2014 General Election by Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

TH E VO I C E O F I NTER I O R A LASK A SI N C E 19 0 3

G E N E R A L

E L E C T I O N

2014 Your vote counts #AKelect What you need to know INSIDE: • Q&As with candidates for Congress, governor and Interior seats in the Alaska Legislature • Maps of new legislative districts • Find your polling place • Summary of ballot measures

Remember to vote on Nov. 4

• Election coverage online at newsminer.com • More political coverage on Twitter: @FDNMpolitics, #AKelect

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4 Election Day Polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Polls open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

ELECTION 2014

ABOUT THIS SECTION

The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner sent a list of questions to all candidates for U.S. Senate, Congress, governor and the Alaska Legislature. In this section, we list the responses of every candidate who responded to the survey. Two candidates did not participate: Senate District E candidate Mike Dunleavy and House Distict 9 candidate Pamela Goode. Candidates were allowed up to 100 words to respond to some questions, with a lower limit for other questions. This section includes some questions and answers from our August primary survey in addition to new questions for the general election.

ONLINE

An interactive candidate survey, featuring all questions from our primary and general election surveys, is available online at newsminer.com. For up-to-the-moment coverage of the general election, particularly on Election Day, follow political reporter Matt Buxton on Twitter: @FDNMpolitics. Also search for the hashtag #AKelect.

• As always, you can give us your comments about this general election section by contacting either managing editor Rod Boyce (459-7585, editor@newsminer.com) or political reporter Matt Buxton (459-7544, mbuxton@newsminer.com). • Comments about this section that are intended for publication in the letters to the editor section of the newspaper can be emailed to letters@newsminer.com. ERIC ENGMAN/NEWS-MINER FILE PHOTO

KEY ELECTIONS DATES FROM THE ALASKA DIVISION OF ELECTIONS • Early and in-person absentee, special needs and electronic transmission voting began Oct. 20 and is continuing. • Oct. 30: Deadline for writein candidates to submit a letter of intent. • Nov. 1: Regional elections offices open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for absentee and early voting. • Nov. 2: Regional elections offices open 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. for absentee and early voting. • Nov. 3: Absentee by electronic transmission application deadline is

5 p.m. Alaska time. • Nov. 4: Deadline for by-mail ballots to be postmarked. Deadline for electronic transmission ballots to be received. • Nov. 4: Election Day. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. • Nov. 14: Deadline to receive by-mail ballots mailed from within the United States. • Nov. 19: Deadline to receive by-mail ballots mailed from overseas addresses. • Nov. 24: Target date to certify general election results. ERIC ENGMAN/NEWS-MINER FILE PHOTO

INTERIOR POLLING PLACES

* denotes new location

District 1 01-446 Aurora Agricultural MuseumFairgrounds 1800 College Road 01-455 Fairbanks No. 1 Fairbanks North Star Borough Building 809 Pioneer Road 01-465 Fairbanks No. 2 Golden Towers 330 3rd Ave., Fairbanks 01-470 Fairbanks No. 3 Noel Wien Library 1215 Cowles St., Fairbanks 01-475 Fairbanks No. 4 National Guard Armory 202 Wien St., Fairbanks 01-480 Fairbanks No. 5 Pioneer Park Centennial Center 2300 Airport Way, Fairbanks 01-485 Fairbanks No. 6 Shoppers Forum 1255 Airport Way, Fairbanks 01-490 Fairbanks No. 7 J.P. Jones Community Development Center 2400 Rickert St., Fairbanks 01-495 Fairbanks No. 10 Pioneer Park Centennial Center 2300 Airport Way, Fairbanks District 2 02-345 Badger No. 2 McPeak’s Badger Store 771 Badger Road, North Pole 02-355 Fairbanks No. 8 Frontier Outfitters/Gavora Mall

250 3rd St. Suite 6, Fairbanks 02-365 Fairbanks No. 9 Tanana Middle School 600 Trainor Gate Road, Fairbanks 02-375 Fort Wainwright Last Frontier Community Center 1044 Apple St., Fort Wainwright District 3 03-130 Badger No. 1 New Hope Church 2371 Bradway Road, North Pole 03-135 Chena Lakes Santa Senior Center 101 5th Ave., North Pole 03-165 Newby North Pole Plaza 301 N. Santa Claus Lane, North Pole 03-175 North Pole North Pole City Hall 125 Snowman Lane, North Pole 03-183 Plack North Pole Plaza 301 N. Santa Claus Lane, North Pole District 4 04-230 Ester Ester Fire Station 3570 Old Nenana Highway, Ester 04-240 Farmers Loop Seventh-Day Adventist Gymnasium 1811 Farmers Loop Road, Fairbanks

Fairbanks

04-265 Steese East/ Gilmore Bentley Mall 32 College Road, Fairbanks

District 6 06-005 Anderson Anderson City Building

04-270 Steese West Bentley Mall 32 College Road, Fairbanks 04-280 University Hills Effie Kokrine Charter School 601 Loftus Road, Fairbanks District 5 05-580 Airport Pike’s Waterfront Lodge 1850 Hoselton Road, Fairbanks 05-582 Chena Faith Baptist Church 910 Chena Pump Road, Fairbanks 05-586 Geist University Baptist Church 1197 University Ave., Fairbanks 05-587 Lakeview Gene’s Chrysler Center 3400 S. Cushman St., Fairbanks 05-588 Pike J.A. Kornfeind Training Center 4782 Dale Road, Fairbanks 05-590 Richardson North Star Fire Station No. 1 2358 Bradway Road, North Pole 05-592 Shanly Beaver Sports 3480 College Road, Fairbanks

04-250 Goldstream No. 1 Chena Goldstream Fire Station 3 1300 Goldstream Road, Fairbanks

05-594 University Campus Patty Center Lobby University Alaska Fairbanks Campus

04-260 Goldstream No. 2 Ken Kunkel Community Center 2591A Goldstream Road,

05-596 University West Woodriver Elementary School 5000 Palo Verde Drive,

06-007 Arctic Village Arctic Village Council Office 06-010 Beaver Beaver Council House 06-012 Cantwell Cantwell Community Center 06-015 Central Circle District Historical Society Steese Highway, Central

Mile 2.2 Tok Cutoff, Gakona

3483 Old Richardson Hwy, Moose Creek

06-040 Healy Tri-Valley Community Center Usibelli Spur Road, Healy

06-160 Salcha Salcha Elementary School 8530 Richardson Highway, Salcha

06-047 Kenny Lake Kenny Lake Community Hall

06-170 Steele Creek Door of Hope Connection Cafe 270 Fairhill Road, Fairbanks

06-050 Manley Hot Springs Manley Hot Springs Community Hall 06-053 Mentasta Mentasta Lake School 06-054 Minto Minto Lakeview Lodge

06-020 Chistochina Slana League Building Mile 64 Tok Cutoff, Slana

06-056 Nenana Nenana Civic Center

06-023 Circle Tribal Council Office* Circle

06-060 Northway Northway Community Center

06-024 Clear Rochester Lodge Mile 280 Parks Highway, Anderson

06-070 Stevens Village Stevens Village Council Office

06-025 Copper Center Native Village Of KlutiKaah* Old Richardson Hwy, Copper Center 06-026 Denali Park Denali Park Community Center Mile 230 Parks Highway, Denali Park 06-027 Dot Lake Dot Lake Village Council Office* 06-030 Eagle Eagle Public Library 06-033 Fort Yukon KZPA Radio Station Lobby East 3rd Avenue, Fort Yukon 06-035 Gakona Gakona Volunteer Fire Dept.

06-075 Tanacross Tanacross Community Hall 06-080 Tanana Tanana City Office 06-085 Tetlin Tetlin Community Hall 06-090 Tok Tok Senior Center 06-095 Venetie Venetie Community Hall 06-145 Eielson Ben Eielson Jr./Sr. High School 675 Ravens Way, Eielson Air Force Base 06-150 Fox Turtle Club 2098 Old Steese Hwy N., Fairbanks 06-155 Moose Creek North Star Fire Station 35

06-180 Two Rivers Two Rivers School 400 Two Rivers Road, Two Rivers District 9 Interior precincts shown

09-600 Big Delta Delta Junction Community Center 2287 Deborah St., Delta Junction 09-608 Delta Junction Delta Junction Community Center 2287 Deborah St., Delta Junction District 39 (Interior precincts shown) 39-314 Galena Galena City Hall 39-316 Huslia Huslia Community Hall 39-318 Kaltag Kaltag City Hall 39-320 Koyukuk Koyukuk City Office District 40 Interior precincts shown

40-004 Anaktuvuk Pass City Office/Recreation Bldg 40-326 Allakaket Allakaket City Office 40-328 Bettles Bettles Fire Station 40-330 Hughes Hughes City Office

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

Sunday, October 26, 2014

ELECTION 2014

SAMPLE BALLOTS

(House District 1 shown for illustrative purposes only)

Get familiar with the ballot ahead of time with this sample. Stay up to date with election news online. » www.newsminer.com/news/politics

HIGGINSALASKA.COM

HIGGINS FOR

STATE HOUSE

We Support Pete for Re-election! Robin Barrett Hank Bartos Tim Berg John Binkley Sharon Boko Cam Carlson Robert Carlson Craig Compeau Galen Cook Ralph Dixon Janet Dixon Jim Dodson Patricia Fink Sig Fink Randall K. Fletcher Karl I. Gohlke

Tom Hammond Kyona Hollen Jim Holm John Huffer Sue Hull Robert Hull Paul Jensen Sam Kim Gabriele Larry Bill Larry Peter Lawrason Wes Madden Cheryl Markwood Daryl McGhan Mike McGhie Sean Parnell

Tamara Reid Lance Roberts Danny Robinette Jay Sadler Cherie Solie Rick Solie Dr. Stephen H. Sutley Timothy Teslow Gene Therriault Eileen VanWhye Bill Vivlamore Mark Wade Chick Wallace Helen “Beaver” Warner Todd Wentz Natalie Wentz Leslie Yamamoto

Sportsmans Conservative Alliance NRA A+ Endorsement • Sean Parnell

HIGGINSALASKA.COM Paid for by Higgins for Elected Office • 3875 Geist Rd., Ste. E-382 Fairbanks AK 99709

11510353-10-26-14ES

Vote Higgins State House District 5

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

ELECTION 2014

2014

U.S. SENATOR CANDIDATES MARK BEGICH*

MARK FISH

TED GIANOUTSOS

Libertarian, Big Lake

Democrat, Anchorage

Non-Affiliated Anchorage

DAN SULLIVAN Republican, Anchorage

* Denotes incumbent

QUESTIONS Explain your view on global warming and, if you believe it is occurring, the extent to which you believe humans contribute to it and what role government should have in reducing it.

Climate change poses serious risks to Alaska’s military bases, transportation and world-class fisheries. Born and raised in Alaska, I’ve seen these changes first-hand. As chair of two Senate subcommittees, I fought for expanded research, a comprehensive energy plan and adaptation funds to reduce the risk and cost here. Through new investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy, we can cut Alaskans’ energy costs and address climate change. To ensure Alaska benefits from a changing Arctic, I’ve secured funding to help develop a deepwater port, expand our Coast Guard presence and build needed Arctic infrastructure. The icebreaker Polar Star is back patrolling Alaska waters and UAF has a new research vessel, Sikuliaq.

If global warning is occurring, man’s impact is minimal. Decentralizing energy would create competition and efficiency and is our best solution.

I see a great deal of global warming hype, fear-mongering and attendant self-serving fundraising. My proposed winning ANWR legislation will provide many billions of dollars for the creation of a National Energy Trust that will improve the efficiency of our fossil fuels as well as develop alternative energy sources. Please see my website www. tedandfran.com for details.

With 7 billion humans on earth, there is likely some impact on nature. The last few years clearly show, though, that there is no concrete scientific consensus on the extent to which humans contribute to climate change. Of course we should be good stewards of our environment and protect Alaska’s natural splendor, but Alaskans already have adopted some of the highest environmental standards in the world. The last thing we need is more one-size-fits-all red tape from Washington and policies that undermine economic growth and affordable energy.

What would you change, if anything, about the Affordable Care Act? What part(s) do you like? Why?

Five years ago, insurance companies denied coverage to one out of every three Alaskans applying. Today, that number is zero. The ACA isn’t perfect and few Alaskans were more upset than me when the website wouldn’t work. I’ve worked hard to fix problems from the start. We repealed burdensome regulations on small businesses and ensured domestic violence victims coverage. I’m championing a new lower cost “Copper Plan” option for Alaskans. We need to expand the voluntary coverage option to small businesses with fewer than 100 employees and increase tax credits to help businesses cover their employees.

Repeal the ACA, end all subsidies and taxes on the health-care industry. Deregulate the health and insurance industry as much as practical and implement tort reform.

The act is needlessly complex and not universal. Congress can do better. Scrap the whole thing, and do it right for the good of all Americans first, before the good of medically related special interests. It would greatly help if the taxpayer funding for all congressional and federal government employee health care were suspended until Congress gets health care right for every American.

I would repeal Obamacare and replace it with common-sense solutions that lower cost, expand access and improve quality of care for everyone. Consumer choice: Allow individuals to buy plans across state lines and allow small businesses to pool together for greater buying power. Greater transparency: Empower patients to know what they’re paying for and customize treatment options to save money. Tort reform: Reduce frivolous lawsuits that only enrich trial lawyers. Protecting the most vulnerable: Establish well-funded high-risk pools at the state level for people with pre-existing conditions. Tax reform: Allow families and individuals to deduct healthcare costs.

Congress could soon be considering a bill to permanently end the automatic budget cuts — known as sequestration — for the Defense Department. Congress has already passed a short-term exception for 2014 and 2015. Should the Defense Department be exempted from the mandatory reductions? Explain.

I believe partisan politics should be put aside and Congress should make the tough choices and pass a compromise deficit-reduction package. If Congress refuses. I do not believe that any one agency or group should be exempt. We must get federal spending under control — and we should look everywhere. I led the charge against the wasteful MEADS program, eliminating more than $800 million from the defense budget.

No. The modest reductions in sequestration are the least we can do to avoid economic failure. Our defense posture will not be affected if the military is allowed to select where, within its own budget, to eliminate excessive spending.

Absolutely. No military, no America. Freedom is always expensive, all too often paid for in blood, broken bodies and families, and life itself. Mere money is the cheapest way to pay for freedom. If needed, impose special taxes on the rich, whose wealth, in addition to their freedom, we veterans have protected by putting our lives on the line.

There are ways we can streamline our military for the 21st century, and we should look at those as part of the larger effort to get America’s fiscal house in order. But our commitment to a strong military presence in Alaska cannot waiver. Our state has huge geopolitical strategic importance and offers outstanding training opportunities for our armed forces.

What U.S. policy do you favor regarding the problem of undocumented immigrants?

I am opposed to amnesty and concerned about any unilateral action from the president without congressional approval. The U.S. immigration system is broken and must be overhauled. If the House finally would pass the Senate’s bipartisan immigration reform package, we could put 40,000 more officers on the southern border, give businesses tools they need, and strengthen deportation laws — all while cutting the deficit by $135 billion.

We must have a secure border that allows for the free flow of goods and service that make our country work. No amnesty for violators, but a path forward that allows illegal aliens to pay for their violation of the law and apply for immigration behind those who actually obey our laws in applying for citizenship or visas.

It is impossible to completely seal the borders and coasts of America. Immigrants will always come here for a better life believing the promise of our Statue of Liberty. Grant those who prove themselves to be good citizens a path to legal residency and citizenship. Jail and deport the bad ones as soon as humanely possible.

First, we must secure our borders and evaluate our immigration system to modernize the process of entering the country legally. I do not support amnesty, including President Obama’s plan to singlehandedly issue amnesty after the election. Alaska needs a senator who will demand that the White House respect the rule of law. Unfortunately, Mark Begich has refused to do so.

The oil company Shell has submitted new plans to the U.S. government for drilling in the Chukchi Sea, hoping to do so in 2015. What is your view of Arctic offshore oil drilling?

I have worked hard to responsibly develop Alaska’s energy economy while fighting to streamline the “whack-a-mole” federal permitting system. That hard work has helped us move forward on development in Alaska’s offshore waters, including Shell drilling its first exploration well in the Chukchi in 2012. Alaskans know best how to develop their resources, and I will continue to fight any roadblock — from the administration or elsewhere.

Offshore drilling in the Arctic will eventually occur. It’s best that it’s done under the regulation and oversight of the United States.

Shell will do much better offshore next year than they did last year — it’s very much in their interest. It is obviously easier to drill on land. ANWR’s coastal plain is the best place to drill responsibly. That’s the sole reason why I’m running. Please see www.tedandfran. com for the most beneficial way to open ANWR for America, Alaska and wildlife.

I support responsible drilling in Alaska’s outer continental shelf, which holds enormous potential for oil and gas production. The federal government’s handling of the permitting process in the OCS has been a fiasco. When a company like Shell spends $5 billion on payments for a lease sale, they should not be tied up for years in federal red tape.

President Obama in early September again called for an increase in the federal minimum wage, which stands at $7.25 per hour. Do you agree or disagree with his statement. Explain. And if you agree, to what level should the wage be increased?

An Alaskan working full time at minimum wage earns $310 per week, barely putting them above the poverty. That’s why I cosponsored legislation to raise the minimum wage to $10.10 per hour. I’ve done this while rejecting any pay raises for myself and Congress. A fair wage puts more dollars into Alaska communities, supports local businesses and reduces government spending.

I disagree. Employees and employers should have the right to negotiate any terms of employment they both consent to. The government’s only role in wages should be to enforce those agreements.

There is far too much margin in wages, salaries and other income but no practical way to reduce that margin in a free capitalistic America. Ten dollars per hour seems reasonable in today’s economy with some provision for underage youth who wish to work at odd jobs. Education and/or skills increase earnings above minimum wages.

The minimum wage should be decided at the state level like we’re doing here in Alaska. I fundamentally believe that when it comes to strengthening our state’s economy and supporting our workers and businesses, it’s Alaskans who know best, not Washington, D.C. We don’t need more mandates from D.C. We need policies that get our economy back on track.

The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter is set to become the most expensive weapons system in U.S. history. Eielson Air Force Base is in line to host two squadrons of the aircraft. What do you think of the F-35 program?

I want the F-35s at Eielson. Sen. Murkowski, Congressman Young and I fought to keep the F-16s at Eielson, and we’re fighting to bring F-35s there. We must produce them cost effectively, which is why I fought for fixed-price contracts. I also cut wasteful spending by capping executive pay on DoD contracts, cutting unnecessary IT programs, and blocking funds for the Medium Extended Air Defense System.

The F-35 is likely our last manned fighter. The rate of technological growth will make it obsolete long before the end of its structural airworthiness. Future defense platforms will have to be unmanned, cheaper and be deployed quickly. Because of its location and environment, Alaska will always play a vital role in developing, supporting and maintaining these systems.

Of course, base two squadrons at Eielson. Where better?

I fully support the F-35 program. Alaska’s strategic location in the world cannot be understated. Eielson Air Force Base is the optimal location for these aircraft, and I’m confident it will soon be announced as the preferred location by the USAF. As Alaska’s U.S. senator, I will be wholly committed to building the strongest possible military presence in Alaska.

The situation in Iraq has been deteriorating in recent months. The militant group Islamic State in Iraq and Syria has claimed significant territory in Iraq, and the government is weakening. How should the United States respond?

I do not support sending combat troops to Iraq. Many of the 60,000 service men and women stationed in Alaska have already been deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan multiple times. We should focus on providing better care to our veterans and getting our fiscal house in order rather than asking men and women to put their lives on the line for problems the Iraqis must solve.

Borders are being redrawn, the USA should not intervene other than defending our commerce with friendly nations.

President Obama has belatedly come to realize that they are terrorists bent on destroying America. We should whack as many as we can wherever we find them overseas before they come here to do Americans harm.

When President Obama took office, Iraq was secure and stable. It has been hugely detrimental to America’s interests to see ISIS rise to power. I support dispatching limited military forces to defend our citizens in-country. We shouldn’t repeat the Obama administration’s tragic failure to protect the Americans serving in Benghazi. We should work closely with our allies in the region to find a regional solution to this problem.

Read more questions and answers with candidates online » www.newsminer.com/news/politics

Dan Sullivan Alaska Strong

sullivan2014.com

“We need leaders in Washington, D.C. I’m an optimist and I strongly believe that Alaska’s and America’s best days are ahead. As your U.S. Senator, I will bring new energy and vision to the U.S. Senate to get our country back on track and to seize the promise that lies before us.”

— DAN SULLIVAN Paid for by Sullivan for U.S. Senate

Use of military images DOES NOT imply endorsement by the Department of Defense or the U.S. Marine Corps.

VOTE DAN SULLIVAN FOR U.S. SENATE — Tuesday, November 4th

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

Sunday, October 26, 2014

ELECTION 2014

2014

U.S. REPRESENTATIVE CANDIDATES FORREST DUNBAR JIM MCDERMOTT Democrat, Anchorage

Libertarian, Fairbanks

* Denotes incumbent

DON YOUNG* Republican, Anchorage/ Fort Yukon

QUESTIONS Explain your view on global warming and, if you believe it is occurring, the extent to which you believe humans contribute to it and what role government should have in reducing it.

Warming in the Arctic is real, and Alaska must take it seriously. Unfortunately, politicians have put politics ahead of science on this issue. The Earth is warming and humans are a major contributing factor. You’d have to believe that there is a worldwide conspiracy in the scientific community to think otherwise. I don’t subscribe to that. What we do about the problem is a more complicated question. The solution is not top-down regulation or more taxes; it is innovation and investment in institutions like UAF to make Alaska a global leader in alternative energy development and energy efficiency.

In my lifetime, a group of specialinterest types (elitist) have predicted a new ice age, then they said global warming and now they call it climate change. Of course, the weather changes, and any 7-year-old growing up in Alaska could observe weather change by simply waiting 15 minutes. Now, I support being good caretakers of our environment, but if anyone believes that this current group in D.C. who can’t even balance a budget can be in charge of the weather ... well, then they must be a little gullible.

Look no further than the warming Arctic to recognize that the climate is changing. However, I don’t believe this is solely caused by humans, in part because the Earth has undergone dozens of warming and cooling cycles during the last thousands of years. America should take steps to reduce emissions and enhance energy efficiency, but we must not legislate based on uncertain science and media hysteria. Recently, the Obama administration began issuing economically detrimental emissions regulations. Such policies should stem from Congress, not a handful of federal bureaucrats. These actions circumvent our Constitution by marginalizing Congress and its representational democracy.

What would you change, if anything, about the Affordable Care Act? What part(s) do you like? Why?

Our nation’s health-care system struggles with two major problems: millions of people are uninsured, and costs are out of control. The Affordable Care Act has helped address the first problem; insurance companies can no longer discriminate against those with preexisting conditions. However, there’s still a lot of work to do controlling costs. Fewer uninsured helps — emergency rooms are expensive primary care physicians — but more must be done. What I cannot support, and what most Alaskans now reject, is John Boehner’s plan to repeal the ACA with no alternative in place. That’s a recipe for more uninsured Alaskans and higher costs.

I asked some of my students recently to use the product life cycle theory and, together, let’s help those U.S. Congress folks in D.C. do a better job putting together a strategic plan for Obamacare. These new students to the university environment talked about regional rollouts versus a national rollout to identify the bugs in the system within a more manageable environment. Then once the kinks are ironed out, proceed into the national introduction stage of the product life cycle. If young students can be this sagacious in 20 minutes, then what’s happening with our representatives in D.C.?

Ideally, I would fully repeal the ACA. With that accomplished, I would move to restore the Indian Healthcare Reauthorization Act, which was controversially rolled into the ACA. I would also move to reinstate, through small and easily understood bill proposals, a few positive elements of the ACA. These positive elements include guaranteeing access to insurance for patients with pre-existing conditions, allowing children to stay on their parents’ healthcare plan until age 26 or allowing certain insurers to sell policies across state lines. Congress could easily use common sense and pass these bills after they see what’s in it.

The sequester was intentionally designed to be so arbitrary and painful that no one could accept it going into place. But then the House of Representatives let it happen anyway. There are smart cuts and dumb cuts. The sequester was dumb cuts and needs to be replaced entirely with much smarter, more targeted reductions, including for the DoD.

Don Young has been a part of the Washington, D.C., budget increases and reckless spending for the last 40-plus years. As a nation, we ought to consider a change, a change with the determination to ensure balance budgets and positive cash flows built on equity and not debt. To obtain balance budgets the DOD shouldn’t be exempted from reductions.

Without a doubt, yes. Twice, I’ve voted to exempt the Department of Defense from the sequester and both of these bills were fully offset with other targeted and non-defense spending cuts. We cannot and should not balance the budget on the backs of our nation’s service-members or veterans.

What U.S. policy do you favor regarding the problem of undocumented immigrants?

I support the DREAM Act and the Military Accessions Vital to National Interest (MAVNI) program. Creating a pathway to citizenship for highly skilled and motivated individuals strengthens our nation. MAVNI also produces a strategic edge for our military. Overall, we need comprehensive immigration reform to bring undocumented immigrants out of the shadows, where they are often abused and exploited.

I have suggested that we ought to have a more liberal immigration work visa program in place. Allowing hardworking and honest immigrants wanting to work in the USA to have an avenue to do so legally and more freely. This also would benefit numerous small businesses that could then better comply with hiring laws and better compete with “Big Business.”

To address the southern border surge of unaccompanied minors, I voted in favor of legislation that would: reform a problematic 2008 trafficking law, expedite asylum hearings by increasing the number of immigration court judges, deploy the National Guard to the southern border, and allow Border Patrol agents to pursue individuals on federal lands. We must secure the border.

The oil company Shell has submitted new plans to the U.S. government for drilling in the Chukchi Sea, hoping to do so in 2015. What is your view of Arctic offshore oil drilling?

I am open to Arctic offshore oil drilling and am encouraged by Shell’s latest plan. However, we need to move aggressively to acquire and put in place Coast Guard and other spill response resources to avoid an “Arctic Exxon Valdez.” I also support drilling in ANWR, contingent on protections of the food security of the Gwich’in people

I would favor responsible harvesting and distribution of our Alaskan natural resources. This would lead to the creation of good paying jobs, creation of wealth for the state of Alaska government coffers and lower energy prices for our fellow Alaskans. A win-win-win. Yes, I favor responsible natural resource harvesting in the Chukchi Sea because it benefits our hardworking Alaskans.

I wholeheartedly support responsible development and continue to fight to open the Arctic. Oil and gas development in the Arctic offshore would expand America’s energy supply, decrease fuel costs, create hundreds of thousands of high wage jobs and prolong the life of the trans-Alaska oil pipeline.

I support increasing the federal minimum wage. I also support Ballot Measure 3 to raise the wage here in Alaska and expect that our minimum wage will outpace the federal wage. Looking at real-world data and economic meta-studies, it is clear that raising the minimum wage has a large impact on poverty, with little to no impact on employment.

Alaskans, I highly suggest a great read called “Nickel and Dimed” written by Barbara Ehrenreich about an undercover writer who tries to survive on minimum wage. I believe a truly free market system would create so many good jobs that businesses would be fighting over hiring good employees and the lofty demand for labor would lead to higher pay rates.

States are permitted to exceed the federal minimum wage if they wish. However, recent efforts to raise the federal minimum wage to $10.10 would hurt the very people supporters hope it will help. Some low-wage workers would see their income rise above the federal poverty threshold, but many would be eliminated as businesses try to keep payroll costs level.

The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter is set to become the most-expensive weapons system in U.S. history. Eielson Air Force Base is in line to host two squadrons of the aircraft. What do you think of the F-35 program?

I stand firmly with our current congressional delegation in supporting the F-35 squadron at Eielson. Though Eielson is an important part of the Fairbanks economy, that isn’t the only reason to support the F-35s. Not only does Fairbanks offer a huge amount of space for the F-35s to train, it’s a lower-cost location than overseas alternatives like South Korea.

I support a strong defense. As a retired U.S. Air Force member and someone who actually lives in the Interior of Alaska, I want the F-35s on Eielson Air Force Base. It’s a win-win-win for our residents, our Alaska military community, and for our national defense. I want the F-35s stationed in Alaska and not in a foreign country.

The U.S. has dominated the skies for decades and continuing to do so requires both innovation and modernization, both of which are neither easy nor cheap. While the F-35 has faced problems, I believe we will find solutions and produce the world’s most advanced aircraft. As Alaska’s lone congressman, I continue to fight for the F-35 on Alaska’s behalf.

The rise of ISIS is troubling and cannot be ignored. Iraq is caught in a brutal civil war between Shia and Sunni. We cannot allow Iraq to fully collapse, and we must help those who served alongside our service members. But the U.S. should not become entangled beyond military advisers; we are not at the point of returning wholesale to Iraq.

The majority of Americans are war weary. I don’t believe the American people are going to allow the total disregard of our many voices against any further military actions within Iraq and Syria. Peace is our best option, skilled negotiation is required, expert management is desirable, competent leadership is looked-for, and a virtuous heart is desired. Simply, end perpetual wars.

While I’m alarmed by the increasingly extremist environment in Iraq, I don’t support returning American boots to the ground in Iraq. President Obama removed this possibility the moment he completely withdrew U.S. forces. The only military actions I support at this time are the use of targeted air strikes; we cannot sit idle and accept the spread of radical violence.

Interior Secretary Sally Jewell in December rejected a proposed land exchange with the state that would have allowed for construction of a long-sought road to connect the Alaska Peninsula community of King Cove with the all-weather airport at Cold Bay. Do you support or oppose Jewell’s decision? Explain.

I strongly oppose Secretary Jewell’s irresponsible and ill-informed decision to block a road between King Cove and Cold Bay.

I have suggested before that since the federal government is so broke, why not transfer the bulk of our Alaska land held by the feds back over to Alaskans. Alaskans understand that for national defense a small portion of Alaska land is needed by the feds. The rest of federal Alaska land needs to be controlled and maintained by Alaskans.

I absolutely oppose this shameful decision. King Cove deserves what nearly all of us in America take for granted: safe and reliable access to medical facilities. Human life is more valuable than fabricated disturbance to waterfowl. This administration is placing the views of radical environmentalists over Alaskans, something I will fight in Congress while the governor fights it in court.

Should Alaska call for a constitutional convention for the purpose of nullifying the 2010 U.S. Supreme Court “Citizens United” decision that allowed unrestricted spending by corporations and labor unions on political campaigns? Explain.

I support a constitutional amendment limiting corporate personhood and reversing Citizens United as well as the appointment of Supreme Court justices who actually follow the Constitution. Citizens United violated the original intent of our founders. That being said, we should not wait to act. There are statutes that Congress could pass today that would undo some of the damage.

The U.S. Supreme Court stated it’s unconstitutional to restrict the First Amendment rights of corporations, associations, and labor unions. As a Libertarian candidate, I see firsthand how big business and their crony political relationships literally purchase the elections for the status quo career politicians. The two major parties are bought and paid for, and this does need to change. Fairness needed.

The voters of Alaska decide whether to call a constitutional convention, not Congress. We must protect the integrity of the election process while supporting an open marketplace of ideas. The First Amendment was originally intended to protect speech of all persons, individually and in groups. We must look for ways to address discrepancies between individual rights and corporate entities.

Under what circumstances, if any, should abortions be permitted under state or federal law?

I support a woman’s constitutional right to choose. These decisions are highly personal, and the state and federal government should not get between a woman and her doctor.

I’m personally pro-life and desire to protect the unborn. Still, I accept the Libertarian Party platform words of wisdom: “Recognizing that abortion is a sensitive issue and that people can hold good-faith views on all sides, we believe that government should be kept out of the matter, leaving the question to each person for their conscientious consideration.”

I am pro-life and believe the loss of life through elective abortions is a moral disaster. I support the basic tenets of the “Hyde Amendment.” Abortions should only be permitted in cases of rape, incest, or when the health of the mother is threatened.

Read more questions and answers with candidates online » www.newsminer.com/news/politics

3 measures on ballot By Matt Buxton MBUXTON@NEWSMINER.COM

T hree measures will appear on the general election ballot in November that will deal with legalizing recreational marijuana, raising the minimum wage and increasing scrutiny on any mining project near Bristol Bay.

Measure 2

Measure 2, titled “An Act to Tax and Regulate the Production, Sale and Use of Marijuana,” does basically just what the title suggests. The act, if approved, would allow people 21 years or older to grow, sell, purchase or consume recreational marijuana. It also applies a $50 per ounce excise tax to marijuana. The bill would put regulation of marijuana under the Alcoholic Beverage Control board, and local communities could, by voter initiative, enact their own additional regulations on marijuana. Employers aren’t required to allow marijuana use among employees, and testing for the substance can still be done as a job requirement. Supporters argue legalizing marijuana will cut down on the social cost and costs to arrest people for non-violent crime. They point to modest increases in tax revenue and decreases in violence experienced in states where recreational marijuana was legalized in 2012. Opponents of Measure 2 focus on Alaska’s youth. They worry that passage of Measure 2 will make marijuana more readily available to people under 21. They point to kid-friendly marketing and packaging, particularly in marijuana-infused edibles other states. Measure 2 supporters counter that legalizing marijuana could encourage parents to have frank and honest conversations with their children about responsible use of marijuana.

Measure 3

Measure 3 would raise Alaska’s minimum wage from $7.75 to $8.75 on Jan. 1, 2015 and then increase another dollar the following year. It would keep minimum wage linked to inflation and has a provision that ensures the minimum wage is always one dollar more than federal minimum wage. The measure’s backed by state labor groups and has enjoyed support from leading Republican candidates. Supporters of raising the minimum wage say it will help people earn enough to meet the federal minimum wage and raise a family. Opponents argue a relatively small fraction of Alaska’s workforce is working at minimum wage and it will hurt young workers, who wouldn’t be employed at higher wages. Supporters point out that Measure 3 doesn’t change an existing exemption that allows minors working fewer than 30 hours a week to earn the federal minimum wage.

Measure 4

Measure 4 is called the “Bristol Bay Forever Act” and would require that any industrial or mining project in the Bristol Bay region get approval from the Alaska Legislature. Supporters, who have been battling the proposed Pebble Mine Project, say that salmon spawning habitat could be endangered by a large-scale mining project near Bristol Bay and that current public input on any project is insufficient. They argue that, in addition to current permitting and regulatory review, the Legislature would provide needed public input on the process. The act has raised concerns among many supporters of the mining industry throughout the state, including in the Interior. They say that the measure sets a dangerous precedent that could eventually put all large-scale mining projects at the mercy of the Alaska Legislature.

Contact staff writer Matt Buxton at 459-7544. Follow him on Twitter: @FDNMpolitics.

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

ELECTION 2014

2014

GOVERNOR CANDIDATES CAROLYN CLIFT

J.R. MYERS

SEAN PARNELL* Alaska Constitution, Haines

Libertarian Anchorage * Denotes incumbent

BILL WALKER

Republican, Juneau

NonAffiliated, Anchorage

QUESTIONS Do you support same-sex marriage? What type of same-sex legislation, if any, would you support?

The Libertarian platform states that government does not have the right to define, license or restrict personal relationships. The Alaska Constitution defines marriage as between a man and a woman. I do not support the state’s right to define marriage, issue marriage licenses or to tell couples from other states that they are not married in the eyes of the law. I support legislation to recognize marriages performed by ordained clergy; to recognize marriages from other states and countries; and to rename the marriage license the domestic partnership contract (with all of the rights and privileges of a marriage). It is irrelevant as to whether I support same-sex marriage, because it is not the government’s business, but I do support the Alaska Constitution. Article I, Section 4 of the Alaska Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, so the marriage amendment is unconstitutional. If the legislature initiates the repeal of that amendment, I will support it.

No. None.

Like Alaska’s constitution, I believe marriage is defined as between one man and one woman. For Alaskans who hold a different viewpoint, I respect their right to hold that differing view in this free country.

I believe we are all created equally and loved equally by our Creator. While I believe that marriage outside a man and woman is not in keeping with the Christian faith, I also believe that treatment of gay men and women with anything less than the love and respect we afford our neighbors is equally unsupported by my faith. As governor, I will follow Alaska’s constitution.

Do you support the expansion of Medicaid provided for by the Affordable Care Act? Why or why not?

I do not support the expansion of Medicaid because there is no guarantee that the monies will continue into the future. Once you provide services, they become an entitlement. We had programs that helped Alaskans, and they should be brought back.

No. It is unconstitutional.

Not in its current form. We must find smarter, less costly means, instead of leaving more national debt for our children. Expanding Obamacare’s Medicaid program is costly and is not a wise course when our nation is already $17 trillion in debt. The federal government must give states more flexibility to make Medicaid available and affordable for Alaskans.

I support the Medicaid expansion with the caveat of continued federal funding. Alaskans are already paying for the expansion through their federal taxes and increased premiums now that we have rejected the expansion. Moreover, 4,000 new Alaska jobs would be created and lower-cost coverage for 40,000-plus Alaskans would be provided.

With Senate Bill 21 upheld by voters, what, if any, oil tax-related legislation do you support?

I would support moving more of the revenue into larger royalties instead of taxes, because at least 25 percent of the royalties go into the Permanent Fund for investment in Alaskans’ future.

I support stability in the oil tax structure. We shouldn’t make any changes at this time.

None. We need to give SB 21 a chance to work, as the people of Alaska voted to do. SB 21 has been in effect for less than a year; so far, it has been an amazing success, with new investment, lots of new jobs, more production, and more revenue at these lower oil prices.

While I was a “yes” vote on Proposition 1, I will follow the law as it is in place. However, I will be sure the facts are made available to Alaskans as to the results of SB 21. How many new drill wells outside the legacy fields are being drilled, what is the fiscal comparison under SB 21 vs ACES, how much new oil is coming into TAPS. Removing barriers is critical for new companies coming to Alaska and I will work to make that a reality.

What is an acceptable amount of time to evaluate whether or not Senate Bill 21 is working as anticipated? Why?

I think we should give SB 21 at least three years to work; if oil production does not increase (as implied) or if jobs do not materialize, new legislation should be proposed with better guarantees.

Four years will allow plenty of time to see the impacts of SB21, and allow the budget to be addressed without the distraction of an uncertain tax structure.

It’s already working as anticipated. The companies have pledged billions of dollars in new investments, hundreds of millions of which are moving Alaska’s way now. Thousands of jobs are being created — 1,700 new jobs in the first quarter of 2014. And this year, we stopped the 6 percent to 8 percent yearly drop in oil production for the first time in a decade.

We must look at the numbers and most of all, make sure that information is available to the public. The accurate numbers. Unfortunately numbers can be manipulated so it will be important to have a governor who is not trying to justify the legislation he sponsored and was so controversial largely because it had no development requirements for new oil.

What is your top legislative priority for the 2015 legislative session if elected?

My top priority would be to slash the budget down to a sustainable level. Government is best that governs least.

The unfolding budget crisis, and establishing a sustainable budget within the next four years.

More opportunity for Alaskans. We’ll get more historic progress on a gasline. We’ll open more opportunities for our young people with career technical education and workforce development. And, we’ll continue to fight the federal government’s overreach.

My immediate priority is working toward a balanced budget for the state of Alaska. We are on an unsustainable path and this needs to be corrected during the next several years. Also, the high cost of energy is unsustainable for Alaskans not on natural gas. It must be treated like the disaster it is. No more studies, just action.

This year’s budget saw no line-item vetoes. Do you support the use of vetoes to control the budget? What, if anything, would you have supported a veto for in the Fiscal Year 2015 budget?

I believe in line-item vetoes; I can’t say what I would have slashed, but there were many bills that were proposed that were not fiscally responsible. “Pork” projects that only benefit a small segment of the population and do not directly benefit education, health, or safety, are unnecessary in this time of budget excesses. I would not have built the new UAA arena, for instance.

Yes, the line item veto is an essential power the Governor wields to prevent just the type of record budget deficits we are now experiencing. I would have vetoed any funds for the so-called road to Juneau.

I proposed and signed six balanced budgets as Governor. I vetoed spending in 2010 and 2011. Under my leadership the past two years, legislators joined me in reducing spending by more than $1 billion each year. Additionally, I required departments to find efficiencies and absorb about $40 million per year in increased labor costs.

I do support the line item veto. Projects I would have vetoed were those that dealt with more studies for the “bullet line” that makes absolutely no economic sense. Also, I would have vetoed certain projects that had been turned down by voters of local government but came back in the state budget.

Besides lowering the cost of energy and oil production, what should the state do to grow and expand the economy?

Open up the state (and federal land) to development and private ownership. Encourage development of our natural resources in an environmentally safe way. Lift regulations on businesses.

Reduce the budget deficit, thereby avoiding sudden and severe economic contraction. Create a mechanism for Alaskans to invest all or a portion of their permanent fund dividends into a Grow Alaska Fund which would invest exclusively in Alaska and Alaskans.

We will keep fighting for our state’s security and military advantage. That means keeping the F-16s here and bringing the F-35s. As recommended by my AMFAST team, we opened a vast military training area, JPARC, by building the Tanana River bridge. We expand the economy by getting a gasline for Alaskans, and growing tourism, mining, fishing, and “Made in Alaska” manufacturing.

It is long past time we finally stand up and move the large volume gasline into a real project. I have brought the Asian market to Alaska on numerous time but to no avail due to the governor’s being so closely tied to the north slope producers. Every piece is available for Alaska to move forward in a meaningful way for the gasline except one thing, leadership. I will bring that leadership that is long overdue to see this project actually built. This project will finally bring low cast energy to Alaskans as well as return billions of dollars of revenue to Alaska at a time when we are in the largest deficit in Alaska’s history.

The last two legislative sessions have seen large deficit spending. How should the state and the Legislature address declining income and spending in the next session?

All spending that is based on the Alaska Constitution should continue at sustainable levels, as long as it is fair across the whole state. The budget must be brought back to 5.5 billion dollars, which was sustainable. All expenses that are not of statewide benefit or not in the Constitution will be “line-item” vetoed until we get the budget under control.

There will need to be substantial across the board cuts (about 15 percent per year), capital expenditure and hiring freezes, early retirement incentives and asset divestiture.

With less revenue because of declining oil prices, we cut spending! As governor I have set records for most cuts and most vetoes. In 2013, I aggressively led legislators to reduce $1 billion and another $1.1 billion in 2014. I used the veto pen at record levels in 2010 and 2011 to curb excessive spending. We’re on the right path.

We are burning our savings at a rate of $7 million per day. End reckless spending on projects such as the lavish, no bid remodel of the Anchorage LIO resulting in a 600 percent annual rent increase. Stop funding duplicative and competing gas line studies. Decrease the size of government from the top down. Accept the lowest qualified bidder to paint the governor’s mansion, not the highest unqualified bidder.

Should the state request or accept congressional earmarks? Explain.

The state should never request and rarely accept earmarks because there are always compliance issues that must be met. Compliance costs the state money and interferes with local rule.

No, we are over-reliant upon the federal government as it is, and these earmarks always come with federal strings attached.

Where the state once sought earmarks as a surrogate for local governments, tribes, and nonprofits, I stopped the practice. Instead, these groups can now deal directly with the congressional delegation. My job is to make sure that Alaska is treated fairly for federal funding while fighting for an expanded military presence in the Interior and items like bypass mail funding.

I am not opposed to requests for funding from the federal government. Alaskans pay lots of taxes to the federal government and we should get our fair share in return or else we just fund other states’ projects. However, I prefer funding requests to go through the normal public process rather than the earmark process.

Fairbanks born Bill Walker and Yakutat born Byron Mallott are running as independent candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor. They will • Put politics aside and put people and progress first • Address the crisis of sky-high energy costs in Fairbanks and interior Alaska • Stop the endless, expensive studies and complete the projects that will grow the economy • Curtail the $7 million per day deficit by growing the economy and ending lavish, wasteful spending. • Provide adequate school funding and expand Medicaid on Day 1 • Appoint only Alaskans to Alaska’s boards and commissions

www.WalkerMallottforAlaska.com

•

www.facebook.com/billwalkerforgovernor

Paid for by Walker Mallott for Alaska, 731 N St., Anchorage, AK. 99501 (907) 332-2455

11510338 10-26-14

Bold, decisive leaders Alaskans can trust

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

Sunday, October 26, 2014

ELECTION 2014

2014

STATE SENATE CANDIDATES SEAT A

SEAT C

PETE KELLY* Republican, Fairbanks

* Denotes incumbent

TAMARA ROSELIUS Democrat, Fairbanks

CLICK BISHOP* Republican, Fairbanks

DOROTHY SHOCKLEY Democrat, Manley Hot Springs

QUESTIONS Do you support same-sex marriage? What type of same-sex legislation, if any, would you support?

I do not support same-sex marriage. The people have voted in this state and majority of the other states to not recognize gay marriage. By the way, states don’t “ban” same-sex marriage. Instead, they just don’t recognize those unions as a marriage. Furthermore, this is not a civil rights issue either. If two guys want to get married in Alaska, they can. No one is going to beat down their door and arrest them. The state just leaves them alone. If the Alaska judiciary tries to reverse the will of Alaskans — I will fight them.

Yes. Marriage has become much more than a religious institution, and confers many state rights on the partners; conferring everything from property rights, to legal status, to medical care to partners. Because federal judges are ruling consistently that a ban on same-sex marriages is unconstitutional, it is time to pass a constitutional amendment to repeal the Alaska ban. This cannot stand under federal law, and our state has many more pressing issues we can turn our time, money and attention to.

We all have different religions, beliefs and lifestyles. Who am I to judge someone who lives differently than me?

I support equal right for all regardless of race, color, religion and who one chooses to marry. Government involvement in personal issues is government over reach in my opinion.

Do you support the expansion of Medicaid provided for by the Affordable Care Act? Why or why not?

No. Early estimates from the Obama administration grossly oversold the number of uninsured Alaskans who would benefit from expansion. The population of Alaskans without coverage is relatively small and can be handled by the state. Once expanded, Federal rules prohibit the state from pulling back leaving us holding the bag as federal spending rises and costs are pushed to the states.

Yes. Expanding Medicaid is good for business and people. Health care is an economic engine for our economy. Expansion adds 4,000 Alaska jobs, and 40,000 eligible Alaskans would be covered, stopping “cost shifting” care to insured and hospitals. The state Chamber of Commerce and the Alaska Hospital Association also support Medicaid expansion and adding roughly $2.49 billion to our economy.

Now that deadlines have been lifted, waivers granted and a wide degree of funding and payment plans are being used, the expansion of Medicaid is an option that should be explored.

Yes. We have a generation of elders who built this great state who did not work in jobs that provided benefits. As a society we must make sure they and others have access to quality health care.

With Senate Bill 21 upheld by voters, what, if any, oil tax-related legislation do you support?

Nothing right now. SB 21 gets more tax money from the oil companies at current and long-term estimated prices. Likewise, under SB 21, we pay less in credits to the companies and the credits we do give are tied to more production. Also, SB 21 clearly protects the permanent fund. When these facts are no longer true I will support changes to the system.

A majority of Fairbanks voters, myself included, didn’t support SB 21 thinking we could’ve done better. But now with $15 million in advertising promises from the big oil companies, if we have continued job losses, with no additional throughput, I’d favor legislation increasing incentives for small independent producers and new fields, to spur competition, while insuring we receive our fair share.

I don’t anticipate any oil tax related legislation this session.

I would support an amendment to SB 21 that is fairer to Alaskans.

What is an acceptable amount of time to evaluate whether or not Senate Bill 21 is working as anticipated? Why?

Remember, the question on the ballot was to repeal SB 21 and return to ACES which taxed the oil companies less than SB 21 and paid credits without requiring the companies to produce more oil. I probably never will support anything like ACES. Alaska needs a stable business environment, so I will support holding fire for a while.

Since the SB 21 repeal failed, Alaskans have already seen consequences: 1) Under oath testimony of Exxon officials that there’s actually an expected 5.3 percent decline in oil production, 2) BP announcing additional layoffs of workers, on top of what was expected. This doesn’t instill confidence, but give the oil companies two years maximum to prove the intent of SB 21 is working.

The actions of the producers must be monitored and evaluated in terms of actual results. My fiduciary responsibility is to my constituents and the people of the state of Alaska.

If it is not amended, then two years max. We cannot afford to lose millions of dollars every day with no guarantees of future production.

What is your top legislative priority for the 2015 legislative session if elected?

Continuing efforts begun by my office to eradicate fetal alcohol syndrome. Our efforts have gained national and international attention. Probably the nation’s most inspired and creative warrior against this plague, Jodie Allen Crowe, has joined the Alaskan leadership team created by my office. We have a talented team, an operational plan and some financial backing. This will happen.

Money in our wallets and businesses. Liquefied natural gas from Cook Inlet to Interior could very well achieve faster, cheaper energy. Not sure why it took a company, WesPac, coming to us to push it. Fairbanks already receives energy from Cook Inlet, they now have enough energy to talk about exporting, and we have infrastructure, roads and rail, in place.

My top priority would be to work with my peers to assure that we keep moving the Alaskan LNG project forward.

Strengthen our economy through job training and hiring Alaskans and producing Alaskan food products.

This year’s budget saw no line-item vetoes. Do you support the use of vetoes to control the budget? What, if anything, would you have supported a veto for in the Fiscal Year 2015 budget?

Vetoes are appropriate and constitutionally protected. As a Senator I don’t like them, but they are a necessary evil. Back in 2000, I had three of my bills vetoed, but in a seven-month period was successful in convincing my colleagues to override all three of them. I’ve been told that was a record.

As finance co-chair, my opponent authored our unsustainable budget. He can no longer call himself a “Fiscal Conservative.” Regarding vetoes: The PERS/TERS “Fix” for public employees needs work. It’s comparable to swapping a 15-year mortgage for a 30-year. Alaska can’t keep kicking this can down the road; this spends record debt and spends it badly, ensuring we all lose money.

Vetoes are a tool to be used in any budgetary process and that tool provides a balance between the legislature and the governor’s office. That being said, I am not the governor and will not speculate on what vetoes the governor should make.

I do not support line-item vetoes. It is the legislative body’s role to appropriate funds for each of their respected districts in a fair and balanced manner and not that of the governor.

Besides lowering the cost of energy and oil production, what should the state do to grow and expand the economy?

University research. Big money comes into the Fairbanks economy from outside the state because of research. Here’s something exciting: We are sitting on the cusp of a huge new worldwide industry dealing with micro grids for electrical production. This is estimated to be a $40 billion industry and currently the world leader in this area is Alaska. I’m excited.

Partner with our military on Eielson’s expansion needs. Expand Medicaid; creating good jobs, decreasing uninsured hospital admissions by 35 percent, lowering all our costs, helping 40,000 Alaskans. Prioritize and invest in infrastructure based on job and development strategies, utilizing Alaska labor. Invest in public education, tied to job market opportunities; a well-educated workforce attracts businesses. Work with UAF expanding Arctic opportunities.

Lowering the cost of energy and increasing oil production are the keys to growing the economy. Additionally, we need to keep moving forward with the Alaska LNG Project to solidify Alaska’s economic future for the next 30 years. Just look to areas of the state with more affordable energy. You can see the difference in growth, expansion and opportunities afforded it.

Train and hire Alaskans. In 2012, 56 percent of all new hires on the North Slope were non-residents. Produce our own food products. We import 95 percent of all our food.

Under what circumstances, if any, should abortions be permitted or funded under state law?

Life of the mother.

I support Alaskan’s “Right to Privacy,”” constitutionally guaranteed, and personal decisions between a woman, family, doctor and faith. Legislators shouldn’t be deciding the medical necessity of any procedures over doctors. With many issues facing our state, this recent legal wrangling is wasteful of resources, as resulting lawsuits show. Leave it alone, working on health care access so abortions become unnecessary.

I am pro-life. That being said, a mother’s life is as precious as the unborn. If a medical condition arises that challenges that, it is between the mother, her family and her doctor on how to proceed.

When it is a life-threatening situation.

The last two legislative sessions have seen large deficit spending. How should the state and the Legislature address declining income and spending in the next session?

As Senate chairman for the state’s operating budget I, with my colleagues, produced a budget that reduced agency operations by $50 million. Runaway spending of 6.5 percent per year was the norm for 10 years. In my first year as chairman we brought that growth to zero. Last year we actually reduced it — I intend to do it again.

We need to repeal SB 21. Our state constitution is unequivocal; and Wally Hickle said it best, we are an “Owner State.” Alaska has a wealth of untapped resources; it is shameful that our past legislature ran such deficits. Additionally, anything that can help Alaskans’ lives now, higher wages and lower fuel expenses, will translate into money flowing into our economy.

Reducing the rate of general fund spending is critical for Alaska’s financial future. In the last two years, the legislature has reduced general fund appropriation in the state’s operating budget. This last legislative session alone we lowered the overall operating budget by 15.9 percent. We need to continue reducing general fund appropriations while doing everything we can to increase and diversify our revenues.

The state cannot continue deficit spending. We must make the hard choices of cutting back and balance our operating and capital budgets.

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

ELECTION 2014

2014 * Denotes incumbent

STATE SENATE CANDIDATE STATE REPRESENTATIVE CANDIDATES SEAT E

DISTRICT 1

WARREN KEOGH

GREG BRINGHURST SCOTT KAWASAKI*

NonAffiliated, Chickaloon

Republican, Fairbanks

Democrat, Fairbanks

QUESTIONS Do you support same-sex marriage? What type of same-sex legislation, if any, would you support?

I believe in personal freedom. I also believe government should have a limited role in people’s private lives and choices. I am happily married to my wife, Charlene, and other people respect our relationship. I value this respect and believe in treating others as you would like to be treated.

Yes. If two people love each other and want to commit a lifetime to one another, then government should not deny them that right. Government clearly shouldn’t be defining or ill-defining love. I support life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for Alaskans, period.

Do you support the expansion of Medicaid provided for by the Affordable Care Act? Why or why not?

Yes. Medicaid expansion will provide needed medical insurance for thousands of Alaskans. Many find themselves unable to qualify for Medicaid because of income thresholds while not being provided medical insurance through their employers. The expansion of Medicaid will provide for thousands of jobs for Alaskans in the medical field. All Alaskans should have access to medical care.

At this time, I do not support the expansion of Medicaid. However, I do believe we should take a long, hard look at it. My hesitation is the unintended consequences that may occur when costs increase, federal funding diminishes, and the people, businesses and state are left with burden’s we cannot afford. I remain confident we can find a solution.

Yes, I support giving 45,000 Alaskans access to health care. This is supported by the Chamber of Commerce and Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium. This would lower health costs for all Alaskans, because right now people with insurance are paying extra for emergency room care for people who can’t afford to pay.

With Senate Bill 21 upheld by voters, what, if any, oil tax-related legislation do you support?

Let the oil companies demonstrate the promises made during the campaign surrounding the attempted repeal of SB21. If promises of more oil production do not materialize, I will work to develop fair oil tax legislation that will ensure a competitive market and a fair share of the profits to all Alaskans, the owners of the oil resources.

I support legislation that will offer a stable place to do business and grow. I support monitoring SB 21 and its effects and am weary to introduce further legislation that will make our oil-taxes more complex. I will seek and support legislation that will serve Alaskans best and put Alaskans to work.

I will continue to fight for tax credits to encourage oil companies to hire Alaskan workers and Alaskan-based local companies. It is outrageous that so many Alaskan jobs are going to people from out of state.

What is an acceptable amount of time to evaluate whether or not Senate Bill 21 is working as anticipated? Why?

The oil companies promised immediate results from the oil tax regime offered under SB 21. I expect to see those results within the next fiscal year.

We must remain vigilant to ensure the level of investments we were seeking when the legislature, and then voters, approved SB 21. I have been told by many Alaskan businesses that there has been an uptick in activity. If we find differently, we will re-examine, not for political gain or on a whim, but with all the facts on the table.

Given how important the oil industry is to Alaska, the Legislature cannot afford to go without review today. If the oil production does not increase like the oil industry promised, I will reintroduce legislation to require more production in exchange for the generous tax breaks the industry enjoys.

What is your top legislative priority for the 2015 legislative session if elected?

The legislature has been spending recklessly, causing a record setting $2 billion deficit this past year alone. My top legislative priority would be to examine both the capital and operating budgets. We must eliminate the deficit while ensuring that critical needs of Alaskans are met.

My highest priorities have been clear: coming to solutions for our energy needs, strengthening the economy of Alaska and the Interior, and focusing on prevention of suicide, domestic violence and substance abuse.

Lowering energy cost. I will continue to lead the fight to ban price gouging for gasoline, diesel, and heating oil which is crippling our economy. I will closely monitor the various natural gas projects to make sure we get gas to Fairbanks as soon as possible at the cheapest price. Also, we need to continue our move toward renewables like small wind, solar and hydro power.

This year’s budget saw no line-item vetoes. Do you support the use of vetoes to control the budget? What, if anything, would you have supported a veto for in the Fiscal Year 2015 budget?

Yes. I would have supported line item vetoes of select capital projects, such as additional funding of the Susitna Watana Hydro Project. The governor failed to make necessary vetoes when the legislature passed a grossly imbalanced budget.

The governor has the responsibility to submit a fiscal plan that protects essential state services and the economic stability of the state. After scrutiny, if something does not pass those criteria, it can be vetoed. I believe this brings focus, and accountability, to our budgeting process. I cannot point to anything in the FY15 budget I would have specifically vetoed.

I voted against wasteful spending including lavish office space for Anchorage legislators and a bailout for the Kodiak launch facility that has failed to secure any contracts. I was disappointed that my Republican colleagues voted for this waste and the governor should have vetoed pet projects that do not bring a return to everyday Alaskans.

Besides lowering the cost of energy and oil production, what should the state do to grow and expand the economy?

Diversification within industries makes the most sense. Opportunities for vertical growth exist in medical services, tourism, manufacturing and value added processing, as well as in the fishing industry. Policies to expand agriculture and attract Information Industries should be pursued.

We must attract new businesses and diversify our economic drivers within Alaska. We need to roll up our sleeves and get to work on a pipeline that will offer gas to Alaskans and bring revenue to the state. We also need to finish infrastructure projects we have in the works, and invest in the ones that help us save financially.

Growing Alaskan-owned small businesses is the key to making our economy sustainable for the long term. Too often small businesses can’t even get started because they can’t get the capital they need. I will work to create a revolving loan fund to give Alaskan entrepreneurs access to start up funds at a low interest rate.

Under what circumstances, if any, should abortions be permitted or funded under state law?

I believe in the sanctity of life. I also live by the law of our land that allows women to make decisions in matters of reproduction. By expanding the availability of contraception for men and women, we can expect fewer abortions.

Abortion is an immensely personal issue for many Alaskans. I have my personal beliefs, but I am unlikely to be a representative who will introduce legislation on the issue. I feel abortions should only be done if absolutely necessary under extreme circumstances.

Politicians have no business involving themselves in these personal choices. I believe the complex medical decision should be made by a woman, her husband, family, their spiritual leader and a doctor.

The last two legislative sessions have seen large deficit spending. How should the state and the Legislature address declining income and spending in the next session?

Responsible spending is good governing. The state must craft budgets with long-term goals in mind. Excessive spending occurred long before windfall profits proved fleeting. Fostering legislation similar to HB 306, sponsored by Rep. Thompson, which mandated evaluations of indirect expenditures and tax credits, will lead to the state spending smarter.

First, legislators must show fiscal restraint on the budget and the future growth of government. I voted against the operating budget and will only support a budget that I can justify to the voters of Fairbanks. Alaska must protect the PFD and focus on the needs, not the wants. Next, get a fair share for our natural resources and oil.

Should the state request or accept congressional earmarks? Explain.

As an Alaskan and understanding our history, I agree with the great late Sen. Ted Steven’s philosophy. Alaska is a younger state and is behind on basic infrastructure needs. We must be weary of overzealous spending at the state and federal level, but the necessity of receiving federal funds for infrastructure needs must be utilized for the benefit of Alaska.

Yes. We are part of the United States and Alaskans pay federal income taxes just like every other American. We are also a young state with unique needs. However, the state should only request what we truly need. The state should also continue to accept funds that will not bind us with future mandates.

Would you support a state program allowing tax dollars, such as vouchers, to follow students to private or religious schools?

I applaud the governor and Senate for having this conversation; however I do not believe vouchers for private and religious schools is right for Alaska. As a past student of Hunter, Ryan and Lathrop, I support Alaska’s public schools. Competition can exist by expanding opportunities in charter and boarding schools. We need to focus on improving the system we already have.

No. Vouchers take away public money from your neighborhood schools that are already struggling with higher class sizes, teacher layoffs and less opportunities for students. The vouchers would then be spent in unaccountable private schools that do not have to follow the same rules when admitting students.

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

Sunday, October 26, 2014

ELECTION 2014

2014 * Denotes incumbent

STATE REPRESENTATIVE CANDIDATES DISTRICT 2

DISTRICT 3

LARRY MURAKAMI STEVE THOMPSON*

SHARRON HUNTER TAMMIE WILSON*

Republican, Fairbanks

Democrat, North Pole

Republican, North Pole

QUESTIONS Do you support same-sex marriage? What type of same-sex legislation, if any, would you support?

I believe in tolerance and, therefore, support marriage equality. My support has been for decades. Lisa Murkowski recently announced her support of marriage equality and stated: “Same-sex unions or civil marriages are consistent with the independent mindset of our state.” Sen. Mark Begich also supports marriage equality. Support for marriage equality in the United States has been on the rise for years. A recent poll of Alaskans showed 47 percent who think same-sex marriage should be allowed in Alaska with a slightly smaller 46 percent favoring the status quo. I would support marriage equality legislation.

I’m a family man and was raised in a home where marriage was defined as between one man and one woman. I also respect our Alaska State Constitution that defines marriage in the same way. I will not actively support same-sex legislation.

Religious groups conduct weddings according to their beliefs and traditions which may prohibit same-sex marriages. The state regulates the civil marriages and as such should not insert religious beliefs such as the banning of same sex marriage. Denial of the civil rights of couples and the commingling of church and state are unconstitutional. I support removal of those restrictions, and restore the same rights of married couples to same-sex couples. Not the least of these is the right for a partner to be by the hospital bedside of a dying loved one.

The Alaska Constitution states that marriage is between a man and a woman, and I affirm that position.

Do you support the expansion of Medicaid provided for by the Affordable Care Act? Why or why not?

Yes. Like the State Chamber of Commerce and the Alaska Hospital Association, I support expanding Medicaid. Alaskans pay into Medicaid, and not seeing our federal dollars benefit 40,000 Alaskans, makes no sense. Even Republican-led states such as Arizona are taking advantage of the expansion. States that did expand Medicaid are seeing reductions in health insurance premiums.

Alaska already has a financially unsustainable Medicaid program and any expansion of Medicaid should be contingent upon the federal government keeping up its end of the deal. Contingent upon federal funding being “maintained” I support Medicaid expansion. I appreciate the systematic approach this administration is taking to evaluate all available options.

I support the expansion of Medicaid because it lowers the cost of private insurance recipients who subsidize uncompensated care that hospitals provide to those without insurance.. A recent article in the New York Times that in states that expanded Medicaid there is a projected savings of $4.2 billion in hospital cost. Alaska cannot afford to miss out.

No. Alaska has a variety of affordable alternative medical care options.

With Senate Bill 21 upheld by voters, what, if any, oil tax-related legislation do you support?

I support legislation to increase Alaska’s share of revenue from our natural resources. I support legislation that will help development by small producers and increase competition.

None. However, I have been a strong advocate for a “Middle Earth” (North of Cook Inlet and South of Prudhoe) oil tax that will spur development in our own backyard. I will continue to evaluate whether the current tax structure on “Middle Earth” is working.

One of the flaws in SB 21 is the assumption that the oil companies would take the money from the lower tax and invest it in new production in Alaska. This needs to mandated by law. The oil companies have cut jobs soon after the passage of the referendum.

None at this time.

What is an acceptable amount of time to evaluate whether or not Senate Bill 21 is working as anticipated? Why?

I do not anticipate finding SB 21 working. We have already seen the response of additional layoffs by BP and testimony by Exxon officials that there will be decreased production. The oil companies want additional time and get well more than a billion dollars per year even as production declines. I think we should sunset SB 21 in two years.

Three years will allow for enough information for Alaska to gage whether SB 21 is succeeding in producing new oil in the pipeline. It also will give the legislature enough time to evaluate the tax structure across varied economic indicators, providing more than just a snapshot in time to evaluate the new tax structure.

Instead of waiting to see if the oil industry is investing the tax reduction in new production, the legislature should to hold payment equal to the increase provided by SB 21. SB 21 legislation trusts the oil companies to the right thing. By holding payment we can put the burden on the oil companies to verify.

A couple of years. We must have ample time to analyze and review the system that has been put into place to understand if any adjustments are necessary.

What is your top legislative priority for the 2015 legislative session if elected?

I’m tired of talking about the cost here to heat homes and businesses. I support Bill Walker’s approach of “Declaration of Disaster for Energy” for the Interior, getting LNG from Cook Inlet to Fairbanks via the Alaska Railroad which could be done in months, not years. Fairbanksans should not pay twice as much as those in Anchorage for heating.

Getting affordable energy to the Interior.

Inflation-proof funding of Student Based Allocation. Keep all state education funds going to publicly funded schools.

My top priority is to eliminate regulation that is preventing our state from becoming economically viable like we were in the past.

This year’s budget saw no line-item vetoes. Do you support the use of vetoes to control the budget? What, if anything, would you have supported a veto for in the Fiscal Year 2015 budget?

My opponent, Steve Thompson voted for a bloated budget, yet gave away the farm to oil and gas companies with no promises for more drilling and jobs in return — yet severely cuts our infrastructure, education and services that increase quality of life for Alaskans. I don’t like line-item vetoes, but if forced to pick, I’d consider the Knik Arm Bridge.

Vetoes should not be used to control the budget. It is the constitutional purview of the legislature to appropriate. The ultimate responsibility therefore lies with the legislature. There is no question that we have entered deficit spending and that we will be tightening our belts in FY16.

The budget item ofter reflect a compromise worked out by the legislature. Line-item veto by the governor can undermine that process. While it might be tempting to choose some items for a line item veto, I prefer not to fall into that trap: the difference between “pork” and necessity depends upon whether your constituents are the recipients.

I do support vetoes, but more importantly, the legislature should be given a budget that only spends what we bring in as a state.

Besides lowering the cost of energy and oil production, what should the state do to grow and expand the economy?

The state should encourage job growth and jobs that pay a living wage, so we can put food on the table, a roof over our heads, and heat our homes. The state should encourage competition and free enterprise and be diligent in insuring that monopolies or oligopolies cannot exert undue influence over the agencies that regulate them.

We need to continue to expand on job training. We must also streamline our permitting process to enable new industries to become viable in Alaska.

Increase the minimum wage. Increasing wages puts more money into the economy. Higher wages mean workers stay in the job longer. This has the added benefit to employers of lowering cost of hiring and the training of new workers.

Stop over-regulating. We have enough laws and regulations, before making more we need to enforce what is already on the books.

Under what circumstances, if any, should abortions be permitted or funded under state law?

The “Right to Privacy” clause in our state constitution is clear: Government shouldn’t intrude on personal decisions that are between a woman and her doctor. Regarding public funding of abortions: Hyde Amendment prohibits federal money paying for abortions. Medicaid is partially funded with federal dollars. Therefore, “public funds for abortions” in Alaska is a moot issue.

I am basically pro-life.

I support a woman’s Constitutional (both federal and state) right to privacy. Therefore it is a women’s right to choose to continue or not to continue her pregnancy. I support state funding for either decision.

It is not government’s business.

The last two legislative sessions have seen large deficit spending. How should the state and the Legislature address declining income and spending in the next session?

Now is not the time to reduce educational funding so Alaska, the owner state, can take a smaller share of oil revenue. Alaska must diversify it’s economic base and prioritize spending with focus on the needs of Alaska’s people. Alaska needs an environment supportive of job creation including construction. Funding for education, fire services and police needs to be maintained.

The Legislature reduced the governor’s budget in both sessions. We need to slow the growth of government spending and streamline the budget to match our revenue. The two largest budget items we have are Health and Social Services and education. If we continue to increase funding in these top two departments, we will have to reduce spending in other areas or reduce services. What are you willing to give up?

Consistent application of cost benefit analysis accounting to proposed legislation to assess future cost reduction as well as the potential of increased revenue. Increased transparency in spending would leads to greater accountability to citizens.

The last legislative session many projects that had been started were finished and an emphasis was made to avoid any more projects in stages because one could not assume future funding would be available. The State must evaluate all programs, using data, to determine if they are effective. We must spend within our means.

Should the state request or accept congressional earmarks? Explain.

I do not support earmarks to for-profit corporations. Politicians may know better than agencies how to properly spend money in some cases and there is no guarantee that the allocation made by agencies will be superior. The process however lacks transparency and in recent years led to numerous cases of “pork barrel” legislation and thus I cannot support earmarks.

As a relatively new state, I don’t think we are financially secure enough to cut the earmarks entirely especially for capital infrastructure projects. Our state still needs to request money for roads, sewers, and water projects, as well as energy production and education funds. We need to be vigilant and ensure there are no strings attached to that money. But I do foresee that as we continue to work toward self-sufficiency, we will be able to cut back on earmarks.

Earmarks was a broken system which needed to be fixed because of the abuse by our Alaskan delegation. The reading I have done proposes lifting the ear-mark ban with fixes such as: Transparency about the recipient, purpose and proof of absence of personal or family financial gain. Removal of research and development and place it under a peer review process.

Congressional earmarks should be closely reviewed so that we know what strings are attached and how much state funding will be required in the future. We also must understand what freedoms we may be forfeiting by taking federal dollars.

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

ELECTION 2014

2014

STATE REPRESENTATIVE CANDIDATES DISTRICT 4

DISTRICT 5

JOE BLANCHARD II DAVID GUTTENBERG*

ADAM WOOL

PETE HIGGINS*

Republican, Fairbanks

Democrat, Fairbanks

Do you support same-sex marriage? What type of same-sex legislation, if any, would you support?

I don’t believe this is an issue where the Alaska State Legislature will have any influence. The Legislature’s opinions will be moot as the struggle between the current voter-approved constitutional amendment passed in 1998, faces the judicial reality of challenges to state constitutions across America, and culture shifts of 2014. This process will shape any same-sex legislation, and what we can do as a Legislature is ensure that religious and secular beliefs remain protected throughout regardless of the outcome.

Yes, I support removing the ban on marriage equity. Across the nation states are having their restrictions on same sex marriage struck down along constitutional grounds. I would remove the ballot amendment that passed and get out of the way of people exercising their right. This is clearly a place that the government is interfering with personal freedoms.

I believe in equal rights, I feel that two same-sex people should have the same marriage rights as a mixed gender couple.

I support laws that protect traditional marriage.

Do you support the expansion of Medicaid provided for by the Affordable Care Act? Why or why not?

I will support the expansion of Medicaid after two conditions are met 1) a thorough study of cost savings and best practices are established and 2) when it is clear that Alaska has a sound long-term fiscal policy that does not bankrupt our future. Protecting Alaskans is extremely important, and no one should fall in the gap.

The expansion of Medicaid is clearly in the state’s best interest. To insure 40,000 additional Alaskans is recognized to be economically smart and cost effective.

I agree with Alaska’s business and health care communities that Medicaid should be expanded to cover almost 50,000 Alaskans who currently are uninsured. Not only will it will create a healthier population and healthier workforce, it will relieve hospitals of the cost of emergency room care for uninsured Alaskans.

No. It will cost the state an additional $90 million to $200 million annually, we simply cannot afford the expansion as there are too many federal strings attached. Our state currently provides the most comprehensive Medicaid program available within the 50 states.

With Senate Bill 21 upheld by voters, what, if any, oil tax-related legislation do you support?

I would examine legislation that provides stricter standards on what is expected from companies who acquire or have permits with the state of Alaska. Utilization of these permits for more exploration and more oil production will be mandatory with no loopholes; otherwise companies will lose the permits.

Exxon said no new production and BP is laying off hundreds of employees, what exactly is SB 21 doing? Did they spend $15 million to convince us they wanted to pay more taxes? It is clearly not doing what Alaskans thought, to spur new production and fill the pipeline. Alaska needs leadership that asks tough questions and stands up for Alaska.

Like the majority of Fairbanks, I voted to repeal SB 21. After seeing Exxon announce they would not increase production and BP fire hundreds of workers, I think Fairbanks probably got it right. I would support examining this law in the near future if the oil companies do not keep their promises to increase oil production.

I support the construction of the in-state gas pipeline and sales of this resource to tidewater. I supported recent legislation that will begin the trucking of gas to Fairbanks in 2016 and would support additional legislation that would provide help to families for the conversion to gas heat in their homes.

What is an acceptable amount of time to evaluate whether or not Senate Bill 21 is working as anticipated? Why?

There are a lot of big promises made to Alaska for SB 21 so I will give a short time frame of one legislative session. We should clearly see in 2 years more jobs, more oil, and more opportunities. Anything less should result in a reevaluation of how the State does business with its oil permits.

Regardless of the tax regime, we need to be constantly evaluating Alaska’s oil and gas tax policy. Alaska gives hundreds of millions of dollars in incentives, deductions and credits every year, its rational to constantly analysis those assumptions to see if they are working and doing the things that we are paying for.

The oil industry made specific promises for future investment and production increases, and the Legislature owes it to the Alaskan peoples to make sure they deliver.

It’s been a while, but Alaska is now moving in a positive direction. Businesses continue to report that SB21 is already working. We are seeing the creation of new jobs and companies are investing in Alaska. I would anticipate that we will see additional results of SB21 within 7 years. Let’s not lose momentum!

What is your top legislative priority for the 2015 legislative session if elected?

Balance the budget without raiding our savings, give our students and teachers the opportunities for success, and increase the volume of natural gas coming to Fairbanks.

My top legislative priority is to drive the cost of energy down for Fairbanksans and other Alaskans. We have a 48-inch pipeline running through our town that has produced billions of barrels of oil and many Alaskans are still pay the highest heating costs in the country. If we bring down the cost of energy we also make more funds available for education.

Bringing affordable energy to the Interior is my number one priority. I will work to ban fuel price gouging and accelerate development of affordable natural gas to lower electricity and heating costs in the Interior. It is long past overdue. My business experience will allow me to negotiate the best deal to bring gas to Fairbanks at the lowest price.

Definitely more legislation regarding our federal lands being returned to the state as was agreed upon under the formation of the state. “There is a firestorm that’s beginning, that is going to encompass this entire nation over federalization. And we are going to be at the front of that firestorm. We need to fight every inch of the way.”

This year’s budget saw no line-item vetoes. Do you support the use of vetoes to control the budget? What, if anything, would you have supported a veto for in the Fiscal Year 2015 budget?

The veto is a constitutionally protected power of the Executive Branch, so yes I both support the Alaska Constitution and the use of vetoes. I am not running for governor, just the State House, so my job is to vote on a fiscally sustainable budget.

I would have cut the Knik Arm Bridge project. There are serious issues with the way the project has been presented and there are issues with lack of transparency with the rational that justify the bridge. The projects use of federal funds is putting other important infrastructure projects on hold.

In two short years, the politicians plunged the state into billion dollar budget deficits and their budgets were riddled with wasteful spending. Items that should have been vetoed include the Knik Arm Bridge, which the Legislature’s own auditors have shown to be uneconomical and the Kodiak Launch Complex which has consistently failed to get contracts.

Yes. I would have supported a line item veto for the waste of money being spent on the new legislative building in Anchorage. Real estate is cheaper outside of the downtown area. I would rather have seen a much more modest solution for legislative office space and more money put toward education and infrastructure in our state.

Besides lowering the cost of energy and oil production, what should the state do to grow and expand the economy?

The state cannot grow or expand the economy. It can attract investment and promote private sector development for those who can grow and expand the economy. The state can provide small businesses and developing job fields the tools to be successful in our unique climate and location.

The single most important thing the state can do to grow the economy would be to expand and grow the availability of bandwidth. Every entity in the state has broad band issues, every school, village, town and city, every business and department of government, the courts and the university all have issues with broad band.

Right now Alaska’s economy is so dependent on oil that everything else is a drop in the bucket. Natural gas needs to be developed not just for the cheaper energy but also for the revenues from export. With the changing climate and increasing focus on the Arctic, UAF can play an important role by developing technologies.

We need to build more infrastructure and roads to resources. I believe the mining industry can become the second largest revenue source for the state once we establish public use roads to these resources.

Under what circumstances, if any, should abortions be permitted or funded under state law?

I believe life begins at conception and that an abortion is a loss of life. I also understand that Roe v. Wade is the law of the land. In rare circumstances when the mother’s life is in danger I believe in her right to self-defense. I don’t believe the state needs to be funding abortion, and I would focus on providing contraception and education to help reduce the number of abortions to zero.

The circumstance of abortion should be the decision of the women and not the states. There are programs that the state can put in place that can prevent hundreds of unwanted pregnancies but the governor and the legislative leadership chooses to ignore or simply not address the real issue.

Abortion is a decision between a woman and her physician, and the government has no role interfering in this personal decision.

As a pro-life individual, I would only support state funding for medically necessary abortions when that pregnancy places significant threats to a woman’s life or serious jeopardy to her health, other instances would include pregnancy resulting from rape or incest.

The last two legislative sessions have seen large deficit spending. How should the state and the Legislature address declining income and spending in the next session?

The Legislature has to work backwards from the projected revenue numbers and stay within those constraints. I believe that additional production in the pipeline will help us on the revenue side but the spending side is out of control. I would advocate for moving a significant portion of savings to the Permanent Fund to protect it from short-term financial pressures.

I believe we should be doing a better job addressing the income side of the equation; we definitely need to be doing a better job on spending. There are many programs that control the increase in spending from prisons to senior care that not just control spending but are also more efficient and effective and compassionate.

The obvious solution is not to spend more than is taken in. I will use my business experience to make the smart choices to balance the budget.

As a state, we need to stop spending money on frivolous projects that do not help the infrastructure of the state. We have to stop funding wants and limit our funding to needs. The issue of declining revenue has been addresses with SB21.

Should the state request or accept congressional earmarks? Explain.

Yes, the state of Alaska has a plethora of projects where Federal money for assistance makes plenty of sense. There are also numerous earmarks where it is a waste of resources and we end up supporting projects we cannot financially sustain. With record high Federal Debt the question Alaska needs to be vigilant about is, can we afford the earmark?

Yes, of course we should. Imagine if Sen. Ted Stevens didn’t have access to earmarks, where would Alaska be? Earmarks have built many things that we take for granted in Alaska. Our congressional delegation is moving into senior leadership positions, We should support their ability to build Alaska.

Earmarks have been used for important Alaskan projects. All earmark requests need to be vetted to make sure they are responsible investments.

The state should accept federal funds as long as we understand the strings that are attached to the funds and the commitments that will be required. If we don’t like what is required, then we should decline the funds.

* Denotes incumbent

Republican, Fairbanks

QUESTIONS

Read more questions and answers with candidates online » www.newsminer.com/news/politics

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

Sunday, October 26, 2014

ELECTION 2014

2014

STATE REPRESENTATIVE CANDIDATES DISTRICT 6

DISTRICT 9

WILSON JUSTIN Democrat, Slana

DAVE TALERICO

JIM COLVER

Republican, Healy

Republican, North Pole

* Denotes incumbent

MABEL WIMMER Democrat, Glenallen

QUESTIONS Do you support same-sex marriage? What type of same-sex legislation, if any, would you support?

Same-sex marriage. This is a matter of constitutional rights — our right to privacy and our right to free association. I remember old Alaska. It was a “live and let live” territory. We had our opinions but, outside the family, we didn’t cram our views down someone else’s throats. The so-called Marriage Amendment does exactly that. How can government tell human beings who they can and cannot love? It’s “unAlaskan.”

No, I do not. I believe marriage is between a man and a woman.

The Alaska Constitution states that marriage is between a man and a woman, and I affirm that position.

I support same-sex marriage and the changes need to the Alaska Constitution to remove “Marriage is between a man and a woman.” It is time for all Alaska’s people to have the full privilege of the Constitution of the United States. The Constitution defines our freedom, and protects us from a tyrannical government. Many of us know or are related to someone in the LGBT community. We have seen the abuse, felt the shame and discrimination of our loved ones. That they could lose their jobs, homes and the right shop in certain stores. With other states nullifying the ban on same-sex marriage it is time for Alaska to seriously consider the effects of the ban, and future costs if it is contested.

Do you support the expansion of Medicaid provided for by the Affordable Care Act? Why or why not?

Yes. It is a valuable contribution for the economy and will give 45,000 Alaskans access to health care while lowering health care costs for all Alaskans. Right now, if you have insurance you are paying extra to pay for emergency room care for uninsured Alaskans.

I currently do not support the expansion of the program. I think it is highly unlikely that the federal government can provide the funding level for the program as advertised while struggling with a $17 trillion debt which will put the responsibility on the state. I believe we can work toward a better system than what has been offered via the Affordable Care Act.

No. Alaska has a variety of affordable alternative medical care options.

I support the expansion of Medicaid because it helps low income adults and families enroll in the ACA. The addition of federal dollars to the state off sets and costs.

With Senate Bill 21 upheld by voters, what, if any, oil tax-related legislation do you support?

I would review SB 21 in its entirety and gather to assess the information presented by the opposing parties. New legislation, if any, must be properly vetted by the public.

I believe we need to allow some time to pass and closely monitor and evaluate the current system.

None at this time.

None. As oil and gas production increase on the North Slope it increases State Revenue.

What is an acceptable amount of time to evaluate whether or not Senate Bill 21 is working as anticipated? Why?

Given the way SB 21 came about, I would give it seven months to a year to see what the results are of the bill.

I think a couple of years should give us the data to determine the impact of SB 21.

A couple of years. We must have ample time to analyze and review the system that has been put into place to understand if any adjustments are necessary.

As we see the increase in oil and Ggas development as promised with the increase in profit to the state, a reasonable amount of time would be at least two fiscal years. When you hit oil there still have to be able to get the oil out of the field.

What is your top legislative priority for the 2015 legislative session if elected?

My No. 1 legislative priority is to fix the broken educational system. Alaska no longer has the option of ignoring key links between economic stability and a well-maintained educational system.

Streamlining state government where applicable.

My top priority is to eliminate regulation that is preventing our State from becoming economically viable like we were in the past.

Balance the budget. We need to develop our resources to help Alaskans.

This year’s budget saw no line-item vetoes. Do you support the use of vetoes to control the budget? What, if anything, would you have supported a veto for in the Fiscal Year 2015 budget?

Vetoes are turning into a political tool for the current administration to manipulate the voting population. This is going beyond the scope of real leadership and policy making.

I support the use of vetoes and did not take issue with anything in the budget.

I do support vetoes, but more importantly, the Legislature should be given a budget that only spends what we bring in as a state.

I support in-line vetoes. I think the state needs to stop funding projects and studies that have no viability.

Besides lowering the cost of energy and oil production, what should the state do to grow and expand the economy?

One of the most important issues that needs to be addressed is the effects of climate change on Interior Alaska and our economy. Local communities need to be given the resources to plan for the effects of the changing climate and to take advantage of any new opportunities.

Responsible resource development, infrastructure development geared toward business development and investment.

Stop over-regulating. We have enough laws and regulations, before making more we need to enforce what is already on the books.

Provide more training to youth and adults for more in state hiring. Develop alternative energy companies, and increase the amount of food grown and produced in state.

Under what circumstances, if any, should abortions be permitted or funded under state law?

This decision is entirely between the patient, their doctor, and the good Lord. Politicians have no role in this personal decision.

I am pro-life, and believe abortions should only be allowed to save the life of the mother and provide funding only when it is absolutely necessary under these circumstances.

It is not government’s business.

As a pro-choice candidate, I respect the right of choice and that women’s health care not be a political issue. But as a prolife individual, I believe that abortions provided with state dollars be used to save the life of the mother, and as a result of rape or incest.

The last two legislative sessions have seen large deficit spending. How should the state and the Legislature address declining income and spending in the next session?

Is the project cost reasonable, does it achieve a clear objective in solving an identifiable problem and are there reasonable risks involved in the public investment? Too many pet projects wind through the back-scratching committee system. There has to be a screening process.

Careful analysis of funding requests and establishing priorities is essential. Sensible, responsible resource development will diversify our income stream and increase income.

The last legislative session many projects that had been started were finished and an emphasis was made to avoid any more projects in stages because one could not assume future funding would be available. The state must evaluate all programs, using data, to determine if they are effective. We must spend within our means.

Consider an increase in oil and gas taxes.

Should the state request or accept congressional earmarks? Explain.

“Earmarks” is a term that has fallen into disfavor but as I understand the term, an earmark is a designated grant. There are reasons for targeting congressional appropriations sometimes, but those targeted grants should be consistent with the “cost containment” standards suggested above; they should meet a policy objective, are reasonable expenditures with a measurable benefit.

Sometimes one person’s earmark is another’s essential appropriation. Federal funding is not a new concept. Cost/benefit analysis and overall impact need to be considered when considering federal dollars, and I’m not in favor of “trading” something for the money.

Congressional earmarks should be closely reviewed, so that we know what strings are attached and how much state funding will be required in the future. We also must understand what freedoms we may be forfeiting by taking federal dollars.

Earmarks bring needed federal dollars to the state. They have provided the state with needed funds for roads and other projects that have enriched the economy by creating jobs.

Would you support a state program allowing tax dollars, such as vouchers, to follow students to private or religious schools?

I do not support vouchers being used to fund religious schools. Our Constitution clearly calls for a good system of “public” schools. That is the responsibility of our government. Funding religious education, whether it is the Holy Rosary Academy or an Islamic Madrassa, is not consistent with that founding directive.

I support parental rights for education choices as long as it is a recognized, certified education. Under those circumstances, I am a supporter.

Absolutely. Parents should have the ability to determine the best educational opportunity for their child. A free market increases quality.

I would not support a state program to remove tax payer dollars to follow students into private schools. Our founding fathers believed that a well-educated populous was of importance for a strong and healthy democracy. That is why we have public schools and state colleges. Having a good education is the backbone of a healthy economy. It is the equalizer, sustaining the middle class and community togetherness.

Read more questions and answers with candidates online » www.newsminer.com/news/politics

Re-elect David Guttenberg Alaska State House democracy.com/GuttenbergforStateHouse facebook.com/GuttenbergforStateHouse

I’d appreciate your vote November 4th! Paid for by Guttenberg for State House, PO Box 80731, Fairbanks AK 99708

17509572-10-26-14ES

Experience, Leadership, Commitment

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

ELECTION 2014

Bridgewater

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2014

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Tanana

d eR leg

ers Loop arm

Tanana

UAF

Alaska Way

Barn ette

4-B

Co l

2014 ELECTION DISTRICTS MAPS

Crea mer Ln

HOUSE DISTRICT 1

on New Richards

Ramp Old Richardson Hwy

Burns Ave

30th Ave

R/w

Hughes

Ave

Ave .S

nd Po at

sity

Flo

Bonnifield

Uni ver

Lakeview Dr

ershing Ct

Sanduri St

Lakeview Ter Lakeview Ter

Easy St

Braddoc k St

Macarthur St

S Cushman

Beck Rd

South Van Horn

Trl

Ste ese Hw y

Nordale Rd Benn Ln

Rozak Rd

Military

North Pole

Rich ard son

North Pole

5-C

Hw y

Ex Rd

Laurance Rd

Old

Richardson Hw y

HOUSE DISTRICT 39

ce ran Lau

Va ld

Gordon Rd

5-C

Ownby Rd

Repp Rd

Levee Wy

Benn Ln

Bonnifield Tr

Rich ard son Hw y

N Freeman

3-B

Ownby Rd

Durango Tr Rozak Rd

Bradway Rd

son Bradway Rd

Paige Ave

6-C

Mattie St

H wy

Markey Rd

Freeman Rd

Birch St

Lakloey Dr

Dennis Rd

Richardson Endecott Ave

Badger Rd

ter Pat

ad Rd. N Homeste Rd ro o n Ca

Dr. Homestead

Ste e

Patton St

Easy St

Holt Rd

S Lathrop St

Royal Rd

p Rd Burgess Airstri

Alta Wy

Jeep

Mattie St

Sheldon Ave

Rd Chena Hot Springs

2-A Fairbanks

Micael Ln Badger Rd

Lakeview Dr

S Cushman St

Macarthur St

Van Horn Rd

g ad

Standard Ave

Sheldon Ave

Wiese Ct

Rd E Van Horn

Sandu ri St

Richardson H w

Mitchell Exp

2-A

ey Rd

Lathrop St

Davis Rd

1-A

Gaffn

35th Ave

Van Horn Rd

t net Ben

t yS

Airport Way

Cyclone Dr

ate R d

Ram p

Andromeda Rd

Canoro Rd

or G

Cla

S Homestead Rd

Noye s

y Hw se Train

34th Ave

Beacon Rd

3-B

ll Sage Hi l Jeep Trai

Military

Shannon

Exp Oconnor sen an J oh

s Dr

Hwy

Bidwill Ave

5-C

4-B

E Bia

s Loop mer Far

Colleg eR

Beacon Rd

rdson

HOUSE DISTRICT 3

HOUSE DISTRICT 2 4-B

Ric ha

Rd Williams Gate

32nd Ave

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Hwy

on Ramp/off Ramp

State Hwy 2

Mitchell Exp

ez Tr

HOUSE DISTRICT 4 Ellio tt H w

stac

40-T

Shishmaref

6-C

Hay

Diomede

k Dr

Elliott Hwy

Wales Teller Port Clarence

Gambell

Koyuk

White Mountain Golovin Elim

Nome Savoonga

Koyukuk Nulato Galena

Shaktoolik

Unalakleet

4-B

6-C 6-C

39-T Ruby

d ox R er F Silv

Fox

tley

Sat

Goldstream

Farmers Loop

Stebbins

Rd Chena Hot Springs

College

Kotlik Nikolai

Grayling

Nunam Iqua

37-S

Holy Cross

Pilot Station

h Gold

ill R

Nash St Yukon Dr d

k Par

Chena Ridge

Parks Hwy

32-P

Fairbanks

North Pole

Military

Old Nenana Hwy

HOUSE DISTRICT 5

HOUSE DISTRICT 40

6-C

Barrow Wainwright

Prudhoe Bay

Dr kuk oyu N. K

Nuiqsut NORTH SLOPE BOROUGH

ch e

ll H wy

y Hw rks Pa

Arctic Village

Anaktuvuk Passt

1-A

3-B

2-A Lakeview Dr

Red Dog Mine

Mi t

40-T

Point Hope

Kivalina

4-B

Kaktovik

Alaska Way

Atqusuk Point Lay

3-B

Badger

5-C

Hooper Bay

38-S

College Rd

1-A 2-A

McGrath Shageluk

Anvik Pikas Point

Ester wy

Alakanuk

Scammon Bay

Ste ese Hw y

Huslia

Rich

ards on Hw y

Noatak NORTHWEST ARCTIC BOROUGH

6-C

Venetie

Kotzebue

Noorvik

Selawik Beaver

Deering Hughes

Buckland

Stevens Village

Huslia

39-T

Arctic Village

Nenana

Paxson

Wiseman Coldfoot

Beaver

Alatna

Stevens Village

Hughes Huslia

Rampart Minto Manley Hot Springs

6-C

Steele Creek FAIRBANKS Ester NORTH STAR

Lake Minchumina

9-E

McGrath

38-S LAKE AND PENINSULA BOROUGH

MATANUSKA-SUSITNA BOROUGH

10-E 32-P

Lake Minchumina DENALI BOROUGH

Eagle Village Glenallen Chicken

ANCHORAGE MUNICIPALITY

KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH

Tonsina

9-E

MATANUSKA-SUSITNA BOROUGH

10-E

YAKUTAT CITY AND BOROUGH

Farm Loop

Lazy Mountain

10-E 11-F 7-D Gateway Palmer

Wasilla

Gakona

Butte 12-F

9-E

Point MacKenzie

ANCHORAGE MUNICIPALITY

Glennallen Tazlina Coper Center Willow Creek

9-E

Valdez Valdez

Whittier

6-C

Gulkana Chistochina

Lake Louise Gulkana MendeltnaGlennallen Nelchina Tolsona Eureka Roadhouse Glacier View Chickaleon Willow Meadow Lakes Lazy Mountain Big Lake Knik River

Trapper Creek Susitna North

Sutton-Alpine Buffalo Soapstone Fishhook 9-E

Tanana

McCarthy Valdez

32-P

6-C Paxson

Willow Creek

Chistochina

Valdez

Chistochina

McKinley Park

37-S

Tazlina Coper Center

Dot Lake Tanacross Tok Tetlin Mentasta Lake Northway Gakona Glennallen Kenny Lake Chitina

Ferry Healy

Gulkana

Healy Lake

DENALI BOROUGH

5-C

Cantwell

Gakona

BOROUGH

Anderson

6-C

Circle Central

5-C Salcha Harding-Birch Lakes

Ruby Kaltag

37-S

5-C

Anderson

Chistochina

Venetie

Evansville

39-T

3-B

FAIRBANKS NORTH STAR BOROUGH

Anaktuvuk Pass

Kobuk

6-C 2-A

HOUSE DISTRICT 9

NORTH SLOPE BOROUGH

40-T

1-A

6-C

HOUSE DISTRICT 6

NORTHWEST ARTCTIC BOROUGH

4-B

5-C

Fort Yukon Alatna

Cordova

Kenny Lake Tonsina