OUR INDIANA KIDS

Marlene and I are Blessed to be the proud grandparents of 19 children, varying from age 1 to age 34. After the NCSL Conference, we visited with our daughter Marla and son-in-law Lance Wainscott in Frankfort, Indiana, and their 8 children (Hunter, Elisha, River, Enoch, Titus, Hosanna, Boaz, and Ezra). We enjoyed a very relaxing time. The school age children are home schooled, and all read above grade level. All but the youngest children play some kind of instrument. Almost every evening is music time! The older children are into both photography and art. Comment: If our legislature worked as cooperatively and efficiently, and got along as well as this family, it would really be great!

LEGISLATIVE SUMMIT

The National Council of State Legislators (NCSL) convened it’s “Summit” the week of 25 July at the Philadelphia Convention Center and I was there, along with several other Alaska legislators. The convention highlight was a presentation of Bill Gates on how to improve public education. Basically, his message was that quality teachers are far more important than buildings, technology, or anything else. Common sense from an uncommon man. There were breakout issue study groups on various topics. One of the best educational experiences was being able to interface with legislators from different states and learn from each other.

The NCSL meeting also gave us an opportunity to visit Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence and our Constitution were written, and to see the Liberty Bell that rang out America’s independence. I also communed with "President George Washington": see photo - he's the tall man on the right

SARAH PALIN'S ANNOUNCEMENT

Picture a political chessboard. The chess pieces are Governor Sarah Palin, Lt. Governor Sean Parnell, Adjutant General Craig Campbell, a host of other Alaska political players, plus various and assorted presidential hopefuls. Then turn that political chessboard up on its side. Result? No one is where they thought they’d be when the game started. That’s what happened today, July 3rd, when Governor Palin made the surprise announcement of her plans. As Sarah has so often said, she doesn’t engage in “politics as usual.”

Best wishes to Governor Sarah Palin as she moves on to her future. Her family, must be very proud of her. Her service to Alaska has been historic. Best wishes also to Governor-Designee Sean Parnell, and to Lt. Governor-Designee Craig Campbell for the new responsibilities they will be assuming when Governor Palin leaves office. Alaska is in good hands.