lead by example.
Best to all,
Todd
TAMMIE, when you get down to Juneau, be sure to look right into the wild eyes of Uncle Lukie's nutty bro-in-law. You know, that guy David Guttenberg, who reminds everyone of the crazy uncle who lives in the attic and has a bong as his best friend. It won't take TAMMIE long to figure out who smokes the most dope down in Juneau.
TAMMIE can keep us informed of the shennanigans down in the Juneau, while still apprising us Fairbanksan of the need to maintain some sanity w/in the FNSB. Lord knows that there isn't any with Luke in charge and Nadine (the bag lady) holding Lukie's hand.
Good grief, Fairbanks is in jeopardy without TAMMIE looking over the wacko's shoulders.
We'll miss you TAMMIE. Phone home on occasion. Better yet, call Michael Dukes on his radio show. All of the "secret listeners" (Libs) will be tuning in. I guarantee it.
How is she less qualified than say...a guy whose adult career consisted in running maintenance for a state-run university campus?
Fixing a boiler = leadership skills, and qualification for government exactly HOW?
http://www.dailypaul.com/node/37509
The gist is that McCain is not a natural-born U.S. citizen.
Point1: He was born in Panama not the U.S. or it's territories, which are specifically enumerated in U.S. Code 8 USC 1101(a)(38). The Canal Zone was added well after McCain's birth.
Point2: Military bases and embassies on foreign soil are not U.S. soil and do not automatically confer citizenship despite widespread ignorance of this point, as specifically stated in the U.S. Foreign Service Manual.
This is a long article for those with short attention spans, but definitely a good read. Once again, it's on the Ron Paul site not the IWW site.
Perhaps you're right - the founding fathers of North Pole Alaska may well have "invisioned" representation in Juneau by someone of Wilson's caliber. I never thought of it that way...
Nice move, Parnell. You slipped a notch in my estimation, but there will be plenty of time for regret later. Did ya not LEARN anything in the last two years? Unqualified, inexperienced, folksy candidates have a real tough time performing actual work. There’s a reason why they call it a J-O-B, not an F-U-N.
If you do not like her - fine. However, please show me another person who will actually stop what they are doing and give you their full attention right on the spot. You don't get the business card and the, "call me on Monday" from Tammie. You get her 100% attention on the spot - and it does not matter if you are a stranger or neighbor. I cannot do this - it would drive me crazy. She can. Tammie is approachable when you need help. She is never, ever, too busy to listen - and she has no problems taking action or holding the government's feet to the fire. I have never seen anyone in office like this before.
We are lucky to have her, and, I am sure over the next 12 onths you will be too. She has my vote for life. Tammie in 2011.
- Julie
And Dirttramp compared Wilson to Palin. Such short sided people here. Wilson is full of substance while Palin just spews generalities. Wilson has consistently fought for low taxes and against big spending. Palin increased taxes and spending both as Wasilla mayor and as Governor. Wilson is clearly a substantive small government conservative while Palin is a big government Republican lacking substance.
The Palin soap continues...the father of her grandson is turning every gay in Fairbanks on while she in on the road kissing up to the 'culture of proud ignorance' crowd.
Time for some more popcorn and another shovel.
OJT or get whipped into line, rank, and file..??
Now everyone is talking about Tammy’s electability. Look in the record Governor, this chick NEVER won a single election. Not one! Well, except for the time she ran against herself for borough assembly seat. That makes Tammy Wilson a THREE time Loser!
Mike Prax, as far right as he is would have been a better choice by far.
Well, Governor looks like you went and shot yourself in the foot! Good Luck in 2010 because you’re going to really need it. This woman can’t get herself elected; let alone you!
The problem is that the longer a politician holds the same job, the more corrupt he or she becomes. In my view, new blood is not bad at all (Mrs. Wilson in this case), and hopefully she can put-up a good fight with the old politicians who have been entrenched at the legislature making deals with each other for years. At the beginning, each one of these politicians sounds real good, but a few months later they become part of the machine and only look for their own good while covering their backs.