PRIORITIES

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 The Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) is a critical service for coastal communities, and its restoration remains one of my top priorities. I’ve worked hard during my time in the legislature to support AMHS, introducing and passing two reform bills, House Bill 63 and House Bill 322. I’ve also taken the lead in working with the Administration to ensure that the replacement M/V Tustumena construction has continued to move forward. Much critical work remains in rebuilding our fleet and providing robust and consistent year-round service to coastal communities. I look forward to continuing this important work.

Fisheries are the economic, cultural, and social lifeblood of our district. It puts food on the table, allows the continuance of traditional lifestyles, and is the largest economic driver for many families and coastal communities. During my 11 years as Chair of the House Fisheries Committee, securing funding for fisheries research and management, as well as promoting policies and legislation that support healthy fisheries and fishing families, have been primary focuses of mine. Being connected with and listening to local fishermen is key, and I intend to stay proactive and engaged on the fisheries issues that matter to you.

Being responsive to my constituents’ concerns is extremely important to me. Being available for your constituents, helping them navigate bureaucracy, and advocating for their rights is the most fundamental function of a legislative office.

Make no mistake, we need a comprehensive fiscal solution to support consistent essential services to coastal communities. The yearly political battle over essential services like AMHS, education, fisheries management, public safety, and the PFD must end. Alaskans deserve consistent essential services and consistent PFD payments.  I support oil tax reform, a real constitutional spending cap, as well as a statutory revision to the PFD formula. We have tremendous opportunities in fisheries, mariculture, tourism, oil and gas, and mining.  Fully utilizing those resources will be key to diversifying our portfolio, as well as looking at entirely new revenue streams.

 Another reason for a fiscal plan. Recent capital budgets have been very slim, and the effects have been felt throughout Alaska. A healthy capital budget means jobs, new construction, repairs to existing infrastructure, as well as lower municipal taxes. We need to return to a financial position where we can adequately fund the capital budget year in and year out to support Alaskan communities.

I strongly oppose overdrawing the earnings of the Permanent Fund and believe in prudent investments in savings and essential services. Overspending today at the expense of tomorrow will not support a vibrant future for Alaskans.

Wrong mine, wrong place. I see a lot of opportunity in increasing state revenue from mining, as well as pursuing other new development, but not in this instance. I will continue to fight this project, as well as others, that pose unacceptable risks to fish habitat.

One of my priorities is working to improve teacher retention in our education system. Keeping good teachers in Alaska is a challenge for educators, parents, and learning outcomes. We need to do a better job with our retirement system to keep good folks in Alaska and attract talented new teachers as well. 

 You are only as good as the people that support you, and that is the same for our public employees. We need to provide a better state retirement system to keep our best and brightest in Alaska.