Politics

Warren Keogh, candidate for Alaska Senate DIstrict E, answers questions about the issues

Warren Keogh, non-affiliated

Alaska Senate, District E

Why are you running for office?

Lack of vision, reckless spending, catering to special interests, and rigid partisan politics by our current leaders cause me to run. At the urging of many friends, I offer my experience as a problem-solver with skills learned in my background as Vietnam Veteran, paramedic, firefighter, Fish and Wildlife Service researcher, small business owner and Mat-Su Borough Assemblyman.

The biggest problem facing the state of Alaska is __

Misguided priorities of the legislative and executive branches that have resulted in reckless spending and a $2 Billion dollar budget deficit this year alne. This, coupled with a lack of a plan for restoring rational fiscal policy paints a dismal picture for our future. I also see a growing trend toward meeting the needs of industry and neglecting the needs of Alaskans.

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

Natural gas offers the most promise for immediate and substantial growth. Diversification within industries makes the most sense. Opportunities for vertical growth exist in medical services, tourism, and fishing. Policies to expand agriculture and attract Information Industries can be pursued.

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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?

A useful number (somewhere in the $5-$6 Billion range) can only be arrived at with a comprehensive, long term look at all of our resources. The current oil tax focuses mostly on older oilfields that have less than one-third of our remaining produceable oil. We need to pay more attention to the newer and unexplored fields, get them into production, and make sure the economic rent provides a fair return to Alaska.

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

As part of a thorough capital plan for resource development, we need to make sure we leverage commitments from potential long term customers, who may also be interested in financing the pipeline. We also need to look at the potential to export directly from the North Slope without a pipeline.

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?

We need an honest audit of receipts on production over the past decade to see if this is a good choice. We already know that SB21 pushed the state further into deficit than necessary. We need to examine closely the effects of SB21 compared to earlier tax regimes and make adjustments if necessary for current circumstances.

The state's savings is being depleted. How low should the savings go before you begin to seriously discuss implementing a widespread tax, such as as a sales or income tax, or reducing Permanent Fund Dividend checks to help pay for services?

It's too early to tell. It is possible, but not likely. Let the oil companies demonstrate the promises made during the campaign surrounding the attempted repeal of SB21. If promises of more oil production do not materialize, I will work to develop fair oil tax legislation that will ensure a competitive market and a fair share of the profits to all Alaskans.

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

If the state is showing measurable benefit from this activity, it should continue. If the subsidy is simply siphoning state funds away to California filmmakers without providing meaningful return, then it should not continue.

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):

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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Let's appoint a special prosecutor to investigate the current situation, open records as much as legally allowable, forward findings of sexual abuse to local, state or federal law enforcement agencies as appropriate, and hold those in the chain of command accountable for their actions or inactions.

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

Guarantee our kids an education that prepares them for success in their chosen fields while providing the basics. Provide them opportunity to develop skills to meet future needs whether it be heavy equipment operation, engineering or energy. Adequately fund our University so students don't have to go outside for an education. We shouldn't be canceling programs like pharmacy and veterinary sciences, or cutting courses like biology.

What are your suggestions to increase accountability of public schools?

Most of the critical skills for success, both in our Alaskan setting and where ever our children may find themselves, are not measured by standardized tests. If we teach the basic critical thinking skills, along with the necessary skills we all need, our students should be able to succeed without being "taught to the test."

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. Our constitution explicitly prohibits private and religious schools from receiving any public funds.

No. We have many excellent options available in our publicly funded schools that welcome everyone. We are already struggling to fund the education needs we have, and that is where our funds should go. We don't have the resources to do otherwise.

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

With all the available traditional knowledge and the incredibly well-qualified people who live here, our children should not have to leave the state for a college education. First, provide quality instruction which means filling the professor positions left empty in subjects like biology because of million dollar cuts to the University system. Then, develop courses of study critical to our state's needs in pharmacy, veterinary medicine, law and energy.

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

Medicaid expansion will provide needed medical insurance for thousands of Alaskans. Many find themselves unable to qualify for Medicaid due to income threshholds while not being provided medical insurance through their employers. The expansion of Medicaid will provide for thousands of jobs for Alaskans in the medical field. All Alaskans should have access to medical care.

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?

As one who participated in the Exxon Valdez oil spill clean-up, I have firsthand knowledge of oil spill impacts. While we now have the best oil spill laws in the country, we should strengthen support for regional citizen advisory councils. Ensuring we have no major spill in Arctic waters is of special concern.

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

Like many other services, transportation infrastructure is expensive to build and maintain, especially in more remote areas, but it is a constitutional priority. We need to maintain our existing roads, bridges, railroads, seaports, and airports to expand economic opportunities and to provide safe travel for all citizens.

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 simply cannot afford all mega-projects, unless citizens are willing to tap the Permanent Fund, which we are not. Focus must be on natural gas development, which would provide gas to Alaskans and revenues to the state. The $6.5B Sustna-Watana Hydro Project is the lowest priority project.

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 in the sanctity of life. I also live by the law of our land that allows women to make decisions in matters of reproduction. By expanding the availability of contraception for men and women we can expect fewer numbers of abortions

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

It is never appropriate to appoint non-Alaskans. Board and Commission members need to have knowledge of Alaska and have a stake in Alaska's future. If special expertise is needed, then the Board or Commission can hire an expert consultant. Decisions affecting Alaskans should be made by Alaskans.

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

Basically, yes. No state has found a fool-proof system of ensuring that all judges selected are impartial and free from political partisanship. Our current system, as established in our Constitution, is widely considered among the most successful in the nation in ensuring that judges are capable, objective, fair, and untainted by politics. We cannot allow the plan my opponent supported that could allow a Governor to pack the judicial council.

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

Less than necessary

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

We need more public safety officers in remote and rural Alaska, as well as expanded training opportunities and facilities. I agree with the recommendations of the Rural Justice Commission.

Bio

Age: 65

Occupation: Retired

Current employer: n/a

Employment history: Farm hand - Ranch hand (1962-1966)

Soldier, U.S. Army (1968-1971)

R.N., Anchorage hospitals (1975-1977)

Paramedic/Firefighter, AFD (1976-1992)

Researcher/writer/paralegal, Fish & Wildlife Service (1994-2011)

Previous public offices held: Assemblyman, Mat Su Borough 2010-2013

Chair, Chickaloon Community Council (Various years 1990-2008)

Previous unsuccessful runs for office: None

Postsecondary education:

A.A. UAA 1975

A.A. UAA 1977

B.S. USNY 1992

M.A. APU 1994

Military service:

Feb 1968 - Sept 1971

E-5

Intelligence

Spouse's name: Sally

Children: Connor, Hugh, and Ryan

Website: WarrenKeoghforSenate.com

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