High hopes for the new administration

To the editor:

Like many other voters, I was concerned about the weak economic growth and partisan bickering that occurred during the Parnell Administration. I’m optimistic that Bill Walker and Byron Mallott can begin to fix some of these problems and ensure that our economic future remains bright.

The state government’s top priority should be sustained economic growth. Last year, Alaska had the worst economic performance of any state in the country as both the private and public sector cut jobs. I’m optimistic that the Walker/Mallott administration can make some real improvements on this front, starting with a focus on Alaska Hire.

The new administration should restore Alaska Hire standards that were cancelled by Parnell. I also hope Governor Walker will appoint Alaskans to important state boards, not Outsiders who don’t have a stake in our economic growth. Walker ran on a slogan of “Alaska First,” and that is the right way to approach job creation policies at the state level.

Maintaining a strong public education system is vital for our economic health. We need to attract well-trained, well-paid workers and the kinds of businesses that pay good wages and benefits. There are basically two kinds of job-creation strategies. One is to focus on low-wage, zero-job-security positions like jobs at Walmart. A better strategy is for the state to look for high paying jobs with good benefits, especially union jobs. We need more jobs that can support a family. Walker’s plan for the gas line and his support for raising the minimum wage are good steps in the right direction.

In state legislative races, Independents and Democrats gained three seats. This means there will be more balance in the state legislature and it will stop one party from ramming legislation through without public debate. Last year, the majority tried to ram through a bill that would have taken away public schools’ funding and made Mat-Su classrooms even more overcrowded. That bill passed the House and narrowly failed in the Senate. This year, such extreme and destructive measures are less likely to pass. That’s a good thing. When we’re already facing teacher layoffs and overcrowded classrooms we can’t afford to make the problem worse.

Many of these important debates got drowned out by Outside money spent on the Senate race. Fortunately, Alaska voters chose independence and balance in our state House and Senate. That’s the right choice. We have some serious challenges to face, but I think our new governor and more balanced legislature is starting off on the right foot.

Pam Rahn

Wasilla