Priorities

Gas Pipeline
Constructing a natural gas pipeline is the single highest priority for our state. Not only will it create hundreds of high paying construction, manufacturing and related industry jobs, but it will generate new money for the state. With oil contributing 85% of our current revenue and North Slope production declining at 6% a year, a gas pipeline is critical to Alaska’s economic future. The state can’t force a gas line; economics will drive its construction and there are significant complications and challenges to overcome. We need the support of our business partners to get project financing in the private marketplace. My job is to ensure Alaskans get their fair share and that we don’t give away too much in the process. The choices we make could mean the difference between economic feasibility and financial disaster. To get the line built we must create an economic and regulatory environment that encourages competition and gives TransCanada, gas shippers and the major producers an equal opportunity for success.

Energy Costs
High energy costs continue to be a significant drain on our pocketbooks and economy. While the state reaps huge financial benefits from high oil prices, Alaskan families and businesses are forced to pay increasingly high prices for heat, power and transportation. In the near-term, we need to encourage conservation, promote efficiency and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. We need to provide economic and environmental incentives to promote reform. The Legislature has demonstrated a commitment to explore alternatives and wisely reinvested some of today’s oil wealth into projects that can deliver low-cost, renewable energy over the long-term. In the past two years, we’ve put $380 million into home weatherization grants and created a Renewable Energy Fund that will provide $300 million in project grants. In Southeast, we’ve invested $46 million to complete the Swan-Tyee Intertie, $12.5 million to increase the generation capacity of Blue Lake Dam and $2.5 million towards a transmission line between Petersburg and Kake.

The state also has an important research and policy role. In Southeast, we have tremendous hydro potential but limited transmission infrastructure and no access to in-state natural gas. In Western Alaska, hydro is limited, but wind, tidal or geothermal may be important parts of the solution. This illustrates the need for a comprehensive statewide energy plan that recognizes regional differences, identifies possible solutions and incorporates long-term public investment strategies.

Marine Highway System
The Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) transports over 300,000 passengers annually. For residents of Alaska’s coastal communities, the “blue canoes” are our link to the rest of the state. I’m committed to a reliable ferry system that is responsive to the needs of the communities it serves. As any resident of Southeast can tell you, we’ve got a long way to go. Aging boats, high fuel costs and declining ridership have put the system under tremendous financial strain. I’m optimistic that recent reforms, increased funding and better oversight are beginning to help. I expect the reconstituted Marine Transportation Advisory Board to provide valuable input and better coordination with the Inter-Island Ferry Authority (IFA) must be part of the solution.

Education
Our children are the future of this great state and education will always be one of my top priorities. To compete in the global economy, Alaska needs an educated and highly skilled workforce. That starts with good schools that are well staffed, properly funded and locally controlled. In the last 5 years, we’ve increased education funding by 40% statewide. This year, we instituted a multi-year change to the funding formula. I will monitor that process and propose additional changes if necessary to ensure that Southeast students get their fair share. But, the state also has a responsibility to provide a regulatory framework that permits educational choice, monitors student achievement and requires performance results. The University of Alaska also performs a vital role in preparing Alaskans for high-paying jobs. We’ve made huge investments in the University and in workforce development programs around the state. While I’m a strong supporter of both, we need to make sure our rural Southeast campuses aren’t overlooked in the process. A comprehensive statewide workforce development program can’t just focus on oil, gas and pipeline jobs. It must address regional economic development by supporting the labor requirements of our local businesses.

Transportation
Upgrading and improving roads, harbors, and transportation infrastructure in Southeast is critical to growing our economy. I’m extremely disappointed with the Department of Transportation’s inability or unwillingness to move our large transportation priorities forward. I will continue to demand that our needs be addressed and to fight for the state resources necessary to complete important transportation projects in the district.

Public Safety
Government has an implicit responsibility to enforce laws, promote safe communities and protect life and property. I have been, and will continue to be, a staunch supporter of our police, fire and emergency medical personnel. I’m working with the Department of Public Safety to properly train and equip our State Troopers and to keep the Training Academy in Sitka. I’ve also been working with district officials and volunteers to secure state funds for improving our firefighting equipment and facilities. Ketchikan and Petersburg need new city fire stations, the Hollis Volunteer Fire Department needs a new building and Southeast needs a facility for conducting regional firefighter training. I’m committed to finishing these projects.

Seniors
As a 4th generation Alaskan, I have tremendous respect for the pioneers who helped settle our great state. We owe them our gratitude. We also have a responsibility to help empower them to live independently as active, productive and involved members of the community. This means protecting the rights of seniors, veterans and others who may have age related disabilities. I also support funding for our senior centers and Pioneer Homes. I think a thorough review of the purpose, condition and long-term plan for the Pioneer Home system is long overdue.

Economic Development
I’m dedicated to improving Alaska’s business climate. In Southeast, resource based industries have always driven our economy and I’ve worked hard to fortify our commercial fisheries, protect timber jobs and grow our visitor industry. I will continue to promote responsible and sustainable development of timber, fish and mineral resources. However, we must redouble efforts to diversify and stimulate our economy. Incredibly, government jobs account for 43% of wages in Southeast Alaska. That number is much too high. We need to generate stable, livable wage, private sector employment. We can encourage new investment in Southeast by creating business incentives, opening access to land and resources, and upgrading our power, communications and transportation infrastructure.

Financial Discipline
You need confidence that the Legislature is spending your money wisely. High oil prices can temporarily fatten the state treasury, but prices are extremely volatile and North Slope production continues to decline. Meanwhile, the state operating budget is still growing at unsustainable levels. So even though the state currently has close to  $10 billion in reserves, we could quickly find ourselves back in a position of deficit spending. I will continue fighting bureaucratic growth and working on your behalf to improve the efficiency of government services. We’re at least 10 years away from first gas; increasing today’s surplus will better insulate us against future drops in oil price and production.