We are all deeply saddened by the sudden passing of former Anchorage Mayor and former Alaska State Speaker of the House Tom Fink.
Tom stayed very actively engaged as an elder statesman in helping shape public policy for years after his retirement from elected office.
For those of us who have advocated for expanded parental choice in the Alaska education system, the loss of Tom is especially hard felt. Tom’s leadership in highlighting the importance of private sector competition to improve educational opportunities for the next generation of Alaskans were critical to the steady momentum that the educational choice movement has gained in Alaska over the last decade.
Tom was an inspirational mentor to myself and many others who are deeply concerned about the future of Alaska. Though he is gone, his presence will always be felt.