 September 27, 2010
"I will not be running as a write-in candidate for governor but my commitment to Alaska and the critical issues that caused me to enter this over race one year ago remains strong," said Walker. "I cannot overemphasize the significance of the crisis we are facing as the cost of energy across our state continues to go up while the production of oil on the North Slope continues to decrease rapidly each year. Alaska cannot continue to sit back, wait and study while the window of opportunity for a natural gas pipeline passes us by. The gas is needed to significantly lower the cost of energy across Alaska and to help offset revenues resulting from the decline in oil in the Trans Alaska oil pipeline, which is presently 2/3 empty." Walker says he wants to remain active in the political process and plans to continue educating the public about the All-Alaska Gasline. "As I have said before, there is a rising tide of Alaskans who are fed up with business usual," said Walker. "They want to see a prosperous future for Alaska. I will be exploring ways to ensure that their interests will be represented and their concerns will be heard, not ignored." Following Walker's announcement. Democratic candidate for Governor, Ethan Berkowitz, in a prepared statement said, "Bill and I have had a good relationship over the years, and we both share a commitment for seeing the All-Alaska line turned into a reality. As I have said before, I'd be honored to have Bill Walker be part of my administration and have a prominent role in negotiating the gasline." Berkowitz said, "Alaskans have waited 30 years for this pipeline. The time for waiting is through. I am the only candidate that has put forward a plan to finally build the all Alaska pipeline. And with my plan, individual Alaskans will have the opportunity to own a piece of the pipeline if they choose." "Bill summed up the frustration in Alaska well when he said, 'There is a rising tide of Alaskans who are fed up with business as usual and the politics of study, delay and deceit," said Berkowitz. "If I have anything to
say about it, Bill Walker's leadership on the gasline will be
a prominent part of the next administration," said Berkowitz. Source of News:
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