Edgar Blatchford: commissioner of community and economic development.

• Position: Interview - Commissioner of Community and Economic Development

Edgar Blatchford returned to public service in 2003 when Gov. Frank Murkowski appointed him commissioner of Community and Economic Development. He previously served as commissioner of Community and Regional Affairs with the Hickel Administration.

At the time of his current appointment, Blatchford was an associate professor of journalism and public communications at the University of Alaska Anchorage.

Blatchford is a lifelong Alaskan and former chairman of Chugach Alaska Corp. In addition to his state service, he has served as mayor of Seward.

Blatchford holds a bachelor of arts from Alaska Methodist University, a juris doctor degree from the University of Washington School of Law, and a master of arts in journalism from Columbia University.

Recently he took time from his schedule to discuss the state's economic future.

ABM: Commissioner, many people say the stars are in line for Alaska. You've returned to serve in the cabinet a second time, so you must have a good feeling about the slate's future. In addition to the change of governor, what else has changed since, you were in Gov. Walter Hickel's cabinet?

Commissioner Blatchford:

There is no substitute for having a federal administration that understands Alaska. Also, our congressional delegation is stronger and well placed to make a difference.

The Department of Community and Economic Development is the former Department of Community and Regional Affairs and the previous De partment of Commerce and Economic Development. This brings together local and financial initiatives in a new and productive way.

Rural objectives are changing. Communities are looking to jobs and improved economic infrastructure, especially surface transportation. Local economies have the model of the Community Development Quota success. Mineral exploration of the early '90s, especially on ANCSA (Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act) lands, has moved closer to development.

Thanks to the Denali Commission, bulk fuel storage and primary health care are improved in many communities of rural Alaska.

ABM: What is the focus of the Murkowski Administration to improve Alaska's economy?

Commissioner Blatchford:

Everyone recognizes that the state's economy fluctuates with the strength of the oil and gas industry. The Department of Natural Resources has an outstanding team in the Division of Oil and Gas. Along with other objectives, it is working to encourage more exploration and discoveries that can bring the pipeline back to...