OPINION: I’m Doug Massie. I’d be honored to serve in the Alaska Senate.

My name is Doug Massie, and I am running to serve as your next District O state senator. This vast area represents the heart of Southcentral Alaska, extending north beyond Denali Park, through the Eastern Mat-Su region, and on south to Valdez. This is my home, where I was born and raised, met my beautiful wife Misty, raised our three children and built our family business. I am so grateful for the incredible support of District O voters in the primary election and am working each day to increase this support as I meet new friends in all areas of our district.

I recently retired as director of the Alaska Wildlife Troopers after a 25-year career in public safety. My mission was always straightforward: to protect our people and our natural resources. And from Kotzebue to Homer, and Bristol Bay to Juneau, my public safety service gave me the privilege of serving and protecting Alaskans and the natural resources they depend on every day to sustain their families and communities. Today I continue to serve the people of the Mat-Su region in the hospitality industry, feeding hungry residents and travelers alike, and coaching youth hockey.

My campaign platform is direct and unambiguous. I stand for safe communities supported by a strong criminal justice system; fiscal conservatism that recognizes our need for a balanced and sustainable budget; a stable, diversified economy that attracts new investment through reduced regulation and predictable business policy; increased access to trade and tech schools; and educational excellence for every student in an accountable, results-focused environment.

As a blue-collar worker my whole life, this past Labor Day weekend I reflected with gratitude and thanks for all the men and women who serve our communities in so many ways. Whether as teachers, retail clerks, mechanics, truck drivers, fishing guides or public servants, thank you for choosing to fill these jobs that help make our communities safe, strong and prosperous. You show each of us the dignity and humanity of people pulling together to serve the common cause of our district, taking care of our neighbors and our shared concerns.

As your senator, I promise to faithfully represent you, to show up for work, every day without excuse, and to reason, debate and vote on the important matters facing our district and state. I will support only laws that serve our people, not ones that constrain our liberty or ability to enjoy the fruits of our labor. I will strive to be a bridge builder with other members of the Legislature to strengthen our district’s voice across Alaska.

I learned in a long public safety career to listen to people, to choose my words carefully, to cautiously assess situations involving strong disagreement and turmoil, and to act with courage, self-control and decisiveness. I will bring this same approach to my work representing you in Juneau and throughout Alaska.

I am blessed and thankful to have a strong and diverse team of volunteers in the Mat-Su, and from Denali Park to Valdez. The message and spirit of our campaign is resonating with people, and it shows in support and at the polls. I can be reached at doug@massieforstatesenate.com, and would love to hear from you.

I look forward to continuing to earn your vote and trust in the days ahead, and I will be honored to serve District O as your voice in the Alaska Legislature.

Doug Massie is a candidate for Alaska Senate District O and a former director of the Alaska Wildlife Troopers.

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