Former Mayor George Ahmaogak Could Save Alaska’s Economy

Commentary:  When former Alaska North Slope Borough Mayor George Ahmaogak (NGP Photo) took the podium in the Petroleum Club last night, you could hear a pin drop as he began speaking followed by a thunderous applause when he finished.  He said he is completely consistent and candid with his constituents.  When elected he will — as in the past — have an open door policy for citizens and those doing business in the borough.  He believes the future of the oil industry is generally aligned with the future of North Slope Borough residents, that ‘frivolous lawsuits’ against industry are not in the public interest.  He said a top priority must rest with adding throughput to the Trans Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS) upon which the Borough and all Alaskans depend for economic security.  He noted that obtaining production from ANWR, OCS and NPR-A were several ways in which TAPS throughput could be enhanced.  If Ahmaogak is successful in working with other Alaskans and Governor Parnell to obtain access and reasonable permitting approvals for oil and gas exploration and development on federal lands, he just might help sustain and save Alaska’s economic lifeline, TAPS.  At the least, his commitment to remove the Borough’s name from lawsuits orchestrated by environmental extremists, will be a noteable blessing.  His campaign manager, Rex Okakok (NGP Photo-l) called Ahmaogak a ‘good man’, saying that his views won’t always coincide with constituents or the oil industry but that his history is proof that he is dedicated to finding solutions to differences.  We heard Ahmaogak’s at times pragmatic and at times impassioned conviction that his leadership is needed during this critical period.  And this is a man who should know.  Under Mayor Eben Hopson’s leadership 40 years ago he wrote the first property tax bill to Atlantic Richfield Company and opened the first property tax payment envelope, containing a check for $3million.  This five time Borough Mayor worked for North Slope contracting companies, as a consultant to Shell oil and after over a decade as an apprentice became a revered Whaling captain. We believe one can be confident that if elected Ahmaogak will focus on preparing the economy so it sustains opportunity for his grandchildren–and that he has the experience to prepare himself for the challenge.  How could his constituents — or all Alaskans — hope for more?  -dh