Calling for “A New Direction”
October 10th, 2007
Berkowitz Declares for Congress
Saying “It’s time for Alaska and America to take a new direction,” Ethan Berkowitz declared his candidacy for Alaska’s seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Berkowitz, who served ten years in the State House of Representatives, eight as Democratic Leader, pledged “to run a campaign that will be about what we’re for, not who we’re against.”
“My experience has shown me that substance and civility work best,” Berkowitz said. “When we reach across party lines we can find common ground and commonsense solutions that move us forward and away from partisan politics. That approach worked in Juneau and it will work in Washington, D.C.”
Berkowitz expressed confidence in the country’s ability to rise to the challenges of our time. “We can make America a stronger force for peace and security in the world. We can develop Alaska’s energy resources – renewables as well as oil and gas — to make vital contributions to America’s energy independence. We can have schools that reach and teach each student as a unique individual. We can expand health care for children and small business. And we can restore trust and high ethical standards in our public servants and our government. We can have leaders who make us proud.”
Ethan Berkowitz, 45, graduated with honors from Harvard in 1983 with a joint degree in government and economics. He earned a master’s degree in polar studies from Cambridge University’s Scott Polar Research Institute in 1986 and a law degree from the University of California Hastings College of Law in 1990.
Berkowitz spent three seasons working in Antarctica, as a field assistant, a guide and ultimately an Enforcement Officer for the U.S. Antarctic Program. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for his contributions.
In Alaska, Ethan served as a law clerk on the Alaska Court of Appeals, and a prosecutor with the Anchorage District Attorney’s office, prosecuting criminal offenses across the state. He went on to start his own law practice.
Ethan is a partner in the successful downtown Anchorage restaurant, Snow City Café. Recently, he founded Alaskan Alternative Energy, a company whose goals are to bring low-cost alternative energy to Alaska’s rural communities and develop strategies for adapting to climate change.
Ethan and his wife Mara Kimmel have two children, Hannah, 6, and Noah, 3. Mara currently teaches political science at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
# # #
