Beverly Masek

Beverly Masek is a former member of the Alaska House of Representatives, having served two distinct terms as a Republican legislator. Born on September 30, 1963, in Anvik, Alaska, she has a background that includes being an Alaska Native, a dog sled racer, and a businesswoman. Masek's political career was marked by her involvement in various legislative activities, as well as her participation in a significant political corruption scandal that ultimately led to her conviction.

Early life and career

Beverly Jerue, later known as Beverly Masek, was born into an Alaska Native family in the small community of Anvik, Alaska. Growing up in this remote area, she attended local schools and graduated from Anvik High School. Her upbringing in Alaska played a crucial role in shaping her identity and connection to the state.

Following her education, Masek married Jan Masek, who immigrated to the United States from Czechoslovakia. Together, they established a life in Alaska that included the ownership of a racing dog kennel and a lodge, reflecting their shared interests and entrepreneurial spirit. Masek's professional experience also included work as a bookkeeper, which provided her with a solid foundation in financial management and business operations.

From an early age, Masek developed a passion for dog sledding, a traditional Alaskan sport. She became actively involved in dog sled racing during the 1980s and continued until the early 1990s. Throughout her racing career, she participated in the prestigious Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race five times, successfully completing the grueling competition on four occasions. Her notable finishes included placing 21st in 1991 and 23rd in 1992, showcasing her dedication and skill in the sport.

Legislative service

Masek's political career began when she became actively involved in the Republican Party, which led to her election to the Alaska House of Representatives. She first took office in 1994 and served until 2005, during which she represented Alaska State House District 15. Her election occurred in a year when many Democratic incumbents in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley were defeated by Republican challengers, indicating a shift in the political landscape of the region.

Throughout her tenure in the legislature, Masek held the position of chairwoman of the House Resources Committee, where she played a significant role in shaping policies related to Alaska's natural resources. However, her time in office was not without controversy. In 2001, she recorded the highest absentee rate in the House, missing 29 floor sessions. The following year, she was absent from 16 sessions, raising questions about her engagement in legislative duties. Notably, in 2002, she was present in the hallway during a critical budget vote, which underscored her contentious relationship with attendance and participation in legislative proceedings.

Masek's political career also saw her involved in various fundraising efforts, receiving contributions from notable figures and organizations. For instance, she received financial support from Rep. Pete Kott, who was seeking the position of House speaker, as well as from executives at VECO Corporation, which was implicated in a significant political corruption scandal in Alaska. Additionally, she garnered support from an Anchorage architecture firm involved in planning a proposed private prison in the state.

Policy focus and district

During her time in the Alaska House of Representatives, Masek focused on issues pertinent to her constituents and the broader Alaskan community. As chairwoman of the House Resources Committee, she was involved in discussions and decisions regarding the management and utilization of Alaska's natural resources, which are vital to the state's economy and cultural heritage. Her position allowed her to influence legislation that impacted industries such as oil, gas, and mining, which are central to Alaska's economic framework.

Masek's legislative record also included her stance on subsistence rights, particularly as an Alaska Native lawmaker. She notably opposed a state constitutional amendment that sought to grant priority to rural subsistence users, reflecting her complex views on resource management and the rights of different communities within Alaska.

Despite her legislative contributions, Masek's career was overshadowed by her involvement in a political corruption scandal that emerged in the late 2000s. In 2009, she pleaded guilty to charges related to a wide-ranging investigation into bribery within the Alaska state legislature, which was linked to VECO Corporation. This scandal implicated several other legislators and resulted in multiple convictions, including her own. Masek was sentenced to six months in prison, followed by three years of probation, marking a significant turning point in her political career.

Masek's legacy is intertwined with her contributions to Alaska's legislative process and the challenges she faced during her time in office. Her experiences as a dog sled racer, businesswoman, and legislator reflect the diverse aspects of her life and the complexities of political service in Alaska. Following her conviction, Masek's political career came to an end, but her earlier work in the legislature and her connection to the Alaskan community remain part of her story.