March 2, 2009

Begich Statement on Appointment of Kim Elton to Interior

Alaska state senator appointed Interior Director of Alaska Affairs

U.S. Sen. Mark Begich today released the following statement regarding the appointment of Alaska State Sen. Kim Elton as the Director of Alaska Affairs at the U.S. Department of the Interior.

"As a former commercial fisherman, newspaperman and long-time state legislator, Kim Elton has a broad depth of experience as a result of his nearly 50 years as an Alaskan. He'll need to rely on every bit of that knowledge as he helps the Obama administration and its Interior Department understand the unique needs of Alaskans as the Interior secretary's right-hand man on Alaska."

"I've known Kim for many years to be a knowledgeable, diplomatic and open-minded public policy maker who puts the interests of his state first. I look forward to working with him in Washington to advance Alaska issues, from a gas pipeline to subsistence management."

From a Senator Mark Begich press release