During a press conference Wednesday, Speaker of the House Mike Chenault was asked if the Legislature could do its work in the 90 days voters mandated in 2006. He sensibly answered that no lawmaker he knew of wanted to go longer, but that if doing right by the people of Alaska required a longer session or a special session, then lawmakers would do so.
That's the thinking that should rule, especially if significant changes to Alaska's oil tax regime take front and center this session.
Rep. Craig Johnson of Anchorage and others are pushing legislation to cut oil production taxes that lawmakers approved in 2007. Much is at stake -- state revenue, future oil production and the Alaska economy as a whole. Alaskans need to be sure that whatever we do carries the maximum benefit for Alaskans. Options range from sticking with what we have to Gov. Sean Parnell's proposal to sweeten tax credits for investment to Rep. Johnson's legislation to roll back the state's take when prices are high.
There's nothing magic about 90 days. The voters called for it, so lawmakers should adhere to it when they can. But if a longer session or a special session on oil taxes alone would sharpen lawmakers' focus and give us all a clearer view, then lawmakers shouldn't sweat over 90 days.
Work fast, ladies and gentlemen. But above all, do what's best for the state, whatever time it takes.
BOTTOM LINE: First goal isn't 90 days and out; first goal is good legislation.