The Anchorage Daily News asked candidates in statewide elections their views on a variety of issues. We're posting their responses between now and Election Day. See each candidate's full list of answers by clicking on their mug shot in the right column.
Question: Taxation on oil and gas production in Alaska is:
• Generally higher than it should be
• About right
• Generally lower than it should be
• Other
Explain
Ethan Berkowitz
Democrat
Generally higher than it should be.
Our current oil tax system, ACES, fails to provide fiscal certainty for industry and fiscal stability to the state. We have had declining investment, declining production, and job loss.
Sean Parnell
Republican
Generally higher than it should be.
We need to cut taxes to make Alaska more competitive and create more jobs. I've proposed capping progressivity at higher oil prices and tax credits for technically challenged fields. My opponent, on the other hand, proposes a risky royalty scheme where the state would renegotiate every royalty in every lease. My opponent's approach would kill Alaska jobs.
Tomorrow's question Should the proposed Pebble mine in southwest Alaska be constructed? If you have any specific concerns about the project, what are they?Tomorrow's question What is your position on the proposed Pebble mine in southwest Alaska?
William "Billy" S. Toien
Libertarian
billytoienthelibertarianalternative.com
Other.
Each field needs to be assessed separately. But it is very important that the board that determines these rates be confirmed by the legislature (i.e. not cronies directly appointed by the Governor without legislative approval).
Sean Parnell: 'Action, not words'
