Cean Stevens (Libertarian)
State Representative, District 19
Why are you running for office?
I decided to run for State House as a Libertarian after hearing my neighbors voice their concerns over the challenges we are having in the neighborhood.
In my world, there are 3 types of people…
1.People who make things happen.
2.People who watch things happen.
3.People who wonder what happened.
I've never been one to sit on the sidelines and watch things happen, or wonder what happened. This is why I'm running.
The biggest problem facing the state of Alaska is
Financial mismanagement which is causing us to spend money we don't have. If this doesn't stop immediately, politicians will raid our PFD program.
Describe three ways in which the state should try to grow and diversify Alaska's economy
1. Aggressive distribution of private property to all Alaskans.
2. Fight against the overreach of regulatory agencies to be able to develop our natural resources in a responsible way.
3. To develop the educational needs of our children to help them gain meaningful employment, not just a minimum wage.
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?
Currently our budget is sustainable at 5.2 Billion dollars. Intelligent Capital budgets are an investment in our future and create money. Inefficient Operating budgets are unsustainable.
What additional steps can the state take to promote construction of a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope?
Consider allowing individual Alaskans to invest their PFD's for future royalty payments.
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?
Obviously, we need to give SB21 time to work so that we may evaluate the law effectively. Yes, changes should be made. There should be incentives built in to encourage smaller recovery oil companies to participate.
What additional steps can the state take to promote construction of a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope?
The current budget is set at $110.00 per barrel. Currently, we are looking at $94.00 per barrel which means we are 2.5 billion dollars over budget. Future realistic projections can even go lower. With this in mind, we must elect legislators who are serious about working within a sustained budget now. This means we need cuts across the board to 2011 expenditure levels
Should the state subsidy program for films and reality television programs continue? Explain.
The state should look at ALL subsidies and determine whether they are an excellent investment strategy.
Taxation on oil and gas production in Alaska is ___ (Generally higher than it should be, About right; Generally lower than it should be, other):
It's not good business sense to change oil and gas tax policy every couple of years at the whim of government spending. Oil and Gas industry needs to know they have a consistent partner
Taxation on other industries in Alaska is ___ (Generally higher than it should be, About right; Generally lower than it should be, other):
Generally higher than it should be
Taxation on individual citizens in Alaska is ___ (Generally higher than it should be, About right; Generally lower than it should be, other):
Property taxes are way too high
What are your specific plans to address the serious problems of leadership, morale and accountability within the Alaska National Guard?
An independent review should be conducted as this is a serious issue which has gone on for too long. If laws were broken and cover ups occurred, people should be held accountable and prosecuted under the law.
What are Alaska's three biggest education challenges? What is your plan to address each of them?
1.Administration costs are excessive, currently they are 43% of the Education budget. Administrative costs should be capped at a lower percentage. The saving should be brought back into the classroom.
2. Limited curriculum. Vocational education should be expanded.
3.To elevate our academic scores so Alaskan children are competitive with children in other states. We need to develop local standards of excellence instead of having federally mandated Common Core forced on us.
What are your suggestions to increase accountability of public schools?
Administrators should be held accountable to a high level of excellence. If they are not able to perform to those standards, they should be released and replaced.
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?
The resources of the state belong to the people of the state. The children of the state belong to the parents of the state. Why shouldn't parents be allowed to be a major part of the educationally decisions of their children?
What are your plans for improving the quality of education offered through the University of Alaska system?
Require the curriculum of high schools to be compatible with entry courses for a bachelor degree.
Remedial classes are not the responsibility of a university environment.
Do you support or oppose expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act? Explain.
I do not support expanding Medicaid. One big reason is the funding formula for Medicaid pays higher than Medicare which means many of our senior citizens would be less apt to receive the services they deserve. These citizens are our most vulnerable.
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?
Yes, I am confident in the current level of state regulation. I would encourage the state to accept full responsibility and reject any regulations from the EPA.
What is your assessment of Alaska's transportation system? What, if anything, would you change?
It's inadequate. We haven't built any major transportation systems in Alaska in over 30 years. Currently, we are fighting the federal government on the Izenbek road, which simply connects two communities. Alaska is the only state in the union which is not allowed to connect communities with road systems.
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?
The state should prioritize these expensive projects and consider which are the most cost effective and give the best return for our investment.
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?
Personally, I am completely pro life. I don't believe that the government shouldn't finance any activity which funds abortion. As a Libertarian, I believe we should provide more educational choices other than abortion. I would legislate to fund this type of education.
When is it appropriate to appoint a non-Alaskan to a state board or commission?
Never. There are unique qualifications just living in the great state of Alaska.
Are you satisfied with the process by which judges are selected and appointed in Alaska? Explain.
No
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?
Obviously, the crime rates are excessive. We rank first in the nation in many categories, especially crimes against the family. This is unacceptable. I believe VPSO's are a bandage on the problem. We need to insure that public safety is funded at an adequate level to lower these statistics.
Bio
Age: 47
Occupation: Business Owner
Current employer: Self
Employment history: N/A
Previous public offices held: N/A
Previous unsuccessful runs for office: State House District 17 2012
Postsecondary education: N/A
Military service: N/A
Spouse's name: Randy Stevens
Children: N/A
Website: ceanstevens.com