As Representative my goal is to fight for our people and communities.
I have been humbled by the experience of representing District 40 and hope to continue to do so. We face unique challenges and I’m proud to be able to help tackle them.
Responsible Resource Development
District 40 has a wealth of natural resources that are some of the most valuable in our state. It is paramount that we have a voice as a people in how those resources are obtained and accessed. From the oil and gas on the North Slope to the Red Dog Mine, our land holds immeasurable wealth. This means our voices should have the first and final say in what happens with those resources and the wealth they can bring.
I believe education is one of the most important facets of our society. I fully support funding education and finding ways to support our schools at all levels, from pre-kindergarten to post secondary. Our people deserve every opportunity for education and to be supported on their learning journeys every step of the way. I have defended and advocated for education on the House Floor and will continue to do so in whatever capacity I can.
Education
Our communities face many challenges, from aging or lacking infrastructure to high costs of fuel and maintenance. The last thing our people should have to worry about is their own safety in the tight knit places we call home. I believe in supporting and improving our public safety services, whether it be funding positions, training officers to work at higher standards, or supporting building infrastructure to properly store essential safety equipment and vehicles.
Public Safety
For over 10,000 years the people of the Northwest Arctic and the North Slope have and still do live off what the land, sea, and air provided us. Protecting subsistence and our way of life is one of my highest priorities since it is tied to our culture and our identity as Inupiaq people. Ensuring we have access to the land and that we can continue to subsistence harvest is near and dear to my heart.
Subsistence
PFD
I believe in doing everything possible to protect the PFD and getting the biggest dividend for all Alaskans. The PFD comes from the resources of our State, first and foremost the oil and gas of the North Slope. The dividend is what helps offset the high cost of living, boosting local economies, allowing rural Alaskans to make some of the major purchases they need to survive each year. I will always fight for getting the PFD to Alaskans while looking for ways to lower the exorbitant cost of living in our rural communities.
PCE
Power Cost Equalization is integral to keeping power prices down for rural Alaska. Like many issues facing our communities, many of those not from rural Alaska lack an understanding of what PCE does and why it is so important. I have worked diligently to protect PCE funds and educate other legislators on why this fund should not be taken from rural ratepayers. By working to protect PCE and looking for ways to lower rates statewide, I hope to lighten the load on Alaskans.
