Geran Tarr, Democrat
State Representative, District 19
Why are you running for office?
I want to continuing to make a positive difference for the people I represent. I am working hard to make sure all people have opportunities. Our best days are yet to come and we are making progress. Going forward optimism and vision is necessary as we move forward in a time of lean budgets. I've been working with neighbors on targeted investments in education, housing, and public safety that will both improve our quality of life and encourage economic development and new investment.
The biggest problem facing the state of Alaska is
We are faced with a situation where our social problems are very costly, we need investments in infrastructure to support a growing state and economy, and we have a forecast of reduced revenue. We need to have an action plan on spending that relies on evidence based solutions to some of our toughest social problems to increase the effectiveness of our investments while reducing the budget impact. The savings can be reinvested in projects that we can afford to build, maintain, and operate.
Describe three ways in which the state should try to grow and diversify Alaska's economy
There are additional opportunities for natural resource exports, renewable energy research, especially for northern climates and remote communities, and development of our health care industry. The health care industry has been the number one industry for job growth over the last few years and with the fastest growing Senior population we need to prepare to take care of those Alaskans.
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?
Cuts will need to be made to both the operating and capital budgets. In the last two years hundreds of millions could have been saved if costly capital projects that we can't afford were not funded. I did not support the Knik Arm Bridge, Juneau Access Road, road to Nome, or the Susita Watana Dam. I support a large diameter gas pipeline that will provide needed revenue and in state gas for Alaskans. There is still a backlog of maintenance on roads and public facilities.
What additional steps can the state take to promote construction of a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope?
We need to make sure access to gas for Alaskans is a part of any project that moves forward. As we move forward we may need additional legislation to ensure access. We need to maintain our position as an equity partner and make sure we have access to all information. We can also make sure our financial future is strong to stay in a competitive position for financing on the project.
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?
With Exxon's announcement about declining production and BP announcing hundreds of layoffs, the public is already questioning the effectiveness of this law. Some who supported the bill are having buyer's remorse. Moving forward, we must be diligent in our work of evaluating the impact of the law and whether the investment will lead to new production. In the upcoming session we need to address the issue of how to attract independent explorers to the North Slope.
What additional steps can the state take to promote construction of a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope?
Our focus should be policies that follow our constitutional mandate to develop our resources for the maximum benefit of Alaskans and to change our spending so that we spend our dollars more wisely. For example, the passage of Senate Bill 64 to reform our corrections system can save hundreds of million if we avoid building a new prison, reduce recidivism, and provide treatment that get Alaskans back to work sooner. We need to have a multi-year plan with benchmarks for spending and results.
Should the state subsidy program for films and reality television programs continue? Explain.
Yes. At this time a new industry is developing the talent and facilities necessary to support the existence for the long term. Recent legislation to review all subsidy programs is necessary for understanding the overall fiscal impact and to better track the cost, but this subsidy is showing great results and there are other positive impacts such as increasing the number of visitors coming to Alaska and free advertising for Alaskan products and services.
Taxation on oil and gas production in Alaska is ___ (Generally higher than it should be, About right; Generally lower than it should be, other):
Too low when oil prices are very high
Taxation on other industries in Alaska is ___ (Generally higher than it should be, About right; Generally lower than it should be, other):
We are developing industries that are being reviewed.
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?
We need to have independent review outside of the chain of command and then work to create policies that would prevent this from ever happening again.
What are Alaska's three biggest education challenges? What is your plan to address each of them?
Readiness for learning when entering school: work with families on early learning and provide materials for learning at home.
Class size and pressure to teach to the test: Work with professionals to ensure classes are reasonable sized and they have tools to be creative in the classroom.
Access to post secondary education and training: work on policies to increase affordability of programs and availability for training for high demand professions.
What are your suggestions to increase accountability of public schools?
We have accountability measures in place and are working on implementing new teacher evaluations and testing for students. We need to implement these programs.
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?
I do not support taking money from public education for private or religious schools.
What are your plans for improving the quality of education offered through the University of Alaska system?
Affordability and alignment among campuses can help increase graduation rates at all campuses.
Do you support or oppose expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act? Explain.
Support. This can provide health care to thousands of Alaskans. This can save money and provide thousands of new jobs. We need healthy communities to thrive.
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?
No. I will work with our federal delegation to evaluate measures.
What is your assessment of Alaska's transportation system? What, if anything, would you change?
We have a backlog of maintenance needs that must be addressed.
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?
No. At this time focusing on the large diameter line makes sense.
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?
I believe reproductive health decisions should be made by a woman, her doctor, her family, and her faith.
When is it appropriate to appoint a non-Alaskan to a state board or commission?
I support Alaskans holding these positions.
Are you satisfied with the process by which judges are selected and appointed in Alaska? Explain.
Yes. It is a model.
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?
N/A
Bio
Age: 39
Occupation: Legislator & Adjunct Faculty
Current employer: State of Alaska (2013), University of Alaska (1999)
Employment history:
Adjunct Faculty, University of Alaska (1999-)
Anchorage Park Foundation (May 2011-December 2012)
Alliance for Reproductive Justice (January 2007-December 2012)
Senator Johnny Ellis (November 2001-December 2006)
Previous public offices held: State Representative (2013-current)
Previous unsuccessful runs for office: N/A
Postsecondary education:
Ohio University, BS, 1998
University of Alaska Anchorage, MPA, 2013
Military service: N/A
Spouse's name: N/A
Children: N/A
Website: www.tarrforstatehouse.com