HB 34-NAMING SCOTT JOHNSON MEMORIAL BRIDGE    3:01:53 PM CO-CHAIR KREISS-TOMKINS announced that the first order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 34, "An Act naming the Scott Johnson Memorial Bridge." 3:02:05 PM REPRESENTATIVE DAVID TALERICO, Alaska State Legislature, as prime sponsor of HB 34, paraphrased from the sponsor statement, which read as follows [original punctuation provided]: The legislation amends Alaska Statute 35.40 by naming bridge number 506 over the Tok River at mile 1309 of the Alaska Highway to be named the Scott Johnson Memorial Bridge. Scott was a person who led from the front. He set very high standards for himself. After graduating his recruit class as valedictorian, he was assigned to Fairbanks patrol. Scott became involved with the Special Emergency Response Team (S.E.R.T.) for 19 years and held positions of perimeter team leader, entry team leader and acting team leader. He was a K-9 handler, instructor and coordinator. In addition, Scott trained at least 33 dual purpose and/or drug detection canine teams throughout Alaska. He also worked in the Alaska Bureau of Investigation and at the age of 36 was promoted to sergeant. Scott oversaw patrol shift and later transferred to the Alaska Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Enforcement. Scott earned at least 43 letters of commendation, including two commendations for honorable service during his career. Scott Johnson was an Alaska State Trooper killed in the line of duty on May 1, 2014. He had served the State of Alaska 23 years. Let this be a lasting memorial to a man who gave his life in the line of duty to the citizens of the State of Alaska. REPRESENTATIVE TALERICO directed the committee's attention to a document by Brandy Johnson [surviving spouse to Scott Johnson], entitled "Scott Johnson Memorial Scholarship January 12, 1969 - May 1, 2014," included in the committee packet. He added that Brandy Johnson would support [the naming of the bridge through legislation], if there is public support for doing so; he urges public testimony [on HB 34] to be taken to determine whether public support exists to move forward with the naming of the bridge; if the public support is not there, he will abide by Ms. Johnson's wishes. 3:05:23 PM BRANDY JOHNSON, surviving spouse to Scott Johnson, read from her written testimony as follows [original punctuation provided]: Chairpersons and members of the committee, After much self thought, I have found I must think about policy change beyond myself and what change brings to others. I realize there is not an inadequacy in policy to address here today. I like the fact that the Tok River Bridge is named what it is. The bridge has held that name for many years. Scott and I have floated the river from dawn till dusk hunting moose from the Glenn Highway to the Alcan Highway ending at the Tok River Bridge. In that same segment of the Tok River, Scott told me stories of camping with his family as a young boy. He and I crossed the bridge twice yearly traveling to and from Eagle, Alaska during hunting season for at least eighteen years prior to him being murdered. We must remember, policies that are clearly understood and supported by all factions of a community are respected and formulated in a constructive way. I'd appreciate hearing supportive testimony from the communities that centralize the area of the Tok River Bridge. Testimony from just family, friends and co- workers limits the space for community participation and tailors the policy to a few individuals. Through public deliberation across all factions, community members will voice their respect for change or no change. Not everybody likes change. Change shouldn't be based on tradition, personal or political gain of groups or individuals. Allowing and encouraging such involvement can be realized in a way that allows community representatives to become more active members in the policymaking process. After Scott was murdered, I was asked if I was interested in naming a bridge after Scott and Gabe Rich. I was not, based on the location of the bridge. I don't want to drive past a sign with Scott's name and see that it has been shot up with bullets and spray painted. The disrespect and hurt is terrible. What is going through my child's mind when they see this kind of vandalism? As much as I appreciate the thoughtfulness of the honor, none of these honors take away the pain and loss. If anything, they make it worse for me. This is where I must look beyond myself for others. Scott's job was that of a public servant and now I have found that his death, for many, will always be remembered by his job and not the person he was. In conclusion, I support the renaming of the Tok River Bridge to the Scott Johnson Memorial Bridge if there is broadspread community support of the centralized area of the bridge. How our lawmakers measure that support I will leave to them. 3:08:19 PM REPRESENTATIVE STORY commented that she was honored to learn of Scott Johnson's life and work. She offered that she appreciated Ms. Johnson's desire for public testimony. 3:08:57 PM REPRESENTATIVE SHAW commented that honoring a person with a memorial road sign is heartfelt and meaningful. It affords one the opportunity to take a moment and remember a valuable life. CO-CHAIR KREISS-TOMKINS stated that HB 34 would be held over.