A vision of unity.

• Author: Stricker, Julie
• Position: Alaska official Byron Mallott - Interview

Urban Alaska is going to have to understand rural Alaska, and rural Alaska is going to have to understand urban Alaska in some powerful ways that really aren't there now. That synergy is absolutely necessary.

In February, Gov. Tony Knowles announced the creation of a Commission on Rural Alaska Governance and Empowerment, citing that Alaska is ripe for a thorough review of the interdependence of urban and rural Alaska. His hopes in creating the commission are to address the vexing social problems that exist in the Bush, improve the delivery of services in rural areas, and bring Alaskans together. Alaska Permanent Fund Executive Director Byron Mallott is serving as interim chairman of the commission. In a recent interview with Alaska Business Monthly, Mallott further discussed the commission's formation and goals.

ABM: What is the Commission on Rural Governance and Empowerment?

Mallott: There has been some difficulty and controversy, particularly regarding state municipalities and their effectiveness and appropriateness (relating to) some areas of rural Alaska. Conversely, there has been some concern over the jurisdiction and the authority of tribes in rural Alaska. This commission's role is to try to sort the concerns and to make recommendations to the governor and Legislature, as well as to others.

What should be the direction, if any, of government-to-government relationships between the State of Alaska and its subordinate governments, commissions and federally recognized tribes ? That underpins much of what the commission is about.

The notion of empowerment is doing it - all within the public policy and philosophical construct - while providing rural Alaskans with the resources necessary to essentially make what they will of their own lives. The notion of empowerment also speaks to the issue of resources. That is, no one is ever empowered without economic opportunity, jobs, or safe communities.

The purpose of this commission is to try to wrestle with those alligators so we can make some recommendations and allow some progress to be made.

ABM: Why was the commission formed?

Mallott: I urged (the governor), at the time that the Venetie Indian Country decision was appealed to the Supreme Court by the State of Alaska, to essentially get out ahead of this issue.... So that whatever resulted from the Venetie decision, the state would be in a position to be responsive in a positive way. I know that a number of other folks had communicated (this...