November 28, 2003
Ramona Barnes
Ramona Lee Etta Barnes, the first woman speaker of the Alaska House of Representatives, died on Nov. 26 from pneumonia. She was 65.
Born in Tennessee, Barnes moved to Alaska as a military wife in 1971. Prior to her political career, she worked for the CIA in the Philippines as an undercover agent, raised three children and managed a beauty school and salon in Anchorage.
A social conservative, Barnes was elected to the Alaska legislature in 1978. The longest-serving woman legislator in state history, she served her constituents for 20 years. Barnes was the first woman to hold every legislative leadership position, from majority leader to minority whip, and became House speaker in 1993. Republicans have controlled the House ever since.
"Ramona had a tough exterior but a soft heart. She was absolutely committed to Alaska, especially regarding management of its resources and assertion of its rights vis-a-vis the federal government. In her last years in the Legislature, she committed herself to improving Alaska's place in international trade and worked tirelessly on improved relationships with countries and businesses in the Pacific Rim," Alaska's Lieutenant Governor Loren Leman stated.
Senate President Rick Halford once gave her a set of "brass balls," which was actually a pair of 2-pound fishing sinkers painted gold. Barnes displayed the ornament on her desk.
Posted on November 28, 2003 5:54 PMRamona Barnes, I cry her tears for Alaska
I have read many of the news reports regarding my Aunt Ramona Barnes. This has given me much pride in her accomplishments. I have always held the highest level of respect for her.
It appears that we as people do not really fully appreciate what we have until it is gone.
Ramona Barnes was truly motivated to improve life for everyone in Alaska. Yes, Ramona was raised in Pikeville, Tennessee however Alaska was her home. It was her life.
Most voters did not understand the sacrifices made by a hard working politician especially, if that politician is a single mother. The family feels a loss because their Mother is always working and has little time for their needs. The Mother feels a need to provide a loving and comfortable secure home for their children. My Aunt Ramona felt that one big way to accomplish this would make the strong effort to improve their world around them. She did just that. Her efforts resulted in a better life for her children and everyone in Alaska.
When she lost the prior election, she did not understand that following so many years of hard work and loyalty to the people of her State, she was no longer a member in the Legislature. The “tough”, Ramona did have feelings. She was understandably hurt.
I now cry for her, the tears for her loss, for Alaska’s loss.
Numerous studies have been made in an attempt to determine what will motivate a particular vote. We know that today voters are strongly motivated by the media. Many times the voters have no idea what is happening in the State House. Their vote is a result of media induced emotion negate of responsible objectives. This vote may only be a result of political bashing unfortunately commonplace today in American Politics. The outcome of any election does not necessarily mean that the best person gets the job. The best person for the job is not always the one with extensive formal education, large amounts of money or so many years of residency in one particular place. The best person for the job is usually the one that will do whatever it takes to learn and do whatever it takes to get the job done. This was my Aunt Ramona.
Today, not only do I cry for the loss of my Aunt Ramona Barnes, I cry for Alaska because they have lost one of their best.
Linda Sue Burdett
Posted by Linda Sue Burdett on January 7, 2004 9:57 PM