Legislature(1997 - 1998)
01/20/1998 03:30 PM Senate STA
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
SB 222 - NAMING ATWOOD BLDG IN ANCHORAGE SENATOR GREEN brought up SB 222 as the first order of business. An amendment was proposed to SB 222 and moved by Senator Ward. There was no objection and the bill was amended. SENATOR KELLY, prime sponsor of the bill, explained the bill would name the newly acquired state office building in Anchorage after Mr. Robert B. Atwood, a 61-year resident of Alaska. He acknowledged Mr. Atwood as an entrepreneur who was involved in most of the distinguishing events in the state during the 20th century. He published the Anchorage times and was a pioneer of the oil industry and an advocate for education and statehood. He chaired the Alaska Statehood Committee and was a tireless visionary, said Senator Kelly. He went on to say Mr. Atwood was a leader and humanitarian and improved Alaska for us all. He would like to see him remembered by future generations. SENATOR KELLY explained the amendment resolved a conflict with the lease agreement signed that allowed the Bank of America to retain its name on the building until 2002. He stated he did not want to pressure Bank of America and would be happy to name the building after 2002. However, the new language allows the possibility of a compromise between the State and the Bank of America before that time. He mentioned that the motivation behind the bill came from Representative John Cowdry and it was his intention that this bill reside in committee until Representative Cowdry's bill came from the house. Representative Cowdry's bill would then be the vehicle for the name change. SENATOR WARD thanked Senator Kelly for the bill and cited Mr. Atwood as his personal motivation behind running for office. He then made a motion to move the bill from committee with individual recommendations. SENATOR GREEN mentioned there were people on line wishing to testify and asked he hold his motion. SENATOR WARD agreed. MS. KATIE HURLEY testified from Mat-Su. She endorsed Mr. Atwood as a visionary and advocate for Statehood. She applauded his tireless work in the face of adversity and cited his strong support as the key to victory in the 1946 vote on Statehood. Ms. Hurley credited Mr. Atwood as a proud supporter of the Alaska Constitution and a great leader. She believes it would be fitting for his name to be honored. MR. VICTOR FISHER from Anchorage agreed with Ms. Hurley, speaking on behalf of three living delegates to the Alaska Constitutional Convention. He echoed her testimony to the character and dedication of Mr. Atwood and expressed appreciation to Senator Kelly and Representative Cowdry for introducing the bill. MR. DOUG NORTH, from Anchorage representing Alaska Pacific University, stated that Mr. Atwood was also a friend of private-hire education, trustee. He attested to Mr. Atwood's strong character and lifelong vitality. He concluded his testimony saying he was pleased to endorse the bill. MR. KEITH GERKIN, representing the Department of Administration (DOA) stated that the amendment adopted satisfied his previous concerns. He clarified that the lease expiration date was March 31, 2002. Number 155 SENATOR WARD repeated his motion to move SB 222 out of committee with individual recommendations. SENATOR GREEN noted no objection and the bill moved with individual recommendations and an accompanying fiscal note.
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