Matt Moore, Democrat
State Representative, District 27
Why are you running for office?
I am passionate about Alaska! East Anchorage deserves the best representation possible, and we need a strong advocate with common sense representing East Anchorage in Juneau. I am an experienced small business owner and will bring my experience working in healthcare and in the petroleum business to Juneau.
The biggest problem facing the state of Alaska is
The biggest problem facing the state is declining revenue combined with out of control spending. Many legislators can tell you their plans of cutting expenses with no idea of how to grow revenue. I am hopeful that this will be quickly reversed to avert a financial disaster.
Describe three ways in which the state should try to grow and diversify Alaska's economy
We are a resource based state and should take business to the next level. That means supporting value added industries and cottage industries. We must develop opportunities for small businesses in rural Alaska.
We must consider responsible Arctic development.
Last, we must look to opportunities that are not the traditional resource based industries in Alaska. We should consider what we have that the entire nation wants or will need 15-100 years from now.
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?
A sustainable budget is one where the budget is affordable year to year and the state lives within its means. Years ago Alaska called this the Cremo plan. The budget is increased with inflation over time so the purchasing power is not eroded. Many legislators spend money without consequence. I would anticipate some cuts from both budgets with the majority of cuts coming from the capital budget. A sustainable operating budget should be in the neighborhood of $5.3-$5.5 billion.
What additional steps can the state take to promote construction of a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope?
It is incumbent to support the agreed upon language in
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?
I would need to see a reversal in declining production rates to determine if it works. I would then have to see if the promised taxes are truly what are being delivered. The risk with the MAPA solution is the state will deplete large reserves of funds while of waiting for this turn around to occur.
I will take a wait and see approach on changing SB 21.
What additional steps can the state take to promote construction of a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope?
At this point, nothing can be taken off the table and revenue solutions will need to be addressed immediately if spending in Juneau remains unchanged. I am not a supporter of increased taxes on individuals or reducing the PFD checks. I plan for services provided by the state to be maintained.
Should the state subsidy program for films and reality television programs continue? Explain.
Absolutely, we have the opportunity to put more Alaskans to work on film projects in Alaska. The secondary effect will be the growth of production companies, studios, catering firms, carpentry and other skilled labor along with more investment in the state. All of this activity will mean more money in Alaska's communities and more opportunity for Alaskans to be employed.
Taxation on oil and gas production 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 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 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?
I need more information to make an informed decision on this topic. I would want to see documents that have not been released, emails, and text messages. My gut tells me this is a real problem and that we need to "Clean House!"
In this situation, individuals must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law with no exception. Those who knew about it and allowed it to happen are culpable. If found guilty, their career is over, and pension is forfeit. This is the only way to improve morale.
What are Alaska's three biggest education challenges? What is your plan to address each of them?
Providing the necessary support for schools to strengthen communities and end the loss of teachers and faculty.
Provide pre K education for all Alaskans.
Hiring and retaining the best and brightest instructors we can find.
The answer is to fully fund education and inflation proof the education funding formula.
What are your suggestions to increase accountability of public schools?
Accountability in public schools is already present.
I would want to see parents and communities become more "accountable" and support the educational programs and students by participation, mentorship, and holding themselves accountable for the success of students.
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, it is unconstitutional.
I would not support the expenditure of public funding for private education. I do not support school vouchers to divert public funding. I believe in the separation of church and state.
What are your plans for improving the quality of education offered through the University of Alaska system?
We can soon start thinking about a law school in Alaska, a medical school, or an architecture school. We need more flexibility in class offerings and scheduled class times. I am hopeful that there will be improved internet connectivity across the state allowing the delivery of education at distance without requiring a bricks and mortar investment in every community in Alaska.
We must offer competitive wages and benefits to obtain and retain the best teachers.
Do you support or oppose expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act? Explain.
I would support the expansion of Medicaid. Expansion would create more jobs, provide needed healthcare and end the cycle of people presenting to the ER for a cold or headache. The state turned down over $1 billion dollars and turn our backs on 35,000+ Alaskans who would have benefited from healthcare.
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?
Regulation and oversight alone are NEVER adequate to prevent a major spill in Alaska. The operators, producers, transporters and pipeline companies must do their part to prevent a major spill. They take this seriously and know the consequences of failure.
We are deficient and not prepared for an offshore spill in the Arctic. We cannot contain nor control a spill in all icy conditions. A spill response plan and all necessary equipment must be in place before drilling.
What is your assessment of Alaska's transportation system? What, if anything, would you change?
Airports- most are in pretty good shape.
All of our bridges need to be inspected and maintained.
Our AK Marine Highway system needs maintenance. We need to listen to the experts in state, not politicians.
We need a light rail project from Mat-Su to Anchorage. We should build roads and bridges to somewhere not nowhere. Connect multiple bush communities via a road.
We should connect the AK railroad to the Canadian system.
Invest in ports.
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?
We cannot afford all 4 at the same time. I would immediately drop the ASAP gas line. The large diameter gas pipeline I would tackle first.
I would take a hard look the others prioritize them and then build or eliminate them from further consideration.
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?
Abortion is a legal choice for women. The government has no right to tell you what to do with your body or make healthcare decisions for you. Only one elected politician in Juneau is a physician and licensed to practice medicine in this state.
Abortion should be available as a woman and her healthcare provider decide. Not when a politician thinks it should be needed, but when the patient chooses it. I will stand up for women and change the status quo in Alaska.
When is it appropriate to appoint a non-Alaskan to a state board or commission?
I do not believe there is a need to appoint a non-Alaskan to a state board or commission. If expertise is needed from out of state, then a consultant can be brought in for a specific purpose.
Are you satisfied with the process by which judges are selected and appointed in Alaska? Explain.
Yes, The Judicial Council works well and is not broken. The grumblings in the last sessions have been about controlling the judiciary and creating a bias in the courts and decision making. That is nothing more than a grab for power by the executive and legislative branches of the state government.
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?
A VPSO in every community would be appropriate. State Troopers are understaffed and should be increased as well.
Bio
Age: 54
Occupation: Business Consultant
Current employer: Medical Practice Solutions, LLC
Employment history:
Owner, Medical Practice Solutions, LLC, 7/2000 - Present
Administrator, Alaska Neurodiagnostic and Rehabilitation Medicine, Inc., 2/1992- Present
Senior MWD Engineer, Sperry Sun Drilling Services, Inc., 7/1985-9/1990
Well Site Geologist, Computer Well Logging, 6/1984- 7/1985
Senior Technician Aide, Texas Eastern Transmission Corporation, Summer 1982
Junior Technician's Aide, Tennessee Gas Pipeline, Summer 1981
Previous public offices held: President Basher Community Council, 2000-2004
Vice President Basher Community Council, 1998-2000
Previous unsuccessful runs for office:
State House District 32 2004
State House District 32 2010
US Congress 2012
Postsecondary education:
University of Arkansas 1978-1983, B.S. Geology
University of Arkansas 1983-1984, Graduate School
Military service: None
Spouse's name: Shawn
Children: Sutton & Seamus
Website: www.MooreforAlaska.com