State needs honest, proven leadership

When I was elected to the state Senate four years ago, voters in the Mat-Su gave me a clear mandate. They told me to go to Juneau and work hard for them in a position that allowed me to make an impact on legislation and on capital budget projects in the Valley.

I took that directive seriously since it is you, the people, I work for. I’ve never let partisanship or ego get in the way of what’s best for my constituents, and I never will.

I’m running for re-election to the Senate so I can continue applying more than 40 years of living in the Valley with a lifetime of values I’ve developed from experience. I’m a mother, a wife, a small business owner, a proud Alaskan and your voice in the Senate. My mission, as it has been, is to move Alaska forward wisely by applying a pro-business, minimal taxation and personal liberty philosophy to decisions I make.

We are at a crucial point in our state’s history, with pipeline flow decreasing by the day, unfunded retirement obligations and a national economy and government that is a wreck. Now is the time to have experience in the Senate, someone with an extensive background in the private sector. I’m that candidate.

If returned to the Senate, I will continue to advance the Knik Arm Bridge, work to make sure smart legislation is enacted to increase investment in the North Slope and get more oil in the pipeline, pursue and support an in-state natural gas pipeline and continue to support education in our state, among many other items. I’ll support legislation that protects individual liberties, the private sector and free markets.

I’ll also work to address what I see as a looming energy crisis in our state. Electrical energy is the grease and fuel for the economy of Alaska, and high-energy costs kill business. I believe inadequate attention has been paid to the fundamental infrastructure that makes affordable energy available, the transmission system. The state must provide the crucial delivery needs — just like the highway system — to shore up the backbone of our transmission capability.

Of course, education is one our most valuable assets as the leaders of tomorrow take shape. I will continue to work with teachers and principals from individual schools to figure out their unique needs and support them where they need it. The Mat-Su is blessed with a very diverse school district, one with traditional schools, charter schools and home schooling opportunities. Our state Constitution mandates a public school system open to all and my aim is to support that system and improve it where need be.

These issues are just some of what I will support and work for in the Senate. There is a litany of items that need attention — most pressing for our future is the oil tax debate — and my experience from the past four years suits me well to avoid the learning curve of a new legislator and get down to business immediately.

My work ethic and voting record have been recognized by many organizations that Alaskans belong to. I have the endorsement of the National Rifle Association, I received an “A” rating from the Sportsman’s Conservation Alliance, and I received one of the highest grades in the Senate on the yearly Alaska Business Report Card.

While some want to shape this election along the lines of a partisan squabble, I’m more interested in tackling the issues that are important to Alaskans than playing games of political one-upmanship.

The Valley is my home and I’ve dedicated myself to giving back to the community through public service. My promise to you is simple: Return me to the Senate and I’ll continue putting the Mat-Su and its people first, as I have all along, I’ll listen to you and your ideas, you’ll never see negativity from me and I’ll do the hard work to make sure the state is in a better place for our children and grandchildren.

Linda Menard represents District G in the Alaska State Senate.