Legislature(2019 - 2020)BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
02/26/2019 01:30 PM Senate LABOR & COMMERCE
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Confirmation Hearing(s): | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE LABOR AND COMMERCE STANDING COMMITTEE
February 26, 2019
1:33 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Lora Reinbold, Chair
Senator Mia Costello, Vice Chair
Senator Click Bishop
Senator Chris Birch
Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
CONFIRMATION HEARING(S):
Board of Public Accountancy:
Karen Smith - Anchorage
- CONFIRMATION ADVANCED
Board of Barbers & Hairdressers:
Jessica Steele - Wasilla
- CONFIRMATION ADVANCED
Board of Massage Therapists
Julie Endle - Palmer
- CONFIRMATION ADVANCED
Board of Social Work Examiners:
Geoffry McCormick - North Pole
Colleen Vague - Wasilla
- CONFIRMATION(S) ADVANCED
Real Estate Commission:
Peggy Ann McConnochie - Juneau
Cheryl Markwood - Fairbanks
Jamie Matthews - Glennallen
Margaret Nelson - Anchorage
- CONFIRMATION(S) ADVANCED
Board of Pharmacy:
Leif Holm - North Pole
- CONFIRMATION ADVANCED
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
No previous action to record
WITNESS REGISTER
KAREN SMITH, Appointee
Board of Public Accountancy
Division of Corporations, Business & Professional Licensing
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Board of
Public Accountancy.
JESSICA STEELE, Appointee
Board of Barbers & Hairdressers
Division of Corporations, Business & Professional Licensing
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
Wasilla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Board of
Barbers & Hairdressers.
JULIE ENDLE, Appointee
Board of Massage Therapists
Division of Corporations, Business & Professional Licensing
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
Palmer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Board of
Massage Therapists.
GEOFFRY MCCORMICK, Appointee
Board of Social Work Examiners
Division of Corporations, Business & Professional Licensing
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
North Pole, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Board of
Social Work Examiners.
COLLEEN VAGUE, Appointee
Board of Social Work Examiners
Division of Corporations, Business & Professional Licensing
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
Wasilla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Board of
Social Work Examiners.
JAMIE MATTHEWS, Appointee
Real Estate Commission
Division of Corporations, Business & Professional Licensing
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
Glennallen, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Real Estate
Commission.
PEGGY ANN MCCONNOCHIE, Appointee
Real Estate Commission
Division of Corporations, Business & Professional Licensing
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Real Estate
Commission.
CHERYL MARKWOOD, Appointee
Real Estate Commission
Division of Corporations, Business & Professional Licensing
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Real Estate
Commission.
MARGARET NELSON, Appointee
Real Estate Commission
Division of Corporations, Business & Professional Licensing
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Real Estate
Commission.
LEIF HOLM, Appointee
Board of Pharmacy
Division of Corporations, Business & Professional Licensing
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
North Pole, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Board of
Pharmacy.
ACTION NARRATIVE
1:33:19 PM
CHAIR LORA REINBOLD called the Senate Labor and Commerce
Standing Committee meeting to order at 1:33 p.m. Present at the
call to order were Senators Costello, Birch, Gray-Jackson,
Bishop and Chair Reinbold.
^CONFIRMATION HEARING(S):
CONFIRMATION HEARING(S):
Board of Public Accountancy
Board of Barbers and Hairdressers
Board of Massage Therapists
Board of Social Work Examiners
Real Estate Commission
Board of Pharmacy
1:33:42 PM
CHAIR REINBOLD announced that the only order of business would
be the Confirmation Hearings for appointees to the Board of
Public Accountancy, Board of Barbers and Hairdressers, Board of
Massage Therapists, Board of Social Work Examiners, Board of
Pharmacy, and the Real Estate Commission.
1:34:37 PM
KAREN SMITH, Appointee, Board of Public Accountancy, Division of
Corporations, Business & Professional Licensing, Department of
Commerce, Community and Economic Development, stated that she
owns RV Concierge, a business in the Mat-Su Valley. She has been
serving on the board for the last year and reapplied for a full
term. She enjoys serving on boards and also sits on Anchorage
East Rotary and her children's PTA board. As a business owner,
she said she would bring a different perspective to the board
than a certified public accountant. She said she tends to focus
on profit and loss statements and regulations. She looks forward
to continuing to serve on the board pending legislative
approval.
1:35:58 PM
CHAIR REINBOLD opened public testimony, and after first
determining no one wished to testify, closed public testimony on
the confirmation hearing for Karen Smith, appointee, Board of
Public Accountancy.
1:36:17 PM
SENATOR BIRCH welcomed a member of Anchorage East Rotary to
continuing to serve on the Board of Public Accountancy.
1:37:08 PM
JESSICA STEELE, Appointee, Board of Barbers & Hairdressers,
Division of Corporations, Business & Professional Licensing,
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development, said
although she had never served on a board, since her appointment
she has actively worked on the board. She said she looks forward
to serving on the board, if confirmed. She has been a
hairdresser for 30 years and has owned a Wasilla hair salon,
Beehive Beauty Shop, for 21 years. She has also been an
instructor for just over 10 years. She said that it is important
for young people to have technical opportunities. She related
her personal experiences that hairdressing helped her achieve
financial independence. She recognizes the value this profession
brings to individuals who choose to become hairdressers and is
thankful to give back to her profession.
1:39:07 PM
SENATOR BIRCH asked what she views as the downside that the
Board of Barbers and Hairdressers is a board and not a
commission.
MS. STEELE said that she believes in regulation of safety
concerns, especially when licensees touch skin and come in
contact with body fluids. However, she knows how to run her
business, so she would also guard against overregulation.
CHAIR REINBOLD opened public testimony and after first
determining no one wished to testify, closed public testimony on
the confirmation hearing for Jessica Steele, appointee to the
Board of Barbers and Hairdressers.
1:40:39 PM
CHAIR REINBOLD thanked her for operating a business for 21 years
in Alaska and for being an instructor for 10 years.
1:41:24 PM
JULIE ENDLE, Appointee, Board of Massage Therapists, Division of
Corporations, Business & Professional Licensing, Department of
Commerce, Community and Economic Development, stated she was
appointed to serve as the public member of the board, but she
has not previously served on a board. She said she likes to
receive massages and related her experiences. She has received
some wonderful, professional therapeutic massages and has
observed some good business practices and some less so. She
offered her belief that she can be helpful as the public member
and will be an asset to the team of professional licensees.
1:42:44 PM
CHAIR REINBOLD opened public testimony, and after first
determining no one wished to testify, closed public testimony on
the confirmation hearing for Julie Endle, appointee to the Board
of Massage Therapists.
1:43:07 PM
CHAIR REINBOLD thanked her for her willingness to serve.
1:44:16 PM
GEOFFRY MCCORMICK, Appointee, Board of Social Work Examiners,
Division of Corporations, Business & Professional Licensing,
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development,
stated he is a life-long Alaskan. He said his father came to
Alaska in 1964. He expressed an interest in serving on the
board, which would allow him to give back to his profession. He
said that it would give him the opportunity to provide guidance
on rules and regulations related to the practice of social work
to ensure that safe practices are used in the profession.
MR. MCCORMICK said this appointment would also give him an
opportunity to safeguard the rights of all social workers by
bringing fairness and objectivity into the decision-making
process. He has 20 years of military experience and a world view
perspective since he has traveled throughout the U.S. and other
countries. As an African American male, he also brings diversity
to the board. He said he is a disabled veteran and a new social
worker. In closing, he offered his belief that his experiences
give him an enhanced perspective.
1:46:07 PM
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON thanked him for his willingness to serve
and bring diversity to this field.
1:46:27 PM
SENATOR COSTELLO echoed her gratitude that so many wonderful
talented Alaskans are willing to serve. She asked whether he
thinks there is a lack of social workers in the state and if so,
what the board or legislature can do.
MR. MCCORMICK acknowledged a lack of social workers exists in
the state. He suggested the state could do more advertising and
outreach at universities and local schools to help address the
issue by highlighting the profession. He said he also works for
the Fairbanks Rescue Mission to serve the homeless community. He
said he has observed a need for more social workers in Alaska,
especially in rural areas.
1:48:16 PM
CHAIR REINBOLD opened public testimony, and after first
determining no one wished to testify, closed public testimony on
the confirmation hearing for Geoffry McCormick, appointee to
Board of Social Work Examiners.
1:48:25 PM
CHAIR REINBOLD said she appreciated that he is a veteran and has
earned so many medals. She stated she is impressed with his
scholarship work and his training. She thanked him for his work
on domestic violence prevention and other service to the state.
She also thanked him for his willingness to serve.
1:50:00 PM
COLLEEN VAGUE, Appointee, Board of Social Work Examiners,
Division of Corporations, Business & Professional Licensing,
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development,
stated she has earned a Master of Education and Counseling
degree and a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology. She has
worked as a high school teacher, a private school principal, and
at the Department of Corrections (DOC) as an education
coordinator. She also worked at the Department of Labor and
Workforce Development (DOLWD) as a career guide. She currently
works in a non-profit organization for a childcare assistance
program. She said she thinks social work can create a foundation
for people whose lives are in distress and help them connect to
their community. This might help people avoid some of the
pitfalls that happen to them in life, she said. She acknowledged
that is the reason she is interested in serving on this board.
She also expressed an interest in staying informed and connected
to her own community. She noted that she chairs the Mat-Su
Planning Commission. She expressed an interest in achieving a
statewide perspective as a citizen serving on the board.
1:51:48 PM
SENATOR BIRCH said he was intrigued that she served as an
education coordinator at Department of Corrections. The state
can do so much more to rehabilitate and restore the community
engagement of the prison population, he said. He asked her to
briefly share her experiences.
MS. VAGUE answered that her experience working at the prison was
very fulfilling. She said most prisoners do not want to be in
prison nor do they want to return to prison after their release,
but they do not know how to do so. She said it is important to
recognize that 95 percent of prisoners in the system will be
released. She said that if the state does not help them in
prison, they will continue to victimize others. She said she
thinks that the state needs significantly more rehabilitation
and other programs in the prison system to help stop recidivism.
SENATOR BIRCH thanked her for her public service.
1:53:19 PM
SENATOR COSTELLO asked what can be done about the lack of social
workers in the state and what the legislature can do to help.
MS. VAGUE said that the social workers' profession could be
elevated to a profession that is respected. She said she thinks
many people view social workers as those who work in the Office
of Children's Services and take away their kids. She said that
the profession serves a much larger role in the community and
can help families in distress. She suggested that colleges need
to advertise the profession of social work as a necessary one,
much like psychologists or other professionals who are held in
high regard.
SENATOR COSTELLO said the Senate Education Standing Committee
learned that research is being done by the University of Alaska,
Fairbanks related to suicide prevention. She asked whether Ms.
Vague was familiar with that research, and if not, if she would
be willing to find out more about it.
MS. VAGUE said she had not specifically heard about the
research. However, she did her thesis on suicide prevention, she
said. She said that society ignores suicide until it happens.
She expressed an interest in finding out more about the research
and what can be done to prevent suicides in Alaska.
1:55:53 PM
CHAIR REINBOLD opened public testimony, and after first
determining no one wished to testify, closed public testimony on
the confirmation hearing for Colleen Vague, appointee to Board
of Social Work Examiners.
1:56:05 PM
CHAIR REINBOLD remarked on Ms. Vague's amazing credentials and
experience. She thanked her for her willingness to serve.
1:57:19 PM
PEGGY ANN MCCONNOCHIE, Appointee, Real Estate Commission,
Division of Corporations, Business & Professional Licensing,
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development, said
that she has been licensed since 1980. She is a real estate
broker and she owns a real estate company in Juneau. She is
being reappointed to serve on the Real Estate Commission. She
characterized the commission's work as important and difficult
since the commission reviews statutes and regulations that
govern the entire state. Sometimes the board has to consider
potential wrongs that have occurred in the industry and it must
provide information to investigators to resolve cases. Real
estate licensing touches consumers in communities throughout the
state, she said. She offered her belief that the commission must
ensure that real estate licensees do a good job and do no harm
to the consumers.
1:58:51 PM
SENATOR COSTELLO thanked Ms. McConnochie for her service. She
pointed out her wide-ranging skill set and accomplishments,
including helping re-write the real estate exam in Alaska. She
said the state is lucky to have her serving in this capacity.
1:59:31 PM
CHAIR REINBOLD opened public testimony, and after first
determining no one wished to testify, closed public testimony on
the confirmation hearing for Peggy Ann McConnochie, appointee to
the Real Estate Commission.
1:59:45 PM
SENATOR BIRCH remarked that innovation has changed industries.
He asked what she views as ways to embrace technology in her
field.
MS. MCCONNOCHIE responded that Alaska is lucky because some lag
time exists related to the profession in the Lower 48, so Alaska
can take advantage of what other states have done and avoid
pitfalls. She agreed "Zillow" and other entities outside of
Alaska often attempt to do business in Alaska without obtaining
licensure.
2:01:39 PM
CHAIR REINBOLD commended her local and national involvement. She
thanked her for her willingness to serve.
2:02:23 PM
CHERYL MARKWOOD, Appointee, Real Estate Commission, Division of
Corporations, Business & Professional Licensing, Department of
Commerce, Community and Economic Development, stated that this
is her first appointment to a board or commission. She said that
she has been a licensed real estate broker in Alaska since 2010.
She became an associate broker in 2014, and a real estate broker
in 2015. She opened her own business, Markwood Realty, that
specializes in property management, more specifically condo
associations and large-scale properties. She believes her
experience in this specialized field will be a great fit and she
will be an asset to the commission. She said that she is
hardworking, honest, and has the ability to devote the time
required in service to this position.
She said that she is very proud of her industry and recognizes
the economic value that the real estate industry brings to the
communities throughout Alaska. The motto in her office is that
"Everyone should love where they live." She suggested that this
philosophy will serve her well as she works to help to preserve
the integrity of this industry. She said that it is a great
honor and privilege to serve on the Real Estate Commission. She
promised to dedicate herself to the work, if confirmed.
2:04:05 PM
SENATOR BISHOP thanked her for her willingness to serve. He said
he thought she would be an asset to the commission.
2:04:36 PM
CHAIR REINBOLD opened public testimony, and after determining no
one wished to testify, closed public testimony on the
confirmation hearing for Cheryl Markwood, appointee to the Real
Estate Commission.
2:05:15 PM
JAMIE MATTHEWS, Appointee, Real Estate Commission, Division of
Corporations, Business & Professional Licensing, Department of
Commerce, Community and Economic Development, said that she grew
up in Cordova, graduated from the University of Alaska
Fairbanks, and has lived in the Copper Basin area for about 14
years. She related she has a diverse background, primarily
related to the local electric utility, Copper Valley Electric.
However, she is also president of the school board. She had not
contemplated applying for this commission, but when asked to
serve, she decided it would be a good way to serve her
community. She said there is not a licensed real estate agent in
her area. She offered her belief that life is about
relationships and this will expand her network. She would bring
her strong financial background, a general familiarity with
regulations, and a common-sense perspective to the commission.
She said she will serve on the public seat and she is excited to
learn more about the Real Estate Commission.
2:06:54 PM
CHAIR REINBOLD opened public testimony, and after determining no
one wished to testify, closed public testimony on the
confirmation hearing for Jamie Matthews, appointee to the Real
Estate Commission.
2:07:01 PM
CHAIR REINBOLD said she appreciated her willingness to serve.
MS.MATTHEWS said she especially appreciates her senator, Senator
Bishop.
2:08:01 PM
MARGARET NELSON, Appointee, Real Estate Commission, Division of
Corporations, Business & Professional Licensing, Department of
Commerce, Community and Economic Development, stated that she is
the broker and owner of Denali Real Estate. She has never served
on any board or commission but is interested in a number of
issues the real estate community currently faces related to
associations, association management, and property management.
She said she thinks this is an area that needs some attention.
She would like to bring her perspective and expertise to assist
the state as it moves forward on those issues. In response to
Chair Reinbold, she answered that she currently lives in the
Stuckagain Heights area.
2:09:23 PM
SENATOR COSTELLO remarked that even though Ms. Nelson has not
served on a state board she has substantial service on local
boards. She thanked her for her interest in serving in this
capacity.
2:10:01 PM
CHAIR REINBOLD opened public testimony, and after determining no
one wished to testify, closed public testimony on the
confirmation hearing for Margaret Nelson, appointee to the Real
Estate Commission.
2:10:14 PM
SENATOR BIRCH thanked her for her willingness to serve. He
recalled when she worked as a reporter at the Fairbanks Daily
News Miner. He offered his belief that she will be a wonderful
addition to the body.
2:11:26 PM
LEIF HOLM, Appointee, Board of Pharmacy, Division of
Corporations, Business & Professional Licensing, Department of
Commerce, Community and Economic Development said that he has
been involved in pharmacy for his entire life. He said his
father was a pharmacy owner, so he has always been around
pharmacies. He has served on the board for four years and hopes
to be reappointed to continue work on compounding pharmacies and
expanded pharmacy technician regulations. He characterized
serving on the board as interesting and important work. He said
that he would offer his voice as an independent and compounding
pharmacist. [The U.S. Pharmacopeia Convention (USP) formally
defines compounding as "the preparation, mixing, assembling,
altering, packaging, and labeling of a drug, drug-delivery
device, or device in accordance with a licensed practitioner's
prescription, medication order, or initiative based on the
practitioner/patient/ pharmacist/compounder relationship in the
course of professional practice." A compounding pharmacist can
create an exact preparation, customize strength or dosage, or
reformulate the drug to exclude a nonessential ingredient, such
as lactose, gluten, or a dye.]
2:12:29 PM
CHAIR REINBOLD opened public testimony, and after determining no
one wished to testify, closed public testimony on the
confirmation hearing for Leif Holm, appointee to the Board of
Pharmacy.
2:12:43 PM
SENATOR BISHOP extended his gratitude. He said that the state
needs people with his experience to serve on the board to ensure
all Alaskans are treated fairly. He said, "You're the right man
for the job."
2:13:20 PM
CHAIR REINBOLD said she was district business manager in
pharmaceutical sales and management in Alaska, so she called on
many pharmacies. She said that compounding is very interesting.
She thanked him for his willingness to serve.
2:14:04 PM
CHAIR REINBOLD stated that in accordance with AS 39.05.080, the
Senate Labor and Commerce Standing Committee reviewed the
following and recommends the appointments be forwarded to a
joint session for consideration:
Board of Public Accountancy:
Karen Smith - Anchorage
Board of Barbers & Hairdressers:
Jessica Steele - Wasilla
Board of Massage Therapists
Julie Endle - Palmer
Board of Social Work Examiners:
Geoffry McCormick - North Pole
Colleen Vague - Wasilla
Board of Pharmacy:
Leif Holm - North Pole
Real Estate Commission:
Jamie Matthews - Glennallen
Peggy Ann McConnochie - Juneau
Cheryl Markwood - Fairbanks
Margaret Nelson - Anchorage
2:14:44 PM
CHAIR REINBOLD reminded members that signing the reports
regarding appointments to boards and commissions in no way
reflects individual members' approval or disapproval of the
appointees; the nominations are merely forwarded to the full
legislature for confirmation or rejection.
2:14:55 PM
CHAIR REINBOLD reviewed the upcoming committee meeting schedule.
2:15:10 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Reinbold adjourned the Senate Labor and Commerce Standing
Committee meeting at 2:15 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| L&C Public Accountancy Resume - Smith.pdf |
SL&C 2/26/2019 1:30:00 PM |
Governor's Appointees to Boards and Commissions |
| L&C Barbers and Hairdressers Resume - Steele.pdf |
SL&C 2/26/2019 1:30:00 PM |
Governor's Appointees to Boards and Commissions |
| L&C Massage Therapy Resume - Endle.pdf |
SL&C 2/26/2019 1:30:00 PM |
Governor's Appointees to Boards and Commissions |
| L&C Social Work Resume - McCormick.pdf |
SL&C 2/26/2019 1:30:00 PM |
Governor's Appointees to Boards and Commissions |
| L&C Social Work Resume - Vague.pdf |
SL&C 2/26/2019 1:30:00 PM |
Governor's Appointees to Boards and Commissions |
| L&C Psychologists and Psychological Associate Examiners Resume - Dammeyer.pdf |
SL&C 2/26/2019 1:30:00 PM |
Governor's Appointees to Boards and Commissions |
| L&C Pharmacy Resume - Holm.pdf |
SL&C 2/26/2019 1:30:00 PM |
Governor's Appointees to Boards and Commissions |
| L&C Real Estate Commission Resume - Matthews.pdf |
SL&C 2/26/2019 1:30:00 PM |
Governor's Appointees to Boards and Commissions |
| L&C Real Estate Commission Resume - McConnochie.pdf |
SL&C 2/26/2019 1:30:00 PM |
Governor's Appointees to Boards and Commissions |
| L&C Real Estate Commission Resume - Markwood.pdf |
SL&C 2/26/2019 1:30:00 PM |
Governor's Appointees to Boards and Commissions |
| L&C Real Estate Commission Resume - Nelson.pdf |
SL&C 2/26/2019 1:30:00 PM |
Governor's Appointees to Boards and Commissions |