Alaska News

Alaska's Legislature is in session and it's a great time to visit Juneau

Juneau is open for business during Alaska's legislative session.

You couldn't ask for a prettier setting for a statewide gathering. But many legislators, state employees and staffers spend most of their time scurrying between meetings, hearings and offices while the Legislature is in session. If you're in Juneau on state business or to visit with legislators, be sure to block out some time to see the sights and enjoy some of the community's gracious hospitality.

My flight from Anchorage to Juneau was a popular one. Every seat was filled on Alaska Flight 62 on Monday morning. There were a couple of legislators on board, but many travelers were with the Resource Development Council. The RDC hosts an annual "fly-in" for members for members to visit with lawmakers about key issues regarding mining, fishing and oil/gas issues. This is a common strategy for larger advocacy groups. For example, just as the RDC event was winding down, members from the Alaska State Chamber of Commerce started showing up.

Sen. Bill Wielechowski said he seeks to make time when visitors from his district visit during the session. "It's expensive," he said. "Folks have to take time off of work and get a hotel. So when they do make the effort, we strive to set time aside."

Rep. Charisse Millett, also of Anchorage, said she'll cut short other meetings to visit with constituents. "I can get out of most meetings, except the floor sessions of the House of Representatives, to meet with a constituent," she said. "But I'll also take a call or Skype with a constituent," she added.

Millett added several tips for prospective Juneau travelers:

- Call ahead to your legislator's office. Their staff will make an appointment for you, since there are committee meetings, floor sessions and other demands on legislators' time. If you're in the Anchorage municipality and don't know who your legislator is, you can check the "my neighborhood" link on the municipality's website for information: neighborhood.muni.org. Just enter your address and click the "political" tab.

ADVERTISEMENT

- Be sure and schedule some time to view the House or Senate in session. House sessions are at 10:30 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. If you offer your legislator a little advance notice, they will introduce you to the other members. It sounds sort of corny, but it really is a fun event, and your name and your legislator's comments will be read into the permanent record. Do it.

- If you are coming to your legislator with a cause or a particular bill, be sure and brief them or the staff in advance so they can be prepared to discuss the issue. Legislators rely heavily on their staff during the session, so they can bring copies of bills or background material to the meeting.

If you are traveling from Anchorage to Juneau, it's possible to jet in and out in one day. I've done it. Alaska Flight 62 leaves at 8 a.m., arriving around 9:30 a.m. I rented a car because I have friends in the area, but many hotels offer shuttles to the downtown area. It's about a 15-minute drive. Frankly, parking is a hassle. I have several friends who prefer to just take a taxi directly to the Capitol building. You can make it there by the start of the floor session at 10:30 a.m. On the return flight, Alaska Flight 67 leaves at 7:55 p.m., getting into Anchorage at 9:38 p.m.

I recommend spending one or two nights on the ground, so you can see the sights and enjoy some of the great restaurants right downtown. Travel Juneau, the local visitors bureau, has several hotels and inns that are offering "constituent rates," including:

- Travelodge Hotel for $109 per night (907-789-9700).

- Pearson's Pond for $135 per night (907-789-3772). Pearson's Pond has been rated as Juneau's No. 1 bed-and-breakfast by Trip Advisor for several years.

- Alaska Capital Inn for $139 per night (888-588-6507). This small B&B is located directly across the street from the Capitol building. You can see inside some of the offices from your window. A delicious full breakfast is included.

You have several options on your airline ticket from Alaska Airlines. You can cash in 15,000 miles from your frequent-flier plan. I believe this is the best option.

You can also check the Club 49 specials, where I've seen fares between $230 and $250 roundtrip from Anchorage. You have to have at least 14 days advance notice and the fares are only good on certain days.

If you need to travel on short notice -- between three and 13 days in advance -- use your constituent fare, which offers a 30 percent discount off the three-day or seven-day advance purchase fare. You can access that in your online Alaska Airlines account. Like the Bank of America/Alaska Air Visa companion fare, the "e-certificate" shows up in your "discounts" folder automatically.

I love visiting the sights around Juneau. In winter, I've narrowed it down to a couple of great outdoor walks:

First, the Shrine of St. Therese. This is a peaceful retreat where folks go to watch nature's wildness. There's a small island, connected by a causeway, with a church in the middle. Just walk around the island and look out on Lynn Canal. It's beautiful. It's about a 20-minute drive north from the downtown area.

Then there's Mendenhall Glacier. Winter, spring, summer or fall, the drive out to Mendenhall Glacier is beautiful. It takes about 15 minutes from downtown. Bring your hat and gloves, since there's usually a brisk wind coming off the glacier. You can hike along the perimeter of the lake, or if it's frozen you can hike out closer to the face of the glacier itself.

Everyone has their favorite places to eat and drink in Juneau. I think The Sandpiper Cafe at 429 W. Willoughby Ave. has the best breakfast in town. If you want to rub shoulders with legislators and lobbyists, check out the Capital Cafe in the Baranof Hotel. If you're looking for a great bagel with all the fixings, stop in at the Silverbow Bakery at 120 Second St.

I'm partial to the Island Pub over in Douglas for lunch. My favorite dish is the Island Blue Salad. But they have awesome personal pizzas cooked in a wood-fired oven.

Don't miss the opportunity to play a part in this year's legislative session. Whether you're concerned about education funding, social services, resource development or the state's infrastructure spending on roads and ferries, your legislators want to hear from you. For more visitor-related information, check out Travel Juneau's website: traveljuneau.com.

Scott McMurren is an Anchorage-based marketing consultant, serving clients in the transportation, hospitality, media and specialty-destination sectors, among others. Contact him by email at zoom907@me.com. You can follow him on Twitter (@alaskatravelGRM) and at alaskatravelgram.com. For more information, visit alaskatravelgram.com/about.

Scott McMurren

Scott McMurren is an Anchorage-based marketing consultant, serving clients in the transportation, hospitality, media and specialty destination sectors, among others. Contact him by email at zoom907@me.com. Subscribe to his e-newsletter at alaskatravelgram.com. For more information, visit alaskatravelgram.com/about.

ADVERTISEMENT