Our future depends on education that focuses on the fundamentals. I believe a strong vocations program should be part of the Alaska education system; our kids deserve schools that will prepare them for Alaskan jobs.
I am committed to education funding, protecting school programs, increasing Career Technical Education (CTE) opportunities, and fostering teacher development. Ensuring adequate and stable long-term funding for education is essential for our community’s future; this includes a permanent increase in state funding, which is crucial to provide consistent support for our schools.
Protecting teachers and educational programs, including activities, art, and music, is vital, as they form the backbone of student engagement, leading to better outcomes. New teachers are the future, and we must focus on ensuring they have opportunities for growth and development within our schools. Experienced teachers play a key role in mentoring and supporting our new teachers, fostering long-term stability in our local teaching workforce.
We should be investing in and advocating for increased access to CTE and similar programs. This will offer students practical pathways to in-demand jobs, addressing workforce needs in Alaska. CTE programs create a direct pipeline from education to advanced training opportunities and employment, preparing students for careers in high-paying jobs.
Stable funding ensures these programs can thrive, benefiting students and the local economy. By focusing on these areas, we can build a robust educational system that supports teachers, engages students, and meets our state’s future workforce demands.
I will keep working to ensure that housing is a priority, as it directly impacts our ability to keep families in our community, influences our economy by attracting and retaining workers, and improves the quality of life for everyone. I will support legislation that invests in infrastructure for roads and utilities to open up areas where the state has fallen short, such as selling land without access. We need investment in unfinished subdivisions like Mud Bight, Mountain Point, and other areas throughout our communities. By addressing these critical infrastructure needs, we can unlock the potential for new housing development, ensuring that more families can find affordable and suitable homes.
Our building industries are key to solving our housing challenges, given the opportunity to access buildable land and develop ways to lower shipping costs. The state can help the local community by reducing barriers and investing in infrastructure to gain access to these areas. By providing access to land, our local builders and developers can be more efficient and provide cost-effective housing that benefits everyone in our communities.
This investment not only benefits our residents but also strengthens our local economy by making all our communities more attractive places for businesses to thrive. Investing in infrastructure related to housing is essential for the long-term growth and prosperity of our community and will pay dividends for future generations.
The Permanent Fund belongs to the people and it should be protected to ensure that it will benefit all Alaskans equally.
Alaska should have effective government; it should meet the needs of Alaskans while prioritizing programs that increase efficiency, provide better outcomes, and position us for the future.
Southeast Alaska communities depend on reliable and consistent ferry service. I will work to ensure the ferry system is protected and improved for future generations.
I have worked in energy and hydropower generation for over twenty years. I understand that reliable and affordable electricity is vital for our growth. I will ensure that Alaska continues to invest in our communities through energy development.