Mackie hired as lobbyist for Juneau

JUNEAU (AP) -- Former state Sen. Jerry Mackie has been hired by the city of Juneau to a one-year, $40,000 contract as a lobbyist.

Mackie, who served both as a Democrat and Republican before leaving the Senate in 2000, will focus on gaining support for keeping the capital in Juneau, said Mayor Sally Smith. The Juneau Assembly approved the contract on Monday.

Mackie served in the state House from 1990 to 1996 and retired as Senate Majority Leader.

He began working as a government relations manager for Alyeska Pipeline Service Co. after leaving state government. He will leave that post to become an independent lobbyist, Mackie said.

Mackie will represent Alyeska, Cook Inlet Region Inc., Holland America and Arctic Slope Regional Corp. subsidiaries Natchiq Inc. and Petro Star Inc.

State ethics codes prohibit former lawmakers from lobbying the Legislature for one year after leaving office. That restriction would expire in Mackie's case on Jan. 8. The Legislature reconvenes on Jan. 14.