A Sneak Preview
Candidate Questionnaire from Alaska Public Media
(Alaska Public Media, KTOO, the Alaska Beacon, and the Anchorage Daily News)
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
As a former Forestry Technician, I am passionate about sustainable models of resource development to balance the short term needs of Alaskans and our economy with long term health of our lands. Housing and healthcare are two immediate needs that I see my community struggle with. And while Alaska’s education system mostly comes under the purview of the state, I spent 20 plus years as a teacher and there is no greater investment in our future than our Education system. Of greatest importance now is housing and affordability, two factors that will keep our young people from moving South.
What sources do you rely on to learn what issues are or should be before Congress?
I read a variety of online newspapers. Probably listen to more podcasts than I should. I am a daily listener to our local radio station, KFSK. The Petersburg Pilot is our local paper. C-Span and Gavel to Gavel when big ticket items are occurring. I don’t have regular TV service so very little of the big news shows.
Do you like Alaska’s nonpartisan primary and ranked choice voting system? Why or why not?
I support open primaries and RCV. There are 16 people running for the US Senate seat, 16 running for Governor and 14 for the House seat. From the professional political class to truck drivers, teachers, and small business owners, and even some who I am not sure of what they do. What open primaries allow is not only for citizens to have a real spectrum of choices, it also allows ordinary citizens the opportunity to stand up, have a voice and make a difference.
What do you think of Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom’s decision to send Alaskans’ voter data to the federal government?
I think it was profoundly wrong. One of the safeguards of our election systems is that they are controlled by the states. The federal government does not administer elections and has no practical need for our voter data. If there is a problem with inaccurate voter rolls, the state should implement a process to fix it.
What, if anything, should Congress do to ensure the security of elections?
There is an extremely low level of voter fraud in Alaska and in the country as a whole. Voting should be made easier, not harder.
Do you support or oppose granting federal permits for a road to connect the Ambler Mining District to the Dalton Highway?
As a staunch advocate for subsistence rights, I would support a road if it addresses the concerns of the communities that have used the land for generations.
What policy changes or government actions would you support, if any, to improve ailing salmon runs in Alaska’s rivers?
I am a firm believer in science and oppose any cuts to research or active management of our fish stocks. The DOGE cuts that impacted NOAA and other agencies will almost certainly affect our ability to monitor and respond to changes in our fisheries. I also support government programs for infrastructure to our fishing industry, particularly for marine facilities and vessel efficiency and safety.
Do you believe that Donald Trump was the rightful winner of the 2020 election?
Of course not.
Knowing what we know now, do you think that the Senate should have voted to convict Donald Trump during his second impeachment trial?
Yes, no one is above the law.
Have any actions by the Trump administration raised legal or constitutional concerns for you? If so, which ones?
Here at home, one example is how the Trump administration denied Alaska's request for a higher federal reimbursement rate for recovery costs following the remnants of Typhoon Halong. In Washington, I find the amount of personal financial corruption by the Trump family stunning and brazen. Trump's use of pardons to reward political allies and reinforce personal loyalty is unethical. Maybe the most important concern is that the expansion of executive branch power has damaged our constitutionally mandated system of checks and balances.
Do you support or oppose the work requirements for Medicaid that Congress imposed in the 2025 budget reconciliation bill?
Oppose. Alaska has some 70,000 people that would be required to apply under the new regulations. Many of these folks work seasonally or participate in subsistence activities that could preclude a traditional job. The reporting piece would be challenging for many in bush communities. It will cost the state of Alaska more to administer it, cost Alaska medical facilities in lost revenue and it will make more Alaskans less healthy.
What impact do you think they will have on Alaskans who rely on these programs?
Alaskans will suffer, individually and at a community level. Less preventive health care, increased strain on emergency room care, increased financial strain on small town clinics and hospitals.
Complete the following sentence in 5-20 words: Abortion should be:
As a parent, the raising of two children has been the most meaningful act of my life, as well as the most challenging. Being a parent changes you in ways you could never anticipate. But I also firmly believe in a person's right to choose their own path. The federal government should not be involved in personal health care decisions.
Complete the following sentence in 5-20 words: U.S. military aid to Israel should be:
Carefully appropriated. However, addressing the complexity of geopolitics in the Middle East requires more than 5- 20 words.
Complete the following sentence in 5-20 words: U.S. military aid to Ukraine should be:
Increased and consistent. Not only are Ukrainians fighting a brutal aggressor, they are weakening a regime that is hostile to the United States. A victory for Ukraine is a victory for America and the world.
Complete the following sentence in 5-20 words:
____would reduce the number of deaths from mass shootings.
Increased research on mental health and gun violence
