Voices from the Flats – Ann Strongheart Wants Answers, and You Can Help!
10 10 2009
~The Fuel/Tank Farm at Nunam Iqua. Photo taken in spring flood of 2008.~
For those of you who visit the blog Anonymous Bloggers you know that we have been trying for months to find out whether or not the villages in rural Alaska have enough fuel to make it through this winter. After last years crisis, we wanted to ensure that everyone got their fuel deliveries and are set for the winter.
Now this in no way means that the residents have enough money to buy fuel and food for this winter. We first wanted to make sure that fuel was simply available. That can’t be that hard of a question. Surely that State of Alaska has a program to monitors this type of thing, especially after last winters fuel issues across rural Alaska, right?
They do! It’s called “Fuel Watch,” and it is run by the Department of Community and Rural Affairs (DCRA) In fact, even Governor Parnell wants to know what the fuel situation is.
So I tried sending out an email to get some answers:
Dear Mr. Parnell, Mr. Sullivan, Mr. Moller, and Ms. Jollie;
Waqaa! I am writing to inquire as to whether or not any of your offices have completed fuel inquiries for rural Alaska? There was mention that villages were being contacted to assess their fuel situations and preparedness for this winter.
Additionally, what happened and/or what is the status of the Yukon Fisheries Disaster Declaration that was sent to DC?
Any information you could provide me about these issues would be greatly appreciated. I am gravely concerned that this winters crisis in rural Alaska will be far worse than last winters, is there anything you can tell me that is in the works or under consideration to avert another crisis in bush Alaska this winter?
Quyana Cakneq in advance for your help in this matter. Please feel free to contact me at the below contact information.
After sending that email one of the staff here at AB found this report thanks to ADN’s Kyle Hopkins.
I read the report and had some questions. Since the report clearly states at the top:
Division of Community and Regional Affairs (DCRA)
Report to the Commissioner
September 18, 2009
From Director Tara Jollie
I thought I’d contact Ms. Jollie. I mean it does say it’s from her, right? So I called her. I about fell off of my chair when she actually answered the phone! I asked her my questions, specifically related to clarifying her report. Did I get answers? Nope! Instead, I got the run around and a broken record response of … “We are having a meeting today (Oct. 2, 2009) and I was planning on answering your email after this meeting.”
Ok, well now I am getting somewhere, right? Just to make sure that she didn’t forget my questions I immediately sent a follow-up email:
Ms. Jollie,
Quyana Cakneq (Yup’ik for “Thank you very much”) for speaking with me earlier on the phone.
I am glad to hear that you are meeting today to discuss the FUEL WATCH for rural Alaska.
I look forward to your email in response to my questions. Here is a recap with a few extra questions:
What is the fuel status for rural Alaska?
After reading report #5 from your dept. I am assuming that only those 13 communities identified in the report are having fuel issues? I am assuming the remaining 567 are all set fuel-wise for the winter? Would you please clarify that?
I expressed my concern that even if these communities have or will receive the fuel they need for the winter that I am concerned about at what cost, and how will people be able to afford the fuel.? You stated that it was not your departments job and/or responsibility to set fuel prices, which I understand. But I am still concerned and would HOPE that you would bring this to the Governors attention. Simply because a community has fuel available, it does not ensure that residents will be able to afford said fuel. Especially due to the poor commercial fishing this past summer.
What is the current status of the the villages listed in report #5 from your dept? Are they all set and have their fuel for the winter?
Does the public have access to the whole database? I would like to review it to ensure that all communities were identified. I am concerned b/c I don’t see Alakanuk nor Kotlik nor other YK Delta Villages listed.
Could you please include me on your mailing list for future reports on the fuel watch? I am working on a post for my blog and would like to be able to keep up to date on current fuel information. I will be going into wait to have a baby in a few very short weeks and intend to fill my time actively advocating for rural Alaska.
Quyana Cakneq again. I look forward to your response.
Surely I’ll get a response. I mean, Ms. Jollie told me on the phone that she’d respond!
(Note to self: Just because Ms. Jollie SAYS she’ll respond to an email doesn’t mean she actually intends to follow through!)
I gave her 7 days to respond, then I sent a courteous reminder.
Dear Ms. Jollie, (AG and Mr. Moller see below)
It has been 7 days since I not only emailed you about the Fuel Watch meetings/information, but also spoke to you on the phone. You assured me that you were going to respond to my email when I spoke to you on the phone. I have attached that email again. I look forward to hearing your responses to my questions.
Like I mentioned I am working on a post for our blog (http://anonymousbloggers.wordpress.com/) and I had hoped to include information about the meeting that you said was happening on Oct. 2. But since it looks as if you will not respond to my emails, I will just include what information I have managed to gather from other sources, and will also mention that I have been unsuccessful getting any type of response from you or your office/department.
I plan on putting that post up tomorrow, Oct. 9, 2009 and following it up with an interview I am doing for APRN. I would really like to include POSITIVE information that I have received from you and/or your office but since you don’t seem to want to respond to my emails…..sigh.
I really would like to include up-to-date information concerning the fuel watch meeting that you said occurred on Oct 2. I am anxiously awaiting your response to my email below.
Quyana Cakneq in advance for you assistance in this matter.
AG Sullivan and Mr. Moller,
Would either of you be able to offer any answers to the questions below?
Ann Strongheart
Well I sat here with bated breath (NOT!) and waited for her to respond. Well, that never happened. And I suspect it never will!
So, with all of that said, I invite all of you to try where I have failed! Yes I am woman enough to admit I failed. I failed to get any additional information. So I remain clueless as to whether or not rural Alaskan villages have enough fuel for the winter. My questions may go forever unanswered. But, I thought maybe Mudflatters would like to try where I have failed! What do you think? How would you like to try to get answers about the fuel situation in rural Alaska?
Here’s how. You too can email Ms. Jollie and ask her if rural Alaskans will have fuel this winter if you are so inclined. (friendly reminder: don’t hold your breath waiting for a response!)
Here’s Ms. Jollies contact information:
Email: tara.jollie@alaska.gov
Phone: 907-269-7959
Now this isn’t the first time that Ms. Jollie’s contact information has appeared online, and her email is listed on the DCRA website also, so I just saved you the time. Additionally, I always like to include the Attorney General and Mr. Moller in my emails, so here are their email addresses:
“Attorney General” attorney.general@alaska.gov
”John Moller” john.moller@alaska.gov
Quyana Cakneq in advance to all who decide to brave the mighty internet to try to seek the truth! Please feel free to post any replies that you receive here in the comments or email them to me at: nunamiquayouth@yahoo.com
October 10th, 2009 at 5:56 AM
and the idiots like palin want less gov’t? looks like they are already there. unreal…
October 10th, 2009 at 6:10 AM
I can send an email, easily, from Colorado.
I’d like to know whether I need to open my wallet again this year (I’m going to phrase it just like that), if the State of Alaska is going to behave callously and ignore their needy citizens this year, too. also.
October 10th, 2009 at 6:25 AM
Didn’t the Disaster declaration on the salmon runs go to the Dept of Commerce? If so, since we can’t get Alaska to answer, maybe a bug in the ear of whatever dept in D.C. it went to might be productive. The e-mails you recommended just went out, Ann.
October 10th, 2009 at 6:32 AM
The Alaska govmt is failing the people, you have not failed, Ann. I sent them the other day and I might just keep sending till something is heard.
October 10th, 2009 at 7:11 AM
Governor Parnell directed an outreach to all rural communities regarding their situation with fuel- available? onsite? can you pay for it? etc
The Sept document shows a great deal of work was done right away.
We are waiting to hear if ALL communities have been reached and their situation assessed.
It is October.
While early freeze-up is not as likely to get in the way of delivery to many communities this year, the poor fishing season along the Yukon, has all of us worried that our neighbors will not be able to afford bulk fuel purchases. Other areas have other considerations.
The bulk fuel revolving fund is there to help but there are likely communities which won’t qualify and we sure would like to know what is going on.
There is a stain of shame on Alaska from last year. We ignored important signals and voices about conditions in the bush until it was almost too late… and then ignored or waffled about remedies.
I say “we” because this kind of thing goes to the heart of making all the fancy language about equal opportunity for all Alaskans a reality…
WE blew it last year.
We don’t want to do that again.
October 10th, 2009 at 7:30 AM
AKM, thanks for giving Anne this platform.
Anne you keep at them and don’t let up until you get a response. I will gladly send an email.
On a side note my husband was the civil superintendent who built your tank farm there a few years ago.
October 10th, 2009 at 8:20 AM
Ann, I’ve just sent e-mails to those three addresses as well.
AKM – Can you get a story on HuffPost about last year’s disaster and the current status? Let people know that not only did Palin fail them in their time of need, but that their state is once again dropping the ball.
Will these be posted on other Alaska blogs or in Alaskan newspapers?
Please let us know where $$$ can be sent to help with fuel costs. Can you give an estimate what it costs for an average household for the winter months?
Alaska Pi and/or Ann – did the boxes reach you yet?
October 10th, 2009 at 9:11 AM
My first response would be to ask Ms. Jolie if she knows the definition of a
” Civil servant ” and what they means…? Apparently not.
I might suggest ( AKM or Ann adding this above ) that Gov. Parnell’s email address be added to the story above. It is not there. Don’t give Parnell an already made up excuse that he didn’t know or was not informed about what was going on. Parnell is ‘ supposed to be ‘ in charge. He makes the call.
I also tried to search her name online to see if she was ‘ appointed ‘ by the EX-Gov as well. I couldn’t find any info…. Maybe someone knows…?
I see a pattern there…. and She sure seems to think like EX- GINO.
( ?? Does she also know how to bake cookies ?)
Does she have plans to deliver any later this year… to help out?
The State ( including ALL of those involved ) is already behaving badly. Expect more of the same behavior from the State…. based on the last Administration.
Expecting Ms. Jolie to correct Her own bad behavior to me is just wishful thinking. She has already shown to Ann what her true nature is. She does have SP as a role model there… how did that work out.
I say you should start now ( before it’s too late ) and start going over their heads. Which is the Federal Agency that has oversight over these Agencies?? In the email to the ‘ Feds ‘ you can mention you have contacted the State with no response. We all remember the results of the ‘ State’s Handling ‘ of that Medicare issue last year and Who had to step in. Who do you trust to fix the problem now ??
Lives were at stake then… and they are now as well.
I suppose you could call Sen. Begich’s Office to ask which Federal Agency would be involved. Someone tell me the Federal Agency ( to add to the emails ) and that’s where my email will be going. I don’t want to waste my
time ‘ talking to a dining room table ‘ to get answers.
October 10th, 2009 at 9:28 AM
I thought Ken Salazar is in chrage on the Federal level….As Secretary of the Interior, Salazar is in charge of the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the United States Geological Survey, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and other federal agencies overseen by the Interior Department.
October 10th, 2009 at 9:38 AM
@honestyingov
Tara Jollie was appointed by Gov. Palin in January, 2007
http://capitalcityweekly.com/stories/011707/news_20070117033.shtml
October 10th, 2009 at 9:39 AM
There are so many villages spread out all over that it’s a challenge for all involved. I’m wondering what each village is doing with their own leadership and councils to review their own needs and resources so that they can know what they are facing and what they can do together about it.
October 10th, 2009 at 10:09 AM
oops….Just realized AKM has the wrong link attached above.
The report I mentioned from Ms. Jollie can be seen at:
http://community.adn.com/sites/community.adn.com/files/Fuel%20Watch%20Report%205%20-%20Sept%2018.doc
I emailed AKM hopefully, she’ll change it if she’s not having fun this weekend
October 10th, 2009 at 10:11 AM
ok that didn’t come out right……if she’s not having fun this weekend..OOOPS
I meant to say she’ll change it when she’s not out having too much fun this weekend.
Ok that doesn’t sound right either LOL….pregnant brain isn’t working.
Going to shuddup now…Y’all know what I mean LOL
October 10th, 2009 at 10:19 AM
Ann-I just wrote to Tara, Dan Sullivan and John Moller. I think it is very telling that Tara will NOT answer you. Those people work for US and they are not doing their job! Why are we paying them????? And Tara was a Palin appointee? Great…..That is Sean Parnell’s problem…..he left all of Palins appointees inplace instead of picking his own team. So, we are left with everything the same as when Quitter Queen was running the state. We will remember this Sean when you are running for Governor.
October 10th, 2009 at 10:20 AM
Good call, Wolf Pack #9. Also, wasn’t there an appointment of a native Alaskan in the last few months to a Dept. of Interior section, Dept. of Native American affairs, or-???
His replacement in Alaska required a special election? Can’t find this on google (not enough coffee!), but noticed because he had wonderful credentials and was well-thought of on this site….
October 10th, 2009 at 10:32 AM
You people in Alaska depend way too much on the State to get you through a winter. What are you, some kind of socialists?
Knowing whether there is going to be fuel? AKM
October 10th, 2009 at 11:12 AM
Mooser at #16 – Maybe you need to do a bit more research on what the situation really is. From what I understand from reading on various sites (and if I’m wrong someone please correct me), basic subsistence rights have been taken from these villagers.
Thanks to Palin (who’s husband is a commercial fisherman by the way) laws were changed and restrictions were put on the amounts of fish and wildlife that natives could take, which meant they not only had LESS to put up for winter subsistence, but also LESS that they could sell to supplement their meagre incomes that barely begin to cover the high costs of living in the remote areas. The laws now FAVOR the commercial fishing and hunting industries.
When was the last time you had to pay $7-$10 for gas for your vehicle? When was the last time you had to pay $10 for a quart of oil for your vehicle? Why don’t you look at this article and tell us when you’ve had to experience a shopping day like this and the associated costs?
http://anonymousbloggers.wordpress.com/shoppin-day-in-nunam-iquq/
The state has been taking away from the natives for decades and yet offer little in return for what was rightfully theirs to begin with. They aren’t asking for much – they just want to know if they’ll have the fuel.
Don’t worry Mooser – if the state doesn’t give help where it is desperately needed, we won’t ask for your help. There are many of us from this forum and others (who live all over the world, not just Alaska) who will gladly share whatever we can to help our brothers and sisters.
October 10th, 2009 at 11:15 AM
AKM…..?
My other comment was a little long. Please consider adding Gov. Parnells
email address above in your story as an addition.
In the end… this all falls on His Desk. The Buck stops There.
October 10th, 2009 at 11:29 AM
HIG…
I do have a whole seperate list of email addresses that I send out emails to. Like my emails to Gov. P. It has over 100 email addresses on it ranging from elected officials, to non elected officials, to tribal governments, to out spoken rural Alaskans, to various media outlets.
I was just keeping this one small, but am working on another that will include many more. Start small…work to larger and larger audiences!
October 10th, 2009 at 11:52 AM
Are the CDQ groups planning on helping out their communities in any way with the millions of dollars they are sitting on?
I have yet to see a single comment or response from any CDQ spokesperson – last year or this year.
October 10th, 2009 at 12:43 PM
http://www.alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/cdq/default.htm
CDQ Program
October 10th, 2009 at 12:45 PM
http://www.commerce.state.ak.us/bsc/CDQ/cdq.htm
October 10th, 2009 at 1:06 PM
Thanks for the links, Same Old….Notice how outdated all the CDQ reports are —
In 2008 the combined CDQ groups took in $140 million. The Coastal Villages group, which represents 20 communities in the Bethel/Kuskokwim area (including Emmonak and Anne’s village) took in the most last year at $44 million. Director Morgen Crow received $725,000 in salary/bonuses.
When the CDQ program was implemented in the mid 1990s, all money had to be used for fishery related development. But for the past ten years or so, that no longer applies and the money can be used for anything the CDQ officials choose. No taxes are paid on the money.
Parnell and other officials go through the motions of acting like they are concerned, but little action. Why the hell are people in Western Ak getting help from Hugo Chavez while the state and CDQ groups brush them off? What a travesty.
And ‘rural advisor’ Moller is a bought/sold mouthpiece for his bosses. He is ineffectual and looking out for his own advancement.
October 10th, 2009 at 2:53 PM
From just casual observation I would say there is an enormous amount of corruption in Alaska with everyone looking the other way.
I have been shocked that no one brings suit over things like the email required to be released in 10 days that is still in limbo over a year later.
It’s as if everything is just a shrug and walk-away. Corrupt Bastards isn’t a club … it’s a way of life.
PA isn’t a bastion of good government but the citizens aren’t crapped on so badly.
October 10th, 2009 at 3:10 PM
@16 Mooser Says:
October 10th, 2009 at 10:32 AM
You people in Alaska depend way too much on the State to get you through a winter. What are you, some kind of socialists?
———————-
???
Is your tongue tucked so tightly in your cheek, the teasing isn’t apparent?
or are you serious?
If you are serious, yup… that’s what we are … socialists, you betcha!
We expect , in this far flung state, for our government to administer it’s programs like Fuel Watch and the Revolving Fuel Loan Program in a timely and open manner.
We expect to get value for the $ we spend hiring folks to do those jobs for us…
hmmm…
maybe we’re not socialists…
just plain old people trying to get it’s representative democracy to stay in touch with those it represenrts…
whaddya think?
When in the world did charging our own government to make good on it’s JOB become something NOT to be desired?
October 10th, 2009 at 3:55 PM
Is there any person here from a village that participates in this program?
http://www.akenergyauthority.org/programsloan.html
It’s the Bulk Fuel Revolving Loan Fund.
I realize that many are talking about whether the fuel will be able to get to the rural communities, payment available or not. However, is every community that is eligible taking part in the loan program for fuel?
Is there anyone in your community that files this paperwork regarding fuel loans to insure heating fuel for the winter? Does this program even work?
I’m just curious as it seems like an option for communities concerned about winter heating.
October 10th, 2009 at 4:13 PM
@26 AKPetMom-
People are very aware of the Fund and per Governor Parnell’s instructions, the state IS trying to do outreach this year to be sure folks get loans and/or fuel in a timely manner.
It is the lack of followup by the office charged with overseeing this which rankles at this point…
This is the Kyle Hopkins Rural Blog entry Ann references…
———————————
http://community.adn.com/node/143701
“This year, the state’s keeping tabs on villages across Alaska to try and prevent missed barges or payment problems, said Scott Ruby, deputy director of the Division of Community and Regional Affairs.
Lately, low water has threatened shipments to half a dozen villages. On the Kuskokwim, for example, McGrath and nearby Takotna will almost certainly miss their barge
————————————————
October 10th, 2009 at 4:19 PM
Thanks Alaska Pi. I just wasn’t quite sure about where the “logjam” was regarding fuel shipments. Quite frankly I wasn’t certain if it was because of lack of funds or weather or gov’t not doing what it should.
Thanks again for the links and for the info!
October 10th, 2009 at 4:43 PM
28 AKPetMom-
loved the “logjam” thingy…
The September report identifies some problems for some areas and we are hoping those things have been attended to.
It is also important to note that Ann is asking about whether the costs for consumers after fuel is delivered will be bearable. Much of the fuel is for electricity generation, much is for folks to purchase for their own heating systems.
Who knows how this will all shake out this year, who we really need to ask that last question, and so on, but we want much more open communication with state agencies and personnel this year…
Phhht on waiting to find out neighbors are in trouble in January again….
October 10th, 2009 at 5:47 PM
I came across a problem before I left my previous job at a large insurance company. In order to stop a semi-illegal practice I had to go to the following:
Gov, State Reps, and Fed Reps. I have found when appealing to the government to get something done lots of facts help.
How many people went last year that you know of with inadequate fuel? Can you give an example of a person/family other than you that went through a hardship last year preferably with young kids? Is there any outside organization or part of the Indian Reservation that has done any follow-up or research on the problem?
It is easy for representatives of the government to dismiss emails it is harder for them to dismiss facts and examples.
October 10th, 2009 at 8:01 PM
Ann, is there an Alaskan Board you can join or be elected to? Representive Strongheart( Rural Alaskan Affairs) would be a good title for you.
October 10th, 2009 at 8:04 PM
Representative–correction
October 10th, 2009 at 9:24 PM
on it.
October 11th, 2009 at 8:26 AM
I sent an email to the three people listed in the blog entry. This is the reply I got from Tara Jolie’s office:
“I will be out of the office until October 22. If you are emailing about fuel supplies in remote Alaska, this is the most current information as of October 9, 2009.
The Division of Community and Regional Affairs (DCRA) is working to ensure adequate fuel supplies are available in Alaska’s remote, off road, villages. To that end, DCRA has made, and continues to make, an intense effort to contact off road communities regarding the status of fuel deliveries to their community. DCRA does not influence the selling price of fuel.
DCRA has identified 583 entities that cannot receive fuel delivery via the road system. These entities include Cities, Village Councils, Corporations and Schools that must stockpile large amounts of fuel for winter use. As of 9/29, DCRA has made 1,188 attempts to contact these entities. Of the 583 total entities, DCRA has successfully contacted 517, or 89%. Of the 583, 442, or 76%, report they have received their winter supply of fuel, or are in their normal cyclic delivery schedule with either a source internal or external to the community. Our work continues.”
In my absence please direct questions to Scott Ruby, DCRA Deputy Director. Scott may be reached at 269-4569 or at scott.ruby@alaska.gov.
Tara Jollie
Director
Division of Community and Regional Affairs
So, essentially, I get to write another email and wonder if anyone is going to bother replying. Gee, Alaska, isn’t it time to get new people in your government?
October 12th, 2009 at 6:32 AM
I wrote an email too, to the three of them. Twelve hours after I sent it, I received the “automated” response from Tara Jollie. Seems like she doesn’t know what “automated” really means.