The Alaska House Majority has unveiled a new way for Alaskans to offer their advice to the Legislature. On Friday, members of the House’s Republican-led majority urged state residents to call 1-844-414-5949 to leave anonymous suggestions of ways to save money.
While the number has the unfortunate mnemonic of 1-UGH-4145-WHY, the system has a serious purpose, said Rep. Gabrielle LeDoux, R-Anchorage. “One of the groups we’re reaching out to are current state employees or retired state employees,” she said. “Sometimes these folks might not feel comfortable speaking on the record … this guarantees total anonymity.”
Anyone who calls the number is greeted by the voice of Tom Wright, chief of staff to Rep. Mike Chenault, R-Nikiski and Speaker of the House, who explains why the phone system was set up and that the message will be anonymous unless the caller leaves their name or phone number for a response.
“Many people hold back on expressing themselves on social media,” said Rep. Bryce Edgemon, D-Dillingham and a member of the majority. “That’s really the beauty of Idea Line. You don’t have to identify yourself or leave a callback number.”
Messages will be checked by legislative staff and transcribed into emails for members of the majority, who can read them into the record as official comments if they wish.
Since it’s anonymous, there’s the potential for, well, some impolite comments.
“I’m assuming we’ll get some of those comments, but those are constructive sometimes,” said Rep. Charisse Millett, R-Anchorage and the majority leader.
Rep. Craig Johnson, R-Anchorage, said he thinks the phone line will be worth it. “It may be like a blog where you’ve got some very nonproductive comments,” he said, “but every once in a while, you’ll find a gem.”
