Representative Dean Westlake

Alaska State Legislature   District 40
Contact:
State Capitol Rm 24
Phone: (907) 465-3473
Rep.Dean.Westlake@akleg.gov

∙ Special Committee on Arctic, Economic Development,
and Tourism, Chair

∙ Resources Committee, Vice Chair

∙ Community and Regional Affairs Committee
∙ Special Committee on Energy

Kotzebue ∙ Kiana ∙ Ambler ∙ Buckland ∙ Deering ∙ Kivalina ∙ Kobuk ∙ Noorvik ∙ Noatak ∙ Selawik ∙ Shungnak ∙ Red Dog
Barrow ∙ Nuiqsut ∙ Kaktovik ∙ Wainwright ∙ Point Hope ∙ Point Lay ∙ Anaktuvuk Pass ∙ Atqasuk ∙ Prudhoe Bay
Alakaket ∙ Alatna ∙ Bettles ∙ Deering ∙ Evansville ∙ Coldfoot ∙ Hughes ∙ Wiseman

I would have preferred to publicly respond to recent allegations, but I am still in recovery from heart
surgery and must make a written statement only. These allegations have become a confidential
personnel matter, and in respecting the process I cannot discuss the details. I very much wish that I
could. However, I will say the following:
I want to once again apologize to any woman whom I have made uncomfortable with either my actions
or words. I never intended to hurt anyone, but I understand now that I have. I am truly sorry for that,
and I want to thank anyone who came forward. Doing so required strength and bravery.
In the midst of a national moment that has empowered many women to come forward with their
painful experiences, I have found myself re-examining my own actions and thinking through how they
have affected the women with whom I work and interact.
I, like many men, have learned a lot from the women who have shared their stories over the past few
weeks. I used to think of certain actions as friendly or funny, but I have come to understand that they
can be offensive and intrusive.
I am imperfect, and I know I have disappointed many people who trusted me to represent them. Let me
be clear, I am committed to being better and to changing my behavior. I will learn from this experience,
and I will be an ally and supporter of women moving forward.
Many people in the past few days have called for me to resign. I have thought seriously about it, and I
have asked for counsel from friends, family, native leaders, Elders, and God. I have decided not to.
I am proud to represent House District 40, which is not a Republican or Democrat district- it is an
Alaskan district. I will continue to work on behalf of the people of my district and of Alaska more
broadly.
I want to thank everyone who has supported me throughout this time. These stories do not reflect who I
am, and I am determined to make it right.