House Finance forwards Jana Wellstein for State Assessment Review Board after brief confirmation

Jana Wellstein told the House Finance Committee on May 6 that her background in administrative law and property-tax valuation disputes made her qualified for the State Assessment Review Board and that she would apply statutes and evidentiary records impartially if confirmed. “If confirmed, I will approach that responsibility with neutrality, diligence, and strong commitment to the law in applying the record,” she said.

Wellstein, a lifelong Alaskan who said she practices law in Anchorage as principal attorney at JDW Counsel, described more than a decade of work on administrative and valuation matters, experience on Anchorage’s Planning Board and service on the Alaska advisory oil and gas royalty board. Committee members asked whether any client relationships would create conflicts; Wellstein said she had no current oil-and-gas clients and would disclose and seek recusal if a conflict arose.

Committee members briefly questioned her readiness to handle complex valuation issues. Representative Josephson asked whether she was prepared to address complex value-of-taps questions; Wellstein said she had reviewed controlling opinions and would rely on evidence, experts, and record-based decision-making. Representative Ballard offered personal support describing Wellstein as “outstanding.”

After questions, Representative Froggy moved that the committee forward Wellstein’s name to the joint session for consideration. With no objection, the committee agreed to forward the nomination. The committee asked members to sign paperwork recommending the nomination.

The committee then moved to other agenda items. The joint-session consideration is the next procedural step for the nominee.