Chenault Mourns Heinze's Death

(Nikiski) - House Speaker Mike Chenault, R-Nikiski, released the following statement today after learning of former Anchorage Rep. Cheryl Heinze's death. Heinze, who served District 24 in the 23rd Alaska Legislature (2003-04), died in a plane crash late Tuesday night in Homer, according to the Alaska State Troopers.

Statement:

"Cheryl was a tremendous, accomplished woman. I had the pleasure of serving with her on the Resources Committee during her term in office, and found her to be an engaged, informed and passionate legislator. She had a light smile and an easy way about her that made her popular not only inside, but outside the Capitol. She cared deeply about our state, and focused her time in Juneau on a range of issues, including victim's rights, anti-stalking measures, energy, and the fisheries. Tanna and I will keep Harold (her husband) in our thoughts and prayers during this dark time and ask others to do the same."

Heinze's legislative biography is available at http://www.akrepublicans.org/heinze/index.php