Neuman, Rahn vie for District 8

WASILLA — A grandmother will take on an established representative for a seat in the state House of Representatives.

House District 8 includes the communities of Big Lake, Knik-Fairview and Meadow Lakes. State Rep. Mark Neuman, who is seeking a fifth consecutive term in the Legislature, currently represents the district. Pam Rahn, a mother of three and grandmother seven, has a degree in psychology from Minot University in Minot, North Dakota.

A recent slump in oil prices has shredded budget projections, which is the top issue, Neuman said.

“Oil is at $80 a barrel, and the last revenue forecast had oil at $106 a barrel,” he said. “Alaska needs to try to create a budget on the conservative side of that ($80) figure.”

While Neuman quibbles with particular assertions by Democratic and opposition independent figures that deficit operating budget expenditures are eating “$7 million a day” from state reserves, the figure represents a facet of the truth, he said.

“What they’re trying to imply is true,” he said.

To combat the gap between projections and performance, Neuman said he would recommend restructuring projects relating to behavioral health, as well as looking for more effective ways to blunt or eliminate the fiscal impact of drug and alcohol abuse on the state budget.

“The state puts out about $200 million in grants a year to non-profits for behavioral health,” he said. “I think we need to go to contracts.”

Women’s social issues, oil revenue and education topped Rahn’s list of the key issues facing Alaskans.

In particular, women’s issues are among her most important concerns, things like access to health care, including abortion, and reducing domestic violence, Rahn said.

“There are things we can actually do about it (domestic violence),” she said. “I realize we can’t wipe it out, but we need to provide good support systems for women.”

Because health care is often provided through employers, and men are frequently breadwinners, women often find themselves in a position where they’re unable leave because of a lack of resources, Rahn said. Education expenditures should pace inflation, Rahn added.

In addition, debate over the Proposition 1, which failed during an August vote, oil revenue debate was characterized by “misinformation,” with many big companies making employment cuts immediately after the proposition passed, she said.

Experience separated the candidates, Neuman said.

“First off is being the experience I bring to the Legislature and the governors office on how to reduce the budget,” he said.

The ability to represent a district while simultaneously campaigning is crucial, particularly in the Legislature, where representatives serve two-year terms

“Your campaign starts the day you’re elected,” he said. “For 10 years I’ve been able to represent the people in District 8. I’ve learned to get a very good understanding of the needs of those people in the Meadow Lakes, Big Lake, and Point MacKenzie.”

Good representation is based on the ability to think critically, Rahn said.

Neuman “tends to vote the party line,” she said. “I look at the issues rather than the party line. He’s supported by the NRA, and I believe they have too much power. I and my husband are both a gun owners, but I think we need to be independent from organizations like the NRA.”

Neuman’s authorship of the Alaska version of controversial “stand your ground” law also factored in to her decide to run.

“I have a nephew that looks just like Trayvon (Martin),” she said, referencing the unarmed teenager whose killer claimed his fatal actions were justified under a similar law in Florida. “It’s really personal to me.”

A third candidate, independent Stephen Jacobson, was originally listed on the Division of Elections website and in news articles as running for District 8. However, Jacobson will not appear on the ballot because he did not hand in any of the 50 required signatures by the primary-election-day deadline, state election officials said.

Contact Brian O’Connor at 352-2269 or brian.oconnor@frontiersman.com.