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 Honorable Bryce Edgmon Speaker of the House of Representatives State Capitol Room 208 Juneau AK, 99801 December 15, 2017 Mr. Speaker, Over the past few days, I have heard from colleagues, constituents, and friends who have continued to advise me on how to address recent events and the allegations against me. I have spent time deliberating on their guidance, and it is with a heavy heart that I respond now and announce that I will be resigning as a member of the Alaska State Legislature. I ran for office to serve my district, my home, and my community. I wanted to be an advocate for the people whom I care so much about and make positive changes on their behalf. As recent allegations of my behavior have superseded discussions about my constituents, my ability to serve them has been diminished. The conversation about my behavior has been elevated above the needs of my district, and that is not why I ran for office. I am not more important than the people who put me in my seat. My district has, and always should, come first. Some people are angry with me; more are disappointed. I am too. To the women who came forward, thank you for telling your story. I am inspired by your bravery, and I am sorry for the pain I have caused. To my constituents, I am sorry to have 1 let you down. These allegations do not reflect who I am, nor who I want to be. I will learn from this experience and be a better man because of it. It has been a privilege to work alongside my many amazing colleagues, and I am proud of the work we have been able to accomplish. But much more than that, it has been the greatest honor to serve you, the residents of House District 40. As a citizen, I will work tirelessly to earn back your trust and esteem and act as an activist. Together, we can continue to tackle the many problems that lie before us as both a region and a state. Thank you for your support, guidance, and trust. Dean Westlake 2