Politics

George McGuan, candidate for AlaskaState Representative District 34, answers questions about the issues

George McGuan, Democrat

State Representative, District 34

Why are you running for office?

I'm concerned about Alaska's future. Declining oil revenues are weakening our schools, forcing cuts to local services, and harming the overall economy. We need fresh ideas and perspective in the Legislature, and a representative who puts us first and always votes in our best interest. Only then can our State and its people continue to prosper.

The biggest problem facing the state of Alaska is

Education funding. Staff cuts, increasing pupil teacher ratios, diminished extracurricular opportunities, and moving public funding to private schools will hurt our most important resource. For our workers to find fulfilling and good paying jobs, we need a quality education system.

Describe three ways in which the state should try to grow and diversify Alaska's economy

We in Alaska are blessed with incredible natural resources, a rich cultural heritage, and resourcefulness. Let us use these gifts to create a vibrant economy. The gas pipeline could bring significant revenue and jobs. Utilizing our renewable energy resources can help keep costs down for manufacturing, processing, and more, especially if goods are created and sold locally. Promoting the Alaska experience to tourists can showcase our State while generating revenue and creating jobs.

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What amount of state spending do you believe is sustainable? If cuts need to be made, where should most of the money come from, the operations budget or the capital budget?

We need to balance revenues with expenditures. Receiving a fair share from our oil & gas resources is one place to start. Diversifying our economy to provide more revenue is also important. We also must prioritize our spending. Both budgets require vigilant oversight, though the capital budget has some conflicting priorities. The Susitna dam, the Juneau Access road, the Anchorage LIO, the "bullet" gasline, and other projects must be thoroughly examined in these difficult budget years.

What additional steps can the state take to promote construction of a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope?

While not perfect, the current LNG plan sets us on a path to actually build this pipeline. However, during the process, we must continue to ensure that we are receiving an appropriate value for our resource, that our partners are also balancing risk vs. reward, and that this pipeline will work for anyone, including smaller producers, who want to help Alaska develop its resources.

The voters have chosen Senate Bill 21 or the More Alaska Production Act to generate most of the state's tax revenues. How will you determine whether this tax structure is effective? Do you think any changes should be made to the law in the upcoming legislative session?

It will be necessary to keep a vigilante eye on oil & gas revenue, and make sure that revenues are fair, and that new production and jobs are being created. While I supported the repeal of SB21, I do respect the will of the people. As their elected official, I will closely monitor oil production and new developments and analyze generated revenues. If any of these measures are not meeting the goals of SB21, I will work to make sure that the law will benefit our State and Alaskans.

What additional steps can the state take to promote construction of a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope?

Before we push a tax onto the backs of the people, we must analyze if tax changes benefitting corporations are working as intended. Diversifying the economy to increase revenue is also important. We must keep all options on the table however when it comes to funding some of our priorities like education.

Should the state subsidy program for films and reality television programs continue? Explain.

I support industries that create jobs for Alaskans, and help promote our incredible State to the outside world. Film and TV certainly accomplish these goals, though I would need further information on the cost and benefits of this particular subsidy to ensure that it is worth the cost.

Taxation on other industries in Alaska is ___ (Generally higher than it should be, About right; Generally lower than it should be, other):

Generally lower than it should be

Taxation on oil and gas production in Alaska is ___ (Generally higher than it should be, About right; Generally lower than it should be, other):

About right

Taxation on individual citizens in Alaska is ___ (Generally higher than it should be, About right; Generally lower than it should be, other):

About right

What are your specific plans to address the serious problems of leadership, morale and accountability within the Alaska National Guard?

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A thorough, independent investigation into these offenses must occur immediately. Anyone found to be committing these crimes must be punished to the full force of the law. And anyone who covered up these offenses shall at a minimum lose their job, though criminal prosecution may also be fitting. We must create a culture where these acts are never tolerated, and where victims are empowered to come forward.

What are Alaska's three biggest education challenges? What is your plan to address each of them?

Properly funding education will allow us to support and encourage each student so they can find or create fulfilling jobs. Retaining quality teachers is critical; by reinstating fair retirement packages and providing teachers the support they need, we will have the best and brightest teaching our children. Some of our youngest children enter school unprepared to learn. Making pre-K universally accessible will help them get started on a pathway of continued success.

What are your suggestions to increase accountability of public schools?

Everyone involved in our schools, from teachers, parents, students to legislators, have a role to play. We need to encourage the programs and techniques that work, and change those that do not. Exceptional teachers must be commended, and those that are struggling can be offered support and training, unless termination is the best option. Either way, we must provide our schools with the funding and support they need to plan for the future, while not burdening them with excessive reporting.

Would you support a constitutional amendment that would allow public funds to be spent on private or religious K-12 education? If such an amendment were to pass, would you then support voucher or some similar grant to parents of state funds that they could spend on private or religious education for their children?

No. While private or religious schools play an important role in educating our youth, our public schools must be our first priority. Vouchers would cripple our public school systems, which provide the educational foundation for the majority of our students.

What are your plans for improving the quality of education offered through the University of Alaska system?

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Stable and secure funding for the University will allow it to build and polish its programs. Partnering with the private sector could help secure funding, as well as ensure that the University is helping our workers get the skills needed for the jobs available. Research and other grants could help stabilize funding.

Do you support or oppose expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act? Explain.

I fully support expanding Medicaid. I understand not wanting to shoulder our children with additional federal debt. But in this case, we are politicizing a program that would achieve better health conditions for our most vulnerable, provide economic impacts, and create thousands of jobs. By making high-quality and affordable health care available to our neighbors, we are allowing them the opportunity to lead fulfilling lives and make the best situation possible for them and their families.

Are you confident that the current level of state environmental regulation and oversight of offshore oil and gas drilling and shipping is adequate to prevent a major spill in Alaska? If not, where are we deficient and what will you propose to achieve adequate protection?

I am not certain that the knowledge, training or equipment is at adequate levels to prevent a major spill in Alaska, especially in the Arctic region. Collaboration with the State, the Coast Guard, explorers and producers can lead to a reasonable level of prevention and response. The State must require a high level of certainty that industry is capable of protecting our incredible natural areas.

What is your assessment of Alaska's transportation system? What, if anything, would you change?

Alaska's transportation system is generally effective at moving goods and people across the State. However, we should fix and enhance what we have before making costly expansions to our system. I appreciate the work that DOT&PF does in analyzing current and predicted needs and proposing solutions. However, with our current budget situation, we must ask if some of these projects are the right fit right now.

The Legislature has approved the use of state funds for four mega-projects: the Knik Arm Crossing, the Susitna-Watana dam and two gas line projects. Can the state afford all four, or should one or more be dropped? If so, which?

If money were not limited, I would be supportive of many of these projects. However, our State is in deficit spending, and some of these projects listed above are in direct competition with another. Currently, I feel that work on the Susitna dam and the small diameter gasline be suspended as the large diameter gasline makes real progress.

State your position on abortion. When should it be allowed, and when should government pay for it? Do you anticipate pushing any legislation, policies or budget proposals that would change the status quo in Alaska?

A women's right to choose is an essential human right that allows women to make the best decision for their future. If we appropriately fund contraceptive care and education programs, we can lower the rate of unwanted pregnancies. The State should and will need to pay for some of these procedures. Once elected, I will attempt to remove the statute defining a medically necessary abortion, and allow medical experts to determine when one is needed.

When is it appropriate to appoint a non-Alaskan to a state board or commission?

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We should have Alaskan residents serving on the boards and commissions that affect our State and its people. There are numerous other roles that non-residents could play.

Are you satisfied with the process by which judges are selected and appointed in Alaska? Explain.

Yes. From my conversations with legal professionals, our current system has selected excellent judges without injecting politics into the process. This allows for an independent judiciary, which is a critical piece of our system of checks and balances.

The number of Alaska State Troopers and Village Public Safety Officers is ____ (More than necessary, about right, less than necessary):

Less than necessary

If you answered more or less, what specific steps would you take to achieve the right level?

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NA

Bio

Age: 34

Occupation: Journeyman electrician

Current employer: Chatham Electric, Dec. 2013

Employment history:

AmeriCorps Volunteer 2005-2006

Peace Corps 2006-2008

Laborer 2008-2009

IBEW apprenticeship program, 2009-2013

Previous public offices held: AmeriCorps Volunteer 2005-2006

Peace Corps 2006-2008

Laborer 2008-2009

IBEW apprenticeship program, 2009-2013

Previous unsuccessful runs for office: N/A

ostsecondary education: US Coast Guard Academy 1999-2000

Indiana University 2001-2004, BA History

IBEW Apprenticeship School, Anchorage AK, 2009-2013, Journeyman Electrician License

Military service: N/A

Spouse's name: Alex McGuan

Children: Orion, 1 month

Website: www.george-for-house.com

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