Ward vows to keep the governor honest

June 25, 2006

By JOEL DAVIDSON

Frontiersman

MAT-SU - Alaska lieutenant governor candidate Jerry Ward indicated he wouldn't hesitate to call the next governor or any member of his Republican party on to the carpet if he thought they veered from Alaska's best interest.

A former state representative and state senator, the 58-year-old Ward said he's back in the political arena because the state needs a fresh direction.

In a recent interview with Frontiersman staff, Ward openly criticized Gov. Frank Murkowski for his handling of the gas pipeline negotiations, saying the deal gives away the farm.

Ward specifically criticized a provision that freezes oil tax rates for 45 years. He also said state legislators need to consider more than just the governor's gas line option before making their final decision on which plan to approve.

Ward said an all-Alaska gas line needs equal consideration.

&#8220We are not a dictatorship just because the governor's decided that he likes this deal,” Ward said. &#8220He is not the king of the world.”

Ward admitted that his willingness to openly criticize legislation and policy decisions from within his party might not endear him to certain gubernatorial candidates.

&#8220I might not be the first choice (for lieutenant governor) for some people,” he said.

On social issues, Ward stands firm with more traditional Republican Party views in his opposition to abortion and homosexual marriage, and strong support for gun owner rights and education vouchers.Lately, however, he said he has parted ways with many Republicans when it comes to fiscal spending and ethics dealings.

Both nationally and locally, Ward said the Republican Party has a spending problem that needs checking. If Republicans don't return to a party of limited government, Ward said he might abandon ship.

&#8220I don't think the Republican Party is in a condition to desert yet, but they better shape up here,” he said.

If elected to the lieutenant governor's office, Ward wants to influence the governor by taking a regular seat at cabinet meetings. He added that he hoped whomever becomes governor will have a vision similar to his own. That vision includes a state endowment for education vouchers, which he believes would fuel competition for what he described as a languishing educational system.

As a lieutenant governor, Ward would actively support a Knik Arm Bridge and legislative term limits.

Ward also wants to clean up state regulations to make sure they faithfully reflect the intent of bills passed by legislators.

As things stand, Ward thinks bureaucrats have interpreted state legislation to fit their own agendas. He said that wouldn't happen under his watch.

&#8220I believe strictly in supporting the intent of the Legislature,” he said, adding that if a bill were not interpreted correctly, he would veto it.

Overall, Ward said Alaskans need to take an active role in keeping an ever-expanding government in check. If they don't, he predicted government increasingly would serve itself rather than the people.

&#8220We actually need a revolution,” he said. &#8220People need to stand up.”

As a state representative, Ward was first elected to the state House in 1982. In 1996 and 2002, he was elected to the state Senate. His first bid for lieutenant governor, on a ticket with John Lindauer, fell short in 1998.

Contact Joel Davidson at

352-2266 or joel.davidson@ frontiersman.com.