Former Alaska Senate president Lyda Green died Tuesday in Soldotna. She was 85.
Green was a senator for more than 14 years as a member of the Senate beginning in 1994 she represented a huge portion of the Matanuska Susitna Borough a Republican. In her two years as president, between 2007 and her time in 2008, she commanded an all-party caucus, which included 15 of the 20 senators in the chamber.
The current Senate president Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, was Green’s majority leader during those two years. He told reporters in a phone interview Green was key in helping bring Democrats as well as Republicans together.
“She performed a superb job and had a great year. She was capable of working with people no matter where they were, that is far left or far right, in the center of road” Stevens said. “She was capable of bringing people together to reach an informed decision and then move forward. That’s why I definitely loved her.”
Stevens is currently a member of the 17-member multi-party Senate caucus. He also said he enjoyed Green’s sense humor.
Green taught in Anchorage and at the Mat-Su and was also the owner of an educational business. Her tutoring clients included House speaker Cathy Tilton’s eldest son. Tilton is an incumbent Wasilla Republican was able to recall Green’s commitment to her community.
“She certainly was an advocate of Alaskans,” Tilton said via phone. “She certainly left a mark on the history of Alaska which will be remembered personally. Lyda was someone that you could admire as an instructor.”
Senator. David Wilson, R-Wasilla spoke in a phone interview Green was gracious with her time and was always willing to assist new lawmakers to learn how even after she stepped down from office.
“When I was running for Senate I was actually invited by her me into her home and said”David, I’m you know I’m close to Lynn Gattis. I’m not eligible be a vote-getter for you but I’m here provide you with basic gems of wisdom.'” Wilson said. “I was there for three hours I was given some amazing tips.”
Green was born in Livingston, Texas in 1938 and relocated to Alaska in the year 1962 one year after her wedding to Curtis Green.
In a written statement the governor. Mike Dunleavy reflected on Green’s dedication to his fellow citizens and the state.
“Lyda was not just a coworker and a friend, she was a close family friend, and I leaned on her to provide sound advice, wisdom and experience during my time in public service,” Dunleavy said. “She was a legislator who led in the development and implementation of of the most significant public policies in Alaska in the last few decades. Our thoughts are with her husband of more than 62 years Curtis and her three children Bradley, Kristie, and Shelton with eleven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.”
Dunleavy has said a public funeral service for Green will be held at a later time. The governor has said he’ll announce the date when flags will be raised at half-staff following consultation with the Green family.
