THE QUESTIONS
1. The state this year began working with TransCanada to develop a natural gas pipeline. Band Conoco are working on a competing proposal. Which proposal do you support, and what role do you think the Legislature should play in pipeline development in the coming year?
2. Gov. Sarah Palin's vice-presidential campaign has alienated her Democratic allies in the Legislature, while some previously unfriendly Republican lawmakers now support her. If Palin returns to Juneau to fill out her term, how effective will she be and what issues will you work with her on?
3. With soaring power costs and aging facilities, new power generation has become a focus for Southcentral and the rest of the state, spawning proposals for everything from coal to geothermal energy production. What is your energy plan?
4. Have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony? If so, please explain.
HOUSE DISTRICT 12
Name: John L. Harris
Party: GOP
Age: 51
Place of birth: Glennallen
Education: Spartan School of Aeronautics, Lincoln Electric Arc-Welding School
Current employment: Houston Contracting as a Teamster, state legislator
Family: Married, Nicole, son is John Paul
Candidate's statement: It has been my honor to serve District 12 for the last six years. Two of those years were as co-chairman of the House Finance Committee and four of those years as Speaker of the House. As a fourth generation Alaskan, I have lived through much of the history of Alaska. I hope to continue to bring my experience back to the Legislature for the benefit of District 12. I look forward to serving you for two more years and ask for your vote on Nov. 4.
THE ANSWERS
1. I support the all-Alaska gas pipeline.
2. I believe the governor, if she returns to Juneau, will continue to work with legislators on both sides of the aisle. There are many issues that need to be worked on. Two main issues are natural gas pipeline development and energy relief
3. I intend to work with the Palin administration when they release their energy plan in December. I support development of hydroelectric generation and other renewable energy projects.
4. No
Name: Nancy Lethcoe
Party: Democrat
Age: 68
Place of birth: Seattle
Education: B.A., University of Washington; M.A. and Ph.D., University of Wisconsin.
Current employment: Owner, Prince William Sound Books
Family: Widowed. Children deceased.
Candidate's statement: My husband and I came to Alaska to teach at Alaska Methodist University just eight years after statehood. We enjoyed watching Alaska's leaders implement the new constitution balancing the development of our economic infrastructure and the development of human resources. In 1974, we started one of the first tourism businesses in Prince William Sound and later a publishing company. Through my volunteer work, I was appointed to state and federal committees where I learned the value of building consensus. This will stand me in good stead in Juneau. I'm running against John Harris because my priorities differ from his.
THE ANSWERS
1. As a former Olympic medalist, I know competition challenges individuals and businesses to excel. The Legislature should fund upgrading the road system and job training centers for the pipeline construction. Of equal importance, the Legislature should facilitate the construction of a gas pipeline from the Arctic area to Valdez with a spur to the Cook Inlet area to provide value-added Alaska jobs, provide gas for domestic consumption and provide a local tax base.
2. We all must focus on the good of Alaska by working together to increase the state's economic stability through facilitating construction of the gas pipelines and providing seed money to the University of Alaska for research resolving the technological challenges of renewable energy and climate changes. This increases business and job opportunities. We could improve the quality of life of all Alaskans by implementing a discount prescription drug program like many other states.
3. Along with building the gas pipelines, develop an energy plan that 1) helps individuals, businesses and public facilities be more energy independent; 2) contains an inventory of our renewable and alternative energy resources, their technological feasibility and the cost of delivery to a market(s); and 3) states the criteria for funding energy projects. Our goal should be to use Alaska's wealth to make us as energy independent as possible for a stronger economic future.
4. No
HOUSE DISTRICT 13
Name: David Cheezem
Party: Dem.
Age: 50
Place of birth: St. Petersburg, Fla.
Education: Principia High School 1972-1974, St. Petersburg High School 1974-1976, Principia College 1976-1982, B.A. English/Education; University of Alaska Anchorage; M.F.A. Creative Writing
Current employment: Co-owner, Fireside Books
Family: Married to Melissa Behnke
Candidate's statement: Although I am a successful businessman, we already have the number crunchers. What we lack is the imagination to confront a changing world with integrity and vision. I reject glib, sound-bite answers. I do not put groupthink and partisan politics over good ideas. I will fight for economic and energy diversity, and real-world health care solutions.
THE ANSWERS
1. I am glad the AGIA process nudged the producers into re-prioritizing Alaska gas. But right now the timeline is as important as the pipeline. Alaskans are going to need access to cheap gas sooner rather than later, and I'm concerned that the TransCanada project might not be built until 2020. We might need to invest in a smaller line to meet our immediate needs in Alaska
2. Moments of crisis can elicit either our best or worst qualities. This is an incredibly important moment in Alaska history. We will need to establish the standards of good government, but then we move on to solving the problems facing us: health care; energy and transportation; and the economy. The stakes are too high to put partisanship over problem solving, and I'll work with anyone who understands that.
3. The first piece of the energy security puzzle is a safe, modern high-voltage transmission grid along the Railbelt. Much of our transmission infrastructure is based on 1940s design. An update is necessary to fully develop traditional and renewable energy options. We must also encourage our utilities to invest in joint-generation projects. These are huge undertakings, comparable to re-building a highway system, but are essential elements of our diverse energy future.
4. No
Name: Carl Gatto
Party: GOP
Age: 70
Place of birth: New York City
Education: Mechanical Engineering degree, M.A. in biology, teaching credential, physical science degree, paramedicine degree
Current employment: Retired fire officer, currently legislator D-13 Palmer
Family: Cathy, wife of 30 years. Children: Kip, Antonia, Samantha, Gabe
Candidate's statement: As a resident of Palmer for the last 30 years, I have seen firsthand the challenges from our amazing growth. As your representative in the state House for the past six years I have advocated for better roads, better education and enhanced public safety. The gas pipeline is critical to Alaska's future, and we have to get it right the first time. I worked to allow Alaskans to share the wealth when oil prices are high and will continue my work for seniors and our students who are the future managers of our state and builders of our pipeline.
THE ANSWERS
1. I support either although I expect a final proposal will include teamwork from both parties. We cannot get through Canada in a timely fashion without the permits that TransCanada has, and we cannot build a pipeline without commitments from BP/Conoco. Both sides and the state have much to gain from cooperation. The Legislature has already invested $.5 billion and will work with the parties to finalize the agreement.
2. The function of the governor is to lead. The legislative function is to pass a budget and craft legislation. Alaskans expect us to represent our constituents and getting along is not the role we necessarily play. The governor will continue to advocate for pipeline development and so will I. Palmer is concerned about high fuel prices and a comprehensive energy plan to include renewable energy is as important to the governor as it is to me.
3. The two-edged sword is to reduce consumption and increase supply. I will continue to support the home energy rebate and weatherization programs. Please go to: (www.akrebate.com) to learn more. Making commuter rail a reality will help with high gasoline prices. We can and must reduce consumption. Next we need to increase energy supplies including wind, coal gasification and solar with ANWR development being more important than ever. All alternatives need to be encouraged.
4. No and I do not involve myself in areas where that would be likely. Along with other legislators I helped sponsor ethics legislation to help make sure that we understand and know the rules more clearly and do not use loopholes just because they are available. The principles of conduct governing an individual or group, concerns for what is right or wrong, good or bad, and the trust of the Alaska people is absolutely necessary.
HOUSE DISTRICT 14
Name: Wes Keller
Party: GOP
Age: 62
Place of birth: St. Paul, Minn.
Education: B.S. from University of Wisconsin, Superior (math, science, education) and USAF pilot training.
Current employment: Incumbent state representative, District 14
Family: Married 38 years, wife Gayle, one daughter, two sons, and five grandchildren.
Candidate Statement: I was appointed in July 2007 by Gov. Sarah Palin and previously worked in the Legislature since 1999. I am a 40-plus year Alaskan with 20 years in Wasilla. Please visit www.weskeller.com for more information. My current endorsements include; the State Chamber of Commerce (4-A), National Federation of Independent Businesses, Alaska, NRA, AK Right to Life, United Fisherman of Alaska, and recently named legislator of the year by Sportsman for Fish and Wildlife. I respectfully ask you for your vote. Please contact me with your concerns and your valuable local insights. Thank you.
THE ANSWERS
1. The driving force for the gas pipeline project is the value of the gas -- not the identity of the shipper. The important AGIA license requirement is that the pipeline must be open access (for all producers), expandable (to allow for future discoveries), and have a rolled-in tariff rate (cost shared between shippers). The Denali Project and TC Alaska each hold essential project assets that will ultimately need to come together regardless of ownership.
2. Alaskans win either way. If Gov. Palin returns, her exposure to national issues and forces will greatly enhance her effectiveness -- not diminish it. It is demeaning to both the governor and legislators to imply that past policy decisions have been based on alliances -- as opposed to the solid data we had available. I look forward to working with her and Gov. (or Lt. Gov.) Parnell on a long-term energy plan and education policy review/reform.
3. Because of the high cost of transporting energy, I support our Alaska Energy Authority concept of maximizing local energy resources. Natural gas is a clean, viable option for the Railbelt, but geothermal, hydro, wind, solar, tidal or nuclear will be the best long-term option for some rural communities. Both clean coal and coal-to-liquids alternatives provide viable green energy options. I am anticipating investment of some of our surplus to provide a long-term energy infrastructure.
4. I paid a $100 fine more than 10 years ago for dipnetting salmon without a proper permit.
Name: Rose Smith
Party: Democrat
Age: 57
Place of birth: Medina, Ohio
Education: Graduate Columbia High Columbia Station, Ohio 1969.
Current employment: Retired custodian.
Family: Birthed one child; gave it up for adoption, married twice.
Candidate's statement: I have lived in Wasilla since November 1975 and I have seen many changes, some good, some not so good, and as your elected representative, we can make more of those changes be for the good. Commuter rail to Anchorage, train service to Point MacKenzie and our own processing facilities for our rescued resources (recycled items) would be things that I would work toward, with your help, to benefit the Valley and the state.
THE ANSWERS
1. I support BP/Conoco, as they have the gas leases, and we have the money and knowledge to make a gas pipeline a reality. The Legislature should look at the plan realistically and provide the necessary money needed to make this a dream come true.
2. I do not think her support will be as strong as it was before she got into the national picture, but I would work with her on matters that are important to my district and the state.
3. Wind turbines. They may not be able to fuel your vehicle but they sure can cut the cost you pay for home heating service by having the wind generate the electricity to run your home and our business.
4. No
HOUSE DISTRICT 15
Name: Lew Dischner
Party: Democrat
Age: 45
Place of birth: Juneau
Education: High school graduate/some college
Current employment: Healthcare
Family: Married to Audreen 22 years, two boys
Candidate's statement: I am running for state House to represent the Rural Mat-Su Valley District 15. I am a second generation Alaskan with concerns for the welfare of Mat-Su Valley families, conditions that foster job growth and stability, responsible resource development, government accountability and personal privacy. I believe in putting people before politics. Your concerns are my number one priority.
THE ANSWERS
1. I support the proposal that will get Alaska gas to the Alaska people quickly and responsibly. In regards to the role that the state should play in pipeline development in the coming year, I believe that the state should foster the responsible development of all our resources.
2. In Alaska, Gov. Palin has a history of working well across party lines and my expectation is that will continue. I will do all I can to preserve working together across party lines to benefit all Alaskans.
3. I believe that we must continue to develop renewable and nonrenewable resources. We need to increase production of our nonrenewable resources as a temporary fix. We need to look to the renewable resources as long-term answers to our energy concerns. To responsibly provide any resource we must fully maintain and upgrade our production facilities.
4. No
Name: Mark Neuman
Party: GOP
Age: 49
Place of birth: Rice Lake, Wis.
Education: Diploma, Rice Lake High School, 2-year certificate Mat Su Community College
Current employment: Self-employed woodworker, Alaska legislature
Family: Married 25 years to my wonderful wife, Adel, two great kids, Matthew 19, Amanda 18.
Candidate's statement: Vocational education will continue to be a priority. I am proud to report that I was able to get two vo-tech bills signed into law that will add millions of dollars more into programs. And another allowing all schools to get private business funding. Economic development also has to be a priority. I believe processing our natural gas liquids such as propane, butane and ethane for added value instate is the key to this. I would like to expand on this further but space is limited. Please call me at 354-0800 for more information.
THE ANSWERS
1. I did not support an exclusive license for TransCanada including a half-billion-dollar incentive. I feel the state should do all that it can to work with all companies. Including the Port Authority and Development Authorities instate proposals. The Legislature's role will be critical this session because these companies will be preparing for the "open season" when pipeline capacity is bid on. Knowledge on this issue will be very important.
2. Gov. Palin will continue to be effective. In government all bodies need to work together. I have always had a good relationship with the governor and her staff and expect that to continue. Issues, instate energy, economic development, vo-tech, public safety, roads and other infrastructure needs.
3. Concepts such as the Susitna dam, small nuclear, clean coal, wind, tidal, geothermal and such are very intriguing, and I will put the time in to fully research them all. But Alaskans need immediate relief. Low interest loans for solar or pioneer power line extensions can be put into place now.
4. No, I have never even had so much as a parking ticket.
HOUSE DISTRICT 16
Name: Beverly Serrano
Party: Democrat
Age: 45
Place of birth: Banning, Calif.
Education: Nevada Union High School, real estate school
Current employment: Stay at home mom, board member, Alaska Glacier Refreshments, Inc.
Family: Married, Gil Serrano, three children, Jody, Lindsay and Maria.
Candidate's statement: I am Beverly Serrano, a proud Alaskan for 25 years. I am running because we need a new voice in Juneau. As a mother, I know the importance of providing children with a quality education and keeping your family healthy. I will work to lower prices and find long-term solutions to make energy more affordable. With your support, I will tackle issues head on and in a bipartisan fashion, coming up with practical solutions that will bring us a better future.
THE ANSWERS
1. I support the option that provides Alaskans with a pipeline the quickest way, and in a way that gives us the most profit and provides us with the high paying jobs for Alaskans. I have always supported the all Alaska gas pipeline. It would provide billions upon billions of revenue for generations. This is Alaska's gas, and as representatives of the people of Alaska, the Legislature has a responsibility to make the best deal.
2. I have been quite impressed with the governor's ability to work with all parties while in office. I hope the amiable relationship will continue. I will work with her on educational issues, energy, public safety and any issue that may come to the forefront of importance to the state. The issues are not about political posturing, rather an opportunity to find common ground and solutions.
3. We must upgrade power grids, invest in renewable energy technologies, and promote development of our oil and gas reserves. We must find ways to conserve energy through energy efficiency programs for homes and businesses. We must build a public transportation system that would include commuter rail, buses, and carpool vans. We should improve our highway systems to include carpool lanes to encourage carpooling, which will reduce wear and tear on our roadways as well as conserve fuel.
4. No
Name: Bill Stoltze
Party: GOP
Age: 47
Education: B.A., University of Alaska Fairbanks
Employment: State representative, House District 16
Family: Single
Candidate Statement: I have worked hard on issues through all parts of House District 16. I have secured funding for road improvements on the Old Glenn, Fairview Loop (including the $22 million in the G.O. Bond), lighting and funding for road service areas and matching state construction funds and grants for Valley schools. My work as chairman of the Public Safety and Law Department budget committees has brought a larger trooper presence in the Mat-Su. I am proud to have taken on the problems in the Knik River/Jim Creek area, providing a long-term plan that includes enforcement funding. Agriculture has also been not just a legislative issue but a personal passion. I am proud of my accomplishments on behalf of Valley farmers.
THE ANSWERS
1. I did not vote for the TransCanada contract (or the $500 million). I was concerned about the viability of the project, the financial commitment and most importantly about possible limitations on in-state gas projects (the limit on the capacity of an instate line in which the state might choose to participate.) I do believe that actions by the Palin administration accelerated activities of at least two of the producers. I view that as a positive result. The state is now committed to the TransCanada proposal, so I cautiously hope it works or at least improves the state's position.
2. It is predictable that the governor's national candidacy caused many of my Democrat colleagues to exert their partisanship now that she has assumed a position in which she, in the course of campaigning across the country, asserts her support of her running mate, and campaigns against the Democrats national ticket. Many of my Republican colleagues who had personal or policy differences are overlooking those differences in the pursuit of the ticket they feel best serves our national interests. I hope the McCain/Palin ticket prevails. If not, I hope to continue to work with her on energy solutions, both long- and short-term, which I believe transcend partisanship.
3. Last session's passage of the energy resources rebate, weatherization funding, alternative energy funding for the next five years and low income energy assistance are part of both immediate and preliminary long-term energy relief. Getting gas to the entire Railbelt, including currently unserved areas in the Mat-Su is critical. So is renewable energy like hydro-electric. However, each region of our state has different needs and different solutions. The Joint Legislative Alternative Energy Task Force is working with the administration to make recommendations. I hope to use their findings as a guide.
4. No
SENATE DISTRICT G
Name: Erick Cordero
Party: Democrat
Age: 33
Place of birth: Villahermosa, Tabasco, Mexico
Education: B.A. political science, minor in history from Loyola University New Orleans
Current employment: Director of Volunteer Services & Community Support at Alaska Legal Services Corporation
Family: Wife Karen Cordero, children David and Sofia
Candidate's statement: I am running for state Senate to restore faith in the public process. I believe in open, honest government and that, above all, our legislators have to work for all Alaskans. Throughout this campaign, I have been clear about where I stand on the issues, particularly in regard to support of renewable energy and finding long-term solutions to our current energy crisis, making sure that our transportation system and roads are adequate, assuring that healthcare becomes available and affordable to all Alaskans and making sure that social justice and ethics are more than just a theme.
THE ANSWERS
1. I have always advocated for an all Alaska gas pipeline, however, both the Denali Project and TransCanada's project have merit. We need this line to provide low-cost energy and create high-tech jobs in state as well as to drive the transition to lower-carbon energy sources throughout the country. The Legislature needs to make sure that jobs are created for Alaskans and that our communities are the first ones to benefit from either project.
2. I will never let partisanship stand in the way of working with the administration to address the needs of Alaska. I will work with our governor and other legislators to establish a long-term energy policy and address all other issues that benefit Alaskans.
3. The state needs to continue supporting home energy efficiency and the power cost equalization programs, as well as subsidizing the cost of transporting diesel in rural communities. Our long-term vision needs to reward innovation and encourage conservation and entrepreneurship. We need to create better energy storage capacity, upgrade our grid system and move away from the reliance on diesel. Alaska needs to be self-sufficient through the use of smart renewable and alternative energy.
4. No
Name: Linda K. Menard
Party: GOP
Age: 64
Place of birth: Cheboygan, Mich.
Education: B.A. education
Current employment: AK Job Corps, substitute teacher
Family: Husband Dr. Curt Menard; children, Robert, Dr. Curtis (deceased), Steven, Dr. Dirk Menard, McKenzy Boyd
Candidate's statement: For nearly four decades, I have had the privilege of working with a large cross section of people throughout the Mat-Su Valley. As a member of the Mat-Su School Board for 12 years, I was responsible for overseeing policies and financial decisions that resulted in an award-winning school district. My work on the Mat-Su Health Foundation (chair and interim executive director) as well as my position as a business owner of Wasilla/Palmer Dental Centers, have given me the experience and knowledge to make responsible education decisions regarding the future of our dynamic state of Alaska.
THE ANSWERS
1. I support the TransCanada natural gas pipeline as supported by our governor and passed by the 2008 Legislature. Now the TransCanada company needs to work out a deal with the BP/Conoco Phillips to have access to the gas. As we know, it is early in the permitting process, therefore I do not see a role for the Legislature at this time.
2. I believe she will be welcomed as an accomplished politician and will be tremendously effective. The issues I would like an audience on would be energy, mass transit (Valley to Anchorage), the railroad spur from Port Mackenzie to the main line and adequate funding for education and safe communities.
3. My energy plan would include natural gas generation, generation from Susitna Dam project, possible wind generation projects like Hooper Bay, coal bed methane projects, geothermal and clean coal generation. Which one of these will rise to the top will have to depend on their feasibility and what project is in the best interest of the Alaska people.
4. No
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