Murkowski's recent speech was a little off the mark

Spectrum by Jim Sykes

After listening to Sen. Lisa Murkowski's recent speech and question and answer session before the Legislature, I feel there are a couple of things that deserve comment.

Regarding the energy bill: Sen. Murkowski said federal guarantees are needed.

Not True. If we build the all-Alaska gasline, no subsidies are needed. We have options on where to export the gas and the line is more economically feasible and less risky than the trans-Canada line. The big item is that the state stands to gain twice as much revenue each year and the number of after-construction Alaska jobs would be five or six times as many as trans-Canada. The other important omission Sen. Murkowski made is that most of the "skinnied down" energy bill is still rife with loopholes for oil, gas and coal companies when the most critical need is shifting to renewable fuels. We need a pilot wind project that generates hydrogen now, as well as enhancing all our other renewable energy possibilities. After oil and gas, Alaska can be a major exporter of renewable energy to the Lower 48, but we need to start now and the current energy bill won't do the job.

Regarding No Child Left Behind: Sen. Murkowski stated that she brought up four secretaries including the secretary of education.

Apparently Education Secretary Rod Paige came but didn't learn enough. Instead of trying to tweak the NCLB bill, it needs to be repealed. States should be given money to directly pass through to communities who are best suited to meet the needs of their students. The current law still penalizes those schools who aren't doing well. We need to use the most creative tools and knowledge to make education more meaningful so that students can live and succeed in their own communities or anywhere else in the world. That includes knowing the first edible plants in spring, where water comes from and goes to, and other basics that will be necessary if we are somehow cut off from our normal shipping activities.

Sen. Murkowski apparently does not have the guts to stand up to President George W. Bush in this election year even though Alaska's critical needs are not likely to be met by the current law. If Jim Sykes goes to Washington as a U.S. senator, I will do the business for Alaska -- election year or not. As a former teacher I have observed techniques used in intensive accelerated classrooms that could be applied across all schools to encourage creativity and allow students to reach their maximum potential. Our locally based education system needs federal money, but not federal control.

Regarding fishing and Community Development Quotas:

We do need to preserve CDQs but also allow them to buy into the processor industry as much as they wish, including complete ownership. With a variety of Alaska-owned boats and onshore processors there will be more flexibility to meet the needs of the annual catch without wondering if Outside processors will participate. It will also bring more jobs and profits to Alaskans and likely more onshore processing of raw product and added value products from fish waste and fish skins.

We must restore subsistence in Western Alaska Rivers as a priority. We need to bring together the federal subsistence advisory boards, others with traditional knowledge, scientists, and commercial and sport fishermen. The health of our ocean and river fisheries are connected and we must guarantee the subsistence catch as a well-managed protection of the resource.

United Fishermen of Alaska endorsement:

I expect significant support from individual members. I'm the only candidate against processor quotas and the only one to demand accountability for fair prices. Many fishermen know I cannot be bought by big Outside money and know that I fight hard for Alaska ownership, value-added jobs, healthy communities, renewable energy and better marketing wherever possible. Fishermen and crew members know I will continue working to ensure their voices are more importantly heard. Everyone needs to be at the table so that hands-on experience, traditional knowledge, and good scientific research will lead to habitat protection and a healthy future for all the subsistence, commercial and sport fisheries.

Jim Sykes is a U.S. Senate candidate.