Independent Bill Walker wins Alaska governor's raceAlaska Governor Parnell concedes election
November 17, 2014
Saturday, Governor Sean Parnell (R) met with Bill Walker to pledge an orderly transition. In line with his pledge, Parnell offered office space for transition activities to the Walker-Mallott ticket as well as resources to accomplish the transition. Parnell said in a prepared statement, "We had what I believe to be a very productive discussion about how to work together for the benefit of Alaskans in this time of change in administration." Governor Parnell said, "It has been an honor to serve as Governor of Alaska for more than five years." Parnell said, "We respect the will of the voters, and offer Bill Walker, Byron Mallott and their families our sincere congratulations." Alaska’s swearing-in date this year for the governor-elect is December 1st. Some ballots still must be counted, however, Parnell deemed it in Alaskans’ interest to begin coordinating transition activities now with the Walker-Mallott ticket in the event the vote count holds. Regarding the meeting, Governor-elect Bill Walker (I) said, “The tone of the meeting was very cordial and focused on ensuring that Alaskans’ interests are protected and served first in the weeks and months that lie ahead. We also recognized the dedicated effort of our respective campaigns and expressed tremendous gratitude for our families and volunteers. This evening, Governor Parnell graciously conceded the race in order to facilitate a smooth and efficient transition process.” Lt. Governor-elect, Byron Mallott added: “I am grateful to Governor Parnell and Mayor Sullivan for allowing the transition process to proceed. Bill and I have a lot of work ahead of us. The graceful gesture of the Parnell Sullivan team signals to all Alaskans that it is time to rise together and work as one toward a vibrant and productive future for our state.” Parnell said, "It is my fervent hope that Alaska’s trajectory for economic growth and individual safety and opportunity will be maintained. From bringing the Alaska LNG Project further than ever before; to creating Alaska Performance Scholarships for our young people; to being on track for natural gas to Fairbanks by 2016; to a Cook Inlet gas and economic resurgence; to reforming Alaska’s oil tax system to bring more North Slope investment and job activity than we’ve seen in decades (and more state revenue at these lower oil prices); to resolving the Point Thomson dispute and gaining first production there by 2016; and to leading our state in fighting the epidemic of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and sex trafficking – we have achieved a great deal for our state." The vote count reported by the Division of Elections Friday:
Bill Walker and Byron Mallott announced the co-chairs of their transition team last Wednesday: Ana Hoffman and Rick Halford. Hoffman is from Bethel, where she was also born and raised. She is a graduate of Stanford University and the University of Alaska, Fairbanks. She currently serves as the president and CEO of Bethel Native Corporation, co-chair of the Alaska Federation of Natives, and serves on the Alaska Native Village CEO’s Association Board. Walker, who introduced Ms. Hoffman at the press conference this afternoon, noted: “I am so pleased to have Ana join our transition team. She brings incredible experience and knowledge to the table, particularly on issues impacting rural Alaska and Alaska Natives.” Halford lives in Chugiak and Aleknagik. He served in the Alaska legislature for over 20 years, with multiple terms as Senate President and Senate Majority leader. Mr. Halford is a commercial pilot though he logs most of his hours commuting between Aleknagik and Chugiak. He is a former Republican National Committeeman for Alaska (2000-2004). The Alaska Division of Elections will continue counting absentee and questioned ballots November 17th-19th. The target election certification results date is November 28th. Alaska’s swearing-in date this year for the governor-elect is December 1st.
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