Rep. Dan Saddler resigns, takes post in DNR

By
Suzanne Downing
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2

Rep. Dan Saddler, the outgoing representative for District 13, has resigned his seat to take a communications post in the Department of Natural Resources. He’ll handle external communications and some legislative liaison duties.

He ran for Senate but was beat by Sen.-elect Lora Reinbold. His District seat was won by Nancy Dahlstrom, who has since also taken a position in the Dunleavy Administration as commissioner of Corrections. The District 13 seat is now up for appointment, and his acceptance of a position in the administration signals he is not throwing his hat in the ring to return to the House.
He made the announcement on Facebook on Friday.

“It is with bittersweet feelings that I let you know that I have resigned my seat representing District 13 in the Alaska House of Representatives, effective close of business today (Friday), he wrote.

“Though my fourth term would ordinarily run until members of the 30th Legislature are sworn in on Jan. 15, 2019, I wanted to get to work quickly helping Gov. Mike Dunleavy fulfill his promise to use our state’s resources to create jobs and a stronger economy for Alaskans. And with my friend Nancy Dahlstrom’s decision to take on the important challenge of keeping our state safer as Corrections commissioner, I wanted to clear the path forward for those seeking to succeed us in the House seat,” Saddler wrote.

A Democrat blogger stated that Saddler cannot legally move from the House into a professional job in the Administration. However, Saddler has a written opinion from the Department of Law that says he can:

DOL re- Saddler accepting employment

Saddler said the position was not created for him and there is no raise attached to it.

2 COMMENTS

  1. Glad Dan is back in the mix in some capacity. He’s a good guy, smart, with a lot to offer. They did their homework on the November 16th, 6-page memo and set the stage for others. They don’t want to get their rumps in a pickle with the hiring process. Looks like the “i’s” are dotted and the “t’s” are crossed. Happy to see you back Dan!

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