Longtime Fairbanksan Pete Kelly joins Parnell administration
Published Thursday, August 20, 2009
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Stumble It!FAIRBANKS — Former state legislator and longtime Fairbanksan Pete Kelly has left the University of Alaska Fairbanks to work as a special assistant to Gov. Sean Parnell.
He will serve as a liaison between the governor and the university system and the departments of education, labor and natural resources, Parnell spokeswoman Sharon Leighow confirmed.
Kelly started work with the administration Monday. The position isn’t new, Leighow said, but was unfilled during former Gov. Sarah Palin’s administration.
As a special assistant, Kelly will work on policy issues and constituent correspondence. Leighow said he will be based in Fairbanks and travel to Anchorage and Juneau as necessary.
Parnell and Kelly share some common history in Alaska politics.
They served their first terms in the House together in 1995 and 1996. Parnell won a Senate seat in 1996, and Kelly completed a second term in the House. When the 21st Legislature convened in 1999, both served in the Senate. Parnell left the Legislature in 2000, and Kelly departed in 2002.
Kelly made an unsuccessful bid for mayor of the Fairbanks North Star Borough, and went to work for University of Alaska Fairbanks as a liaison with state lawmakers in October 2003.
His last day was Aug. 14.
University of Alaska Director of Public Affairs Kate Ripley said Kelly’s support for the university system was strong during his tenure in the Legislature, and has never wavered. She expected his service under Parnell to enhance a positive relationship the university and the state already enjoy.
“Pete’s knowledge about the university — our facilities, programs and budget — will be a real asset to the governor,” she said. “Pete knows the University of Alaska system very well. He’ll be able to provide accurate information and make connections and suggestions.”
She also noted Parnell’s commitment to open communication, and parallel priorities in workforce development, budget accountability and improving education quality.
Community Discussion
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Who's going to replace Kelly seat in the legislature?
What a sweet deal for the U. Parnell has effectively hired a lobbiest from the University, only now the state will be paying his salary. More millions will be funneled to the endless pit of the U and wasted on high salaries for administrators in this bloated bureacracy. It stinks!
Sounds like pepel doesn't much like educated people. Let's hope s/he enjoys good health and won't ever need a doctor.
Pete will serve our community and state very well in his new role, as he has in previous positions at UA and in thr Legislature.
BULLSEYE ~~ Kelly left the legislature in 2002
BullsEye...wrong Kelly. That's his brother.
If I'm not mistaken, Pete Kelly is Mike Kelly's (Rep for District 7) little brother ?
It looks like slider believes higher education entitles people to jobs in a bloated beauracracy, at high compensation on the states dime. No questions asked, no questions allowed.
sma - you're confusing the bureaucrats with the people who actually do the work. People like you tend to lump the two groups together. The university brings a lot of money into town and employs a lot of smart, hardworking people. Without it, Fairbanks would be just another faceless, small town with an army base and a bunch of titty bars.
The story is speaking about Pete. Mike is still in the legislature. Sean entered the legislature in January '93, Pete in '95.
Pete is one of the finest individuals you will ever meet. The Governor made a great pick for this position and Fairbanks will be better served. Kudo's to both Pete Kelly and the Governor.
slider -
If you look at the original comment you remarked on - Pepe WAS talking about 'the bloated bureaucracy' - not the teachers, etc
Our educational system in Alaska is Top Heavy - far too many administrators and others and far too few teachers - and it grows unabated!
Pete Kelly is a staunch believer in reducing governmental bureaucracy. That's why he's spent years working various government jobs.
An Alaskan Czar..??
Wouldn't be the first time, Charlie.
"Without it, Fairbanks would be just another faceless, small town with an army base and a bunch of titty bars."
Typical eletist lib statement. Also, totaly unfare to our beautifull cities many fine pulltabs establishments.
I think you need to go back to the lower 46.
I'm so happy for Pete Kelly. I can vouch for Pete's integrity having worked in the legislature myself when he was a Legislator. Both Pete and Gov. Parnell earned my highest respect. Big kudos to both Pete and the Governor!
Kelly is a great pick. I'm glad to know that UA can be getting more money out of this situation. Besides, what's the point of Fairbanks if it did not have UAF. The campus is perfect to get a cheap education and then GTFO of Fairbanks before the city's stink wears in...
That was quite humorous, BABYLON. thanks. ;^>)
Will he have direct contact with Omama's Czar's
Charlie: Aren't Obama's Czars manufactured by Czhrysler?
Great pick for the good ol' boys maybe. Hmmph.
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