Gov. Bill Walker hates to be a party pooper, but he says Alaska can’t afford otherwise.
In a letter dated June 30 to supporters of the annual Governor’s Family Picnic, which are held in Alaska’s largest cities including Juneau, Walker wrote he is continuing to look for “efficiencies” in state spending, and that means no picnics in 2016.
“I understand this is also a difficult time for many Alaska businesses, so instead of hosting the summer picnics, my administration will be focusing outreach efforts on smaller events that support and encourage local economic development in communities across the state,” he wrote.
Walker went on to say those efforts would include attending farmers markets, meeting with manufacturers and promoting agricultural programs.
Walker didn’t close the door on future picnics, however.
“In future years, my office may choose to continue the Governor’s Family Picnic,” he wrote.
