View source for Mark Begich

==Begich Honors Socialist Niilo Koponen==

[[Socialist]] Niilo Koponen was honored at Democratic State Central Committee gala October 15, 2009.

Niilo, Fred Brown and Barry Jackson were honored at the Democratic State Central Committee gala held  at the Morris Thompson Center. There was a good turnout, including Sen. Mark Begich.<ref>[http://koponenalaska.wordpress.com/2009/10/15/niilo-honored-at-democratic-state-central-committee-gala/Koponen News blog, Niilo honored at Democratic State Central Committee gala]</ref>

On Dec. 6, 2013, U.S. Senator Mark Begich issued a statement  about the passing of former state legislator and [[Democratic Socialists of America]] member Niilo Koponen.

:''“Niilo was a one-of-a-kind true Alaska pioneer whose contributions to our state will be long-lasting. After helping [[World War II]] refugees at a Finnish work camp, Niilo and his life partner and wife Joan, drove to Alaska in the winter of 1952. Like many Alaskans, he worked many jobs but perhaps the most important was teaching [[Fairbanks]] elementary school students. Niilo often served as the conscience of the Alaska Legislature during his nearly 10 years in [[Juneau]], where he advocated for the most challenged Alaskans. Niilo was a fierce champion for his beloved community of Fairbanks and his entire state. His selfless public service to the Alaska that he loved will be sorely missed.”''<ref>[http://www.akbizmag.com/Alaska-Business-Monthly/December-2013/Begich-Honors-Alaskan-Niilo-Koponen/, Alaska Business Monthly, Begich Honors Alaskan Niilo Koponen, Dec. 6. 2013]</ref>