I’m voting for Sara Hannan because she is the most qualified candidate to serve our long-time democratic district. Hannan has trained for this job all her life. I know, because we’ve been friends since teenagers in Anchorage.
Hannan’s résumé of public service and leadership spans four decades. It began in high school with election as president of the Alaska Association of Student Governments. While majoring in education at University of Alaska Fairbanks, Hannan earned the coveted appointment of Student Regent on the University of Alaska Board of Regents.
Hannan engaged youth in civics education for 20-plus years as a Juneau Social Studies teacher, including leading students to Washington, D.C. and the United Nations for National Close-Up. As Director of Alaska Close-Up, she instructed visiting students about the legislative process at our capital.
Hannan has 20 years of union activism fighting for educational excellence. She served in numerous leadership positions in both the Juneau Education Association and statewide National Education Association. She attained valuable negotiation skills for wages and benefits.
Sara has small business experience being an owner of Alaska Wild Salmon Company with her husband of 22 years, Mark Stopha. She’s also participated in the political process as a lobbyist for environmental protection, as election campaign coordinator, and as staff at the legislature.
With all her demonstrated experience in how to collaborate, problem solve and communicate to reach consensus on complex issues, Hannan is a “natural” to continue the proud history of progressive representation for House District 33.
Elizabeth Dahl,
HD33 Resident and retired educator
My Turns and Letters to the Editor represent the view of the author, not the view of the Juneau Empire.