Home

THE PERMANENT FUND
“I consider the Permanent Fund Dividend to be one of the most important assets to the people of Alaska. My job in Juneau is to protect this asset. Over time, our Permanent Fund will rise in value from $28 billion to over $40 billion. We have to determine how to best oversee, preserve and use the Permanent Fund. This will help working Alaskans to know that they can count on education, police protection and good roads.”

TAXES
“It’s expensive enough to live in Alaska without the burden of sales tax and income tax–just look at the cost of milk, home heating oil and airplane tickets. Like the Governor, I believe that Alaska can grow and invest its way out of annual deficit spending. There is no need to impose taxes, create a sales tax or take from your Permanent Fund Dividend.”

THE VISITOR INDUSTRY
“Retaining a vital tourism industry in Fairbanks is both a personal and political priority for me. The large tour companies are embracing Fairbanks as a Northern town that reflects old-fashioned values and a quaintness that Anchorage has lost. The more interesting and vital we remain to the tourism industry, the more economic activity we will retain. We also need to upgrade and modernize our airport just as Anchorage has done.”

EDUCATION
“Staying committed to education is key to Alaska’s economic future. Students, teachers, infrastructure: let’s prioritize our needs in that order. We must continue to fully fund the cost of educating our kids–K-12 and UAF. We must also take care of our teachers. Hundreds of retired teachers choose to remain in Fairbanks and contribute richly to the fabric of our community. It’s remarkable how a stable, well-funded school system influences our community and pays dividends in so many positive ways.”

NATURAL RESOURCES
“Alaska’s natural resources have been crucial in stimulating economic growth and development in Fairbanks. Natural gas, gold and more oil exploration are all economic booms waiting to happen. Aggressive but sensible development creates more jobs for Fairbanks and creates more economic activity for all of us."

THE MILITARY
“Active duty and retired military are a cornerstone of the Fairbanks community, and in the State House I will advocate for our military citizens. For example, presently there are not enough physicians who participate in the TRI-CARE health program for retired military, and I would seek to change that. We need to respect and take care of the men and women who wear our country’s uniform.”

Home

09.08.05