CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRES: Nov. 6, 2016

Gretchen Wehmhoff

State House District 12

What makes you more qualified than your opponent(s) to represent in Juneau?

My extensive experience working together with others on projects, events and solutions and my training and experience in communication, mediation and negotiation gives me the skills and insight to bring people together in difficult times. I can look past the emotional responses with compassion to create interest-based solutions. My 25 years in education provides me with real life understanding of student and community needs My fourteen years caring for my mother with Alzheimers took me deep into the bureaucracy that seniors face as they age. I am an optimist and I believe the future of Alaska is promising when we pull all Alaskans together.

Besides cutting state government spending, what do you think can be done to fix Alaska's budget challenges?

We need to take a holistic approach when solving our budget issues. The tax credits designated for the oil industry must taken into serious consideration before we expect Alaskans to make sacrifices. We need to develop reliable revenue sources and protect the integrity of the permanent fund. We can’t just cut. We can’t just tax. We can’t just rely on our current revenue sources.

At what point should the state institute a sales or income tax?

If a tax structure becomes part of the revenue solution, I would make sure we don’t take power or funding from local governments by instituting a statewide sales tax. Local governments should determine their budgets and may need these sales tax options should revenue sharing decline. A portion of state income taxes could be deductible from individual federal tax returns and will reach all people who work in the state, including those who live Outside on their off time.

What's the issue facing the state that's not getting enough attention this election season?

Alaska residents are being severely impacted by flooding of rivers, early break up, ice jams, melting permafrost, and coastal erosion. We need to prepare to protect and mitigate the damages to our communities such as Butte. We are also underprepared for the growing senior population in Alaska. We need to encourage development of senior housing, healthcare and transportation. We cannot continue to cut programs that protect and support seniors.

What historical figure would you most like to have dinner with, and why?

It would be a tough choice between Queen Elizabeth I and Eleanor Roosevelt. Both women brought their countries together under difficult times. They encouraged citizens to be creative, innovative and forward thinking. They were ahead of their time.

David Eastman

State House District 10

What makes you more qualified than your opponent(s) to represent in Juneau?

If you had asked me in January if I would be running for office, I would have bet money on the fact that I wouldn’t even have considered it. As a family, we were expecting our second child, and I was looking forward to spending the summer months working as a firefighter and helping my wife with the new baby. As parents, my wife and I love our kids. Their future is very uncertain right now, as is the future of every Alaskan. I want to create opportunities for future generations to stay in Alaska. That is not easy today.

Besides cutting state government spending, what do you think can be done to fix Alaska’s budget challenges?

I would like to see fiscal challenges separated from political ones. One way to encourage that is to institute a two-year budget cycle, another is to establish an actual cap on government spending that requires the state to live within its means going forward. By implementing a two-year cycle, the budget can be the singular focus of the legislature, in coordination with the governor, for a period of time. In the off-budget years, all non-budget items can be focused on. Such a process would not only aid in improving the budget, but will help local governments that rely upon it.

At what point should the state institute a sales or income tax?

Once a sustainable budget has been implemented that charts a sustainable course through the highs and lows of the commodity price cycle and other revenues, then we can talk about whether the Alaskan people want to tax themselves to enjoy a higher level of government services than they would otherwise receive. When it comes to such taxes, each generation must pay its own way. We are in a recession as a state, and our nation is headed down a similar path. We absolutely must dispense with the notion that we can ask future generations to pay our debts. We can’t.

What’s the issue facing the state that’s not getting enough attention this election season?

The US is headed into recession, and that recession is likely to be a very severe one. Likewise, Alaska is already in a recession and there are rocky times ahead. These forces are going to exert pressure on all Alaskans. The questions will soon shift from whether or not state employees should receive automatic pay raises, to questions like how can we find jobs for our kids so that those who want to remain in Alaska will be able to do so. I don’t mean to be overly somber, but this is what the numbers bear out.

What historical figure would you most like to have dinner with, and why?

Calvin Coolidge. Aside from being the last red-headed president, Calvin was unique among American presidents in the past century. When he finished his first term as president, he remained popular and was encouraged to run for a second term. Yet he chose instead to hang up his hat and walk away from it all, preferring civilian life to the circus of White House politics. That is a man I would like to meet and have dinner with.

Patricia Faye-Brazel

State House District 10

What makes you more qualified than your opponent(s) to represent in Juneau?

I have, for decades, been organizing for some of the most challenging, and rewarding communities. I believe I have the open mind to listen, the experience to understand the importance of compromise, and the dedication to finish a job. I value honesty and transparency, and above all, I know that my job is to represent the people of district 10, and not the special interests. I have experience in both private and public sector jobs, and understand that life is not simply black and white. We will need to do this together and I know that people must come first.

Besides cutting state government spending, what do you think can be done to fix Alaska’s budget challenges?

In order to fix Alaska’s budget challenges we need to look at everything, including oil tax credits. The status quo mindset needs to change. We also need to explore additional revenue streams that voters support. In October, voters in the Mat-Su Borough voted in favor of a 5% local tax on the marijuana industry. Colorado, for example, has a Retail Marijuana Sales Tax of 10% with no exemptions and last year the industry had a $2.4 billion economic benefit. Although not all of that goes to the state in taxes, Alaska would benefit from a new robust economic driver.

At what point should the state institute a sales or income tax?

Before we default to considering a sales or income tax, I think we need to take a look at what was lost in terms of revenue streams under SB 21. The money brought in from oil in 2012 was sufficient to have survived the global decline in oil prices. The drop in revenue from our oil in 2015 took that buffer away and created a deficit. These are deficits created as a result of legislative actions. We shouldn’t impose a tax on Alaskans when multinational companies are taking large profits out of the state and being paid tax credits to do it.

What’s the issue facing the state that’s not getting enough attention this election season?

The elephant in the room is climate change. We have become so fixated on partisan bickering, that the single greatest cost to human life and our state budget will be the devastating effects of climate change. Climatologists and economists agree, we must do what we can now in order to minimize future disasters. We must begin to look at those upcoming issues now if we are to be adequately prepared to address them. We can start locally by making sure there’s adequate infrastructure maintenance and development in our district to deal with the impacts of climate change.

What historical figure would you most like to have dinner with, and why?

Dwight D. Eisenhower - I admire Dwight. I like Ike. I imagine he would make good dinner company. He was a reasonable politician who understood the need for government to be unsullied and free from corporate or industrial interests. His economic policies were sound and he uttered the clarion call to be ever vigilant against the military-industrial complex. Today, we could add the medical and energy industries. I would ask what he thinks of our current political choices.

Pamela Goode

State House District 9

What makes you more qualified than your opponent(s) to represent in Juneau?

I am more knowledgeable on the issues, more pro-active, more diversified background and experience, and more constitutionally studied and sound. I have yet to meet anyone who is more fiscally responsible with the people’s money than myself. I cannot be pressured to vote “party lines” which is one of the reasons fiscal irresponsibility has raged out of control and other areas of our rights have fallen short of being secured; life, liberty, property, and privacy. I will hold my future colleagues accountable to their oath of office and be willing to teach them what constitutionality is if need be.

Besides cutting state government spending, what do you think can be done to fix Alaska’s budget challenges?

Stop re-electing those that brought us to this fiscal crisis at all levels of government. Stop blindly voting party lines. Avoid candidates representing special interests, personal agendas, and who’s voting record has violated their oath of office. Your rights matter, vote for Constitutionalists.

The ONLY fix is to cut spending to “Sustainable Levels” or less, calculated by ISER/Goldsmith model. Stop the earnings of additional refundable Oil & Gas Tax Credits and revisit the inflation proofing statute. Start with what is constitutionally mandated to keep. Adhere to the will of the people, not the sustainability of the oversized cost and scope of government.

At what point should the state institute a sales or income tax?

Income tax, never, this strengthens the power of government and reduces individual liberties. It removes earned income from the people, allows the state government to collect data on “the people” they currently do not have access to, and allows another layer of government to hold your property as collateral if payment is not possible.

Sales tax is not necessary for the foreseeable future. When the state government has proven to be fiscally and constitutionally responsible and all those who have contributed to the destruction of Alaska’s fiscal stability (elected and bureaucratic) are removed from office, then we could revisit sales tax temporarily if need be.

What’s the issue facing the state that’s not getting enough attention this election season?

The facts surrounding “Refundable Oil & Gas tax credits”; Started in FY07, pays 65% to 85% of costs, Not big oil, Not contributed to the states treasury and contractually not required to, by 2025 this program will cost Alaskans over $6-billion; operating while Alaskan’s savings are being depleted, PFDs removed, and income/sales tax discussed. Crime of the Century!

The escalating violation of privacy rights protected under the Alaska Constitution Article-1 Section-22 by those taking oaths of office/employment. These include, Facial recognition photos for Drivers License without consent, ANSWERS (Common Core) database from preschool to workforce, Drug database, Private Water Well Database with federally funded collection efforts, etc.

What historical figure would you most like to have dinner with, and why?

James Madison, Father of the U.S. Constitution and last delegate to die. To learn “first hand” the sacrifices and founding of our country. To see his expression after showing him our country today and the history since his time. For his opinion of how we repair all that has been lost, broken, and destroyed?

As he offers up our Declaration-of-Independence, Articles-of-Confederation, and U.S.-Constitution he says; these are the timeless tools purchased a for you with blood, tears, and treasure from your countrymen. Why were they ignored and children not taught? These are keys to the chains you profess you have. Learn them well and act accordingly. This choice you still have.

Tim Hale

State Senate District F

What makes you more qualified than your opponent(s) to represent in Juneau?

I believe that what I represent is a new way of thinking about things. A new generation, even. One that is stepping up all over our state, saying “We got this.” We have ideas, new and old, and we are working hard for the future of Alaska. I would be honored to bring this fresh perspective to the halls of Juneau.

Besides cutting state government spending, what do you think can be done to fix Alaska’s budget challenges?

A balanced fiscal policy for our state should incorporate four main categories: Cuts, Permanent Fund earnings, broad-based taxes, and realizing more of our resource wealth.

I support the original 50/50 plan for Permanent Fund earnings, 50% of the earnings for dividends and 50% for government spending. If we had used that plan this year we would have had a full-sized dividend and closed the budget gap by $1.3 billion, which is more than a third. This is something we can do every single year, as the Permanent Fund spins off around $2.5 billion in interest annually.

At what point should the state institute a sales or income tax?

I support a state-wide tax, whether income or sales. Taxes are far less regressive and damaging to our economy than cuts to the dividend, according to a report by the University of Alaska’s Institute of Social and Economic Research.

Find more details on my fiscal policy proposals at http://mrhalegoestojuneau.org.

What’s the issue facing the state that’s not getting enough attention this election season?

The real elephant in the room this election cycle is the attitudes that got us into this mess. Once we were no longer reaching into our own pockets in order to fund our government, we grew complacent. Our leaders acted as though the gravy train would never end, and we stopped holding them accountable. This is why I am proposing that we lower our constitutional spending limit. Article 9 Section 16 was adopted in 1981, but the limit is so high and the loopholes so big that in 2012 the Legislature drove an $8 billion budget past it. We need to bring it down to a level that, while giving us room to grow, will force the Legislature to save more during times of plenty.

What historical figure would you most like to have dinner with, and why?

Normally I would say Mark Twain, but given my recent plunge into politics I am going to have to go with Governor Jay Hammond. The first time he ran for public office was as an independent, and I would love to pick his brain on campaign tactics and our current fiscal situation.

Shelley Hughes

State Senate District F

What makes you more qualified than your opponent(s) to represent in Juneau?

Because of my experience, I’ll provide 100% strong representation, day one. Even the brightest newcomer takes about a year to come up to speed. Although some candidates naively point fingers that “this didn’t get fixed,” I know I’ll be one of sixty without a magic wand, but with hard work and respectful relationships can, as I’ve demonstrated in the past, build consensus and get things done. With 40 years of private sector background in Alaska, I bring commonsense to the table: a farmhand, a private schoolteacher, a stay-at-home mom, a small business owner, project consultant, and policy director.

Besides cutting state government spending, what do you think can be done to fix Alaska’s budget challenges?

We must institute efficiencies, consolidation, and, where appropriate and a savings, outsourcing, to help close the gap. Changing priority-based budgeting with a sustainable target (based on Goldsmith-ISER research) is necessary. In addition, we need to use some of the interest off the Permanent Fund (without changing the PFD calculation). Most importantly, we need to ensure productivity in the private sector isn’t hindered but growing by reducing barriers and promoting policy that allows increased resource and economic development and innovation. Pursuit of affordable energy that pencils out and needed infrastructure as we can afford it will also be necessary.

At what point should the state institute a sales or income tax?

Hope to avoid but If incoming revenue plus interest (question 2) is less than $3.6* billion in 2018, implement sales tax** (excluding groceries, medicine) contingent on $3.6* billion or less spending. Include sunset & trigger to turn off if oil prices rise. Allow appropriate exemptions for municipalities with local tax. Consider seasonal rather than year-round. Income taxes** would penalize productivity (when we should be encouraging productivity to diversify economy) and translate into less economic/job growth— opposite of what we want. (*My ISER estimate, may need adjustment; **non-residents would pay larger proportion of sale tax than income tax.)

What’s the issue facing the state that’s not getting enough attention this election season?

The rising cost of health care in Alaska and the accompanying escalation of insurance costs can no longer be ignored. With insurance companies leaving our market, and families and employers hard-pressed to afford ever-increasing premiums, we have to tackle this problem. We need to consider medical cost transparency and other innovative recommendations that will allow free market principles to function in our state—and help ensure that we have access to needed services, some which are now in short supply such as hospice, substance abuse treatment, and primary care for seniors.

What historical figure would you most like to have dinner with, and why?

A mother of twins who rose to be one of the great leaders of modern times, British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, has always fascinated me. I’d love to find out how she worked with opposition, what she learned navigating Britain through the early 1980’s recession, her dealings with unions, her social views, and the influence of her faith. Of course, hearing stories about her interactions with Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev would be an added bonus. I’d also like to know her trick on functioning so well with so little sleep (she managed on 4 hours per night!).

DeLena Johnson

State House District 11

What makes you more qualified than your opponent(s) to represent in Juneau?

As the recent mayor of Palmer, I have a deep and varied understanding of Alaska and this valley. and I have experience in local government as the recent mayor of Palmer. As someone who grew up in the valley, I understand the struggles and opportunities here. As a private business owner, I understand the needs of people in my district. I know what it means to represent the constituents in my area. As a former President of the Alaska Conference of Mayors, I also understand the issues facing the rest of the cities and boroughs of Alaska. I believe the Valley must have strong representation in Juneau, we need someone who has an understanding of how state budget cutbacks will affect our life, health, safety and education system in the Mat-Su Valley.

Besides cutting state government spending, what do you think can be done to fix Alaska’s budget challenges?

If oil prices stay low, and if the consensus of Alaskans is to not cut government, then there will have to be some form of sales or income tax. However I believe it is important that we insure that the tax has a sunset clause so it does not continue into perpetuity.

At what point should the state institute a sales or income tax?

First and foremost we must evaluate and prioritize state spending, If the cash flow crisis causes an immediate need to implement a tax, it must be followed ballot measure and confirmation vote before any tax is permanently enacted.

What’s the issue facing the state that’s not getting enough attention this election season?

Two things: The lack of healthcare options for seniors using Medicare, and costs of the expanding opioid abuse throughout the State. and consequently how those issues will be addressed. As we deal with the budget crisis we must not put our other important issues on hold.

What historical figure would you most like to have dinner with, and why?

Since many people wouldn’t think of my mother as a historical figure, it would be the Captain of the Endurance, Ernest Shackleton. His ship and crew became moored in Antarctic ice for a year in the early 1900’s. During his whole voyage, through peril and uprising, staying in small caves and starving slowly, he avoided casualties. I would I ask how he made it through without loss of life and maintained order among the crew. I would mention the apt name of his ship. I would seek his advice on holding together in times of crisis and maintaining a common vision to keep his crew fighting towards survival.

Mark Neuman

State House District 8

What makes you more qualified than your opponent(s) to represent in Juneau?

I have lived in my district since 1981 and doing the most important job any legislator can do, helping my constituents navigate through state bureaucracy.

Besides cutting state government spending, what do you think can be done to fix Alaska’s budget challenges?

Regulation reform, we need to make our resources more available. There is no current economic plan for this state-more concern for economy.

At what point should the state institute a sales or income tax?

Not until we see significant budget reductions and significant regulation reform.

What’s the issue facing the state that’s not getting enough attention this election season?

The economy. People are losing their jobs-there isn’t a state in this Nation that wouldn’t love to have all the resources we have here in Alaska. Our deficit was caused by not having financial diversity, also provide for more opportunity for adding value to our raw resources.

What historical figure would you most like to have dinner with, and why?

Abraham Lincoln- I have always admired him, I would also ask to be joined by my mom because I miss her.

Sherie Olson

State House District 7

What makes you more qualified than your opponent(s) to represent in Juneau?

I put people before politics. I am a Bernie Sanders supporter which means I believe in a higher minimum wage, I believe that we have to reinstate cursive writing in our school system. We have to reinstate the programs that support our senior citizens that have earned their retirement, along with having Social Security benefits. I will find out and let the voters know where our state money is being spent.

Besides cutting state government spending, what do you think can be done to fix Alaska’s budget challenges?

I understand that our state budget is expected to need 3.5+ billion for the annual year. I feel that an increase is needed in order to reestablish the senior benefits and programs that were cut. We need to establish drug treatment programs that are available to people outside of our jail system too. The new marijuana tax(es) will generate a great deal of revenue that can fund treatment programs, cover the cost for seniors programs, including putting money back into the school system.

At what point should the state institute a sales or income tax?

I personally don’t believe that we, Alaska, needs a state tax at this time. We need to focus on how the marijuana tax revenue can best aid the community.

What’s the issue facing the state that’s not getting enough attention this election season?

The issue that is the most overlooked is climate change. There is a northern Alaska town that is stocking up bones and carcasses for the polar bears that cannot make the long swim. There are six various species of bees that are close to going on the extinction list. A flock of bald eagles were found dead for reasons unknown. Alaska does fracking and seismic bombs underground daily in Alaska, as well as other states were the voters cannot drink, bathe nor cook with their house water.

What historical figure would you most like to have dinner with, and why?

I would like to have dinner with Jesus. I survived a 100 mph head-on car accident on June 6, 2012, at the corner of Bogard Road and Seward Meridian. I believe that I owe the rest of my days to serving the people and I am ready, willing plus able if District 7, my community wants me. I humbly will be the best House legislator that I can be.

Colleen Sullivan-Leonard

State House District 7

What makes you more qualified than your opponent(s) to represent in Juneau?

I would say my years of experience in local and state government, my working knowledge of government budgets, state statutes, government regulations and taxation. I know what the needs are for my community and I have a heart to serve. As your public servant I worked to ensure public safety has a keen presence to keep our community safe, I worked to improve our roads and traffic patterns to ease congestion. I have reduced taxation and regulations so that our citizens and businesses are not overly burdened and can keep more of their hard earned money in their pockets. I will bring that experience to Juneau as your next Wasilla Legislator.

Besides cutting state government spending, what do you think can be done to fix Alaska’s budget challenges?

I think you can consider consolidation of departments, find efficiencies in travel and personnel costs, and, look at areas of government that may be better served through the private sector.

At what point should the state institute a sales or income tax?

I would not consider any other option for taxation at this point until the state operating budget is lowered consistently to a sustainable level. At this time I don’t support an income tax or sales tax.

What’s the issue facing the state that’s not getting enough attention this election season?

I think public safety should be brought to the forefront for discussion and further attention. Now is not the time to decrease man power to lessen the force needed for fighting drugs, crime and theft. We must ensure that our neighborhoods and businesses are being supported and safe from crime.

What historical figure would you most like to have dinner with, and why?

I would love to have dinner with Margaret Thatcher. What she was able to accomplish as Prime Minister during a recession was something we should emulate today. She was able to articulate convincingly her positions in Parliament amid a storm of yelling and temper laden speeches from opposition was quite impressive. I would love to hear about her meetings with President Ronald Reagan as well.

Cathy Tilton

State House District 12

What makes you more qualified than your opponent(s) to represent in Juneau?

Experience and effectiveness. Between four years as a staff member (in both the House and Senate, including two with the House Finance Committee), I am able to start advancing an agenda immediately. Experience isn’t only about knowing the legislative process and understanding technical procedures, it is also about starting with established relationships with other members of the Legislature—on both sides of the aisle. That experience, incorporating process knowledge and personal relationships, allows me to be more effective, more quickly.

Besides cutting state government spending, what do you think can be done to fix Alaska’s budget challenges?

As we confront our budget challenge, we need to consider creative, non-monetary policy approaches. For example, I intend to reintroduce HB 370 which allows municipalities greater discretion for optional property tax exemptions or deferrals as an incentive to encourage new economic development investment. That bill was supported by the MSB, MOA, The Alaska Municipal League and the Fairbanks Economic Development Corporation. I’m also looking at reintroducing a university land grant bill as a means to assist the UA in becoming more self-supporting. A land grant bill was passed in 1996, but was vetoed by Gov. Knowles. It may be time to revisit that idea.

At what point should the state institute a sales or income tax?

It is important to be having the conversation and doing the analysis to thoroughly understand the economic impact of either or both. However, the basic question, as a matter of immediate choice, is premature. In a presentation from October of this year, ISER (UAA Institute for Social and Economic Research) made two important points: • Any decision going forward needs to balance budgetary pressures with economic implications. • The sky is not falling. We mustn’t make knee-jerk decisions. We need to reduce state spending further and consider using the Earnings Reserve Account before we make that decision.

What’s the issue facing the state that’s not getting enough attention this election season?

As I’ve said previously, I don’t know that there is one. Nearly every policy issue influences or is influenced by our current budget shortfall.

What historical figure would you most like to have dinner with, and why?

I would like to have dinner with any or all of the members of Publius, the collective authors of the Federalist Papers (Alexander Hamilton, John Jay and James Madison). It would be a fascinating and illuminating conversation to understand how different our American experience has been after 225+ years compared to what the Framers envisioned.

Bert Verrall

State House District 11

What makes you more qualified than your opponent(s) to represent in Juneau?

My opponent has already caved in to partisan pressure and pledged to join the ruling caucus. The same one that has forced seven sessions in two years and has still not passed a sustainable budget. The same caucus that decided not to act on the reduction to our PFD. She traded her ability to best represent our District by pledging to join them and take their money. I have taken no such pledge to join a caucus. Running as an unaffiliated candidate I’m free to put the best interests of District 11 above what any group tells me to do.

Besides cutting state government spending, what do you think can be done to fix Alaska’s budget challenges?

We have to promote a wide range of business opportunities. While Alaska remains a remote region, we are the world’s air crossroads, and transportation is key to any industry. We have vast natural resources that can fuel, power, or cool massive computer grids and support industry. Technology should be a player in boosting the state’s economy and we have the land and resources to make it happen. Let’s get started.

At what point should the state institute a sales or income tax?

The simple truth is there is a gap between revenue and spending and once we make all the needed cuts and increase efficiencies and if the gap remains, we will have to agree to tax ourselves to keep our roads and airports open and other important programs running. But this is not a simple either-or question; the cost of services should not be borne by just the middle-class, everyone must share the burden. We must diversify any new tax structure and include permanent fund earnings as needed. A sunset clause on any new taxes might also prove useful.

What’s the issue facing the state that’s not getting enough attention this election season?

I think healthcare will be the biggest burden this state and our country will face in the near and long term. The baby boomers, the largest segment of our population, have reached middle and old age and we are living longer lives than our predecessors and need more care. Health costs are skyrocketing and are beyond most people’s ability to pay. We can’t put off addressing this issue, we have to address it going forward.

What historical figure would you most like to have dinner with, and why?

Historical to me – I would like to have dinner with my dad. I’d make sure he knows how much I miss him and how much I love him. He passed away unexpectedly and his friends and family still feel a huge void. Sorry it’s not Churchill or Christ, but I would like to see my dad again.