Senator Dan Sullivan Visits with Glennallen Public

On Thursday, July 9, U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, visited with members of the public at a meet-and-greet at the Glennallen Veterans Hall followed by a free BBQ picnic at the Lions Park.

After an hour delay due to a closure on the Glenn Highway, Sen. Sullivan spoke at the Veterans Hall to a group of at least 30 people, including political supporters, military veterans, utilities managers, and tribal members.

Sullivan discussed the expansion of military and Coast Guard activity in Alaska (which he called “the biggest military buildup in state history”), new rural health care funding that Sullivan stated will allow Alaskans to “design its own health care system,” and his frustration with a man he labeled as a “sham candidate” — the Dan J. Sullivan of Petersburg whose name will appear alongside Sen. Dan S. Sullivan’s on the August primary ballot.

A portion of the meet-and-greet was devoted to comments and questions from the public. Some individuals took the time to express their thanks to Sullivan, particularly for his work on the Committee on Veterans' Affairs or for the way his office has handled personal issues or federal regulations impacting local utilities projects.

Concerns raised by the public were plentiful and varied. Topics brought to the senator’s attention included the impact of federal land regulations on subsistence hunting, the danger involved in living in a region with limited medical and emergency responders, and the rising cost of energy.

Similar points of discussion were raised at the BBQ picnic at Lions Park Thursday evening. There were an estimated 50 people or more there, including some families with children. State Representatives Rebecca Schwanke and Garret Nelson were also in attendance.

Jason Hoke, Executive Director for the Copper Valley Development Association (CVDA), stated that the Senator’s visit and public appearances were organized by members of the telecom and electric companies, CVDA, and local volunteers.

He said it was a good chance for members of the community to “speak their minds and say what’s going on.”

Sen. Sullivan spent the night at a local B&B on Thursday. His itinerary Friday included a meeting with Ahtna representatives followed by a separate meeting with local business owners and utility managers.