postions

Our beautiful state is rich in many natural resources.  Oil, gas, coal, timber, minerals and fish, to name a few.  These resources produce jobs and are what have enabled many Alaskans to provide for their families.  Our state government has enjoyed the bounty of harvest as well.  We must continue to attract investment if we are to strengthen our economy.  North Slope oil production, as we all know, is declining exponentially, and Alaska is facing a very uncertain and challenging future.  We have seen tough times before but we can and will get through this if we act responsibly and if we elect the right people to send to Juneau.  I pledge to do everything within my power to ensure Alaska gets back on track so that our state economy is thriving once again.

I believe we should adhere to the statutory formula that was originally set in place for the Permanent Fund Dividend.  I don't believe the politicians in Juneau have an arbitrary right to make changes to our PFD without a vote of the people.  Now is the time to stand together to defend our PFD and use the savings during these difficult times.  Our rainy day has come.  

We need a constitutional amendment, I believe, to be put before the voters which could allow for a sensible draw, protect the fund from inflation and a guaranteed payment to every eligible Alaskan resident.  The Permanent Fund was set up by the people, for the people, not the lobbyists and special interests and folks from outside our great state. 

Alaska is hardly the place I grew up in, it seems.  It is past time we get tough on crime.  Without law and order we have no security.  Without security we have no civil society.  It is truly as simple as that.  SB91 changed the game in favor of criminals, in my estimation.  SB54 was introduced to help fix SB91 but it doesn't go far enough.   Some reforms have begun to happen but I am still receiving far too many alerts on Nixle and the Next Door app.  We recently had property stolen right out of our driveway as we slept.  Criminals need to know they do not have a free pass and public safety needs to be a number one priority.  Let's work together to make east Anchorage a safer place to live.  I pledge to stand up and fight to keep us all safe.

If things continue as they are we are truly headed for the proverbial fiscal cliff.  The bipartisan Senate and Democrat led house put forward a $314 million dollar budget that we cannot afford.  Thankfully, Governor Dunleavy is trimming line items such as school bond debt reimbursement, community assistance, the university system and public broadcasting.   Considering the oil companies are being driven off by more tax and regulation, this could prove disastrous for Alaska.  We need a long term fiscal plan, to work on continuing reductions plus a spending cap and we need to live within our means.   We consistently hear politicians say they will work on these issues but once they get to Juneau they tell us "We can't.  There is nothing left to cut".  The 2019 operating budget was 5% larger than the previous year.  Growing the budget when money isn't available is irresponsible and it needs to stop.  I plan to succeed in helping determine a long term fiscal plan, reduce spending and include a spending cap. 

As I mentioned earlier, my father was a P-51 Mustang reconnaissance pilot during World War II.  My son Brandon served in the Navy and several of my nephews served in the Armed Forces.   Many ancestors were military men and I honor them with my membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Because our family has a rich military history, I grew up with a deep appreciation for those who serve.  Patriotism and pride in our nation was instilled in me by my parents and our schools.  Standing for the National Anthem was and forever will be important to me.  Our servicemen and women make the ultimate sacrifices to ensure that our country remains free.

It will be my honor to be a voice for our veterans and military members who serve and sacrifice for us.