31.0°

Sustainability, maintaining quality of lifestyle, life-long learning, independence, and open communication include my vision for the people of my district and Alaska. I am not a professional politician, nor, do I desire to become one. I feel that we all have a civic duty at some time in our life to give back to the community with our time and energy to make a better place for all. I feel that I can accomplish this.

My vision for this area is one that enhances the lifestyle of our community through sustainability. We must work hard to keep the quality of life that we have and that we value. The Kenai Peninsula is unique and diversified and offers myriad opportunities. As an avid hunter and fisherman, I appreciate the opportunity to pursue fish and game. But, that is just one aspect of why life here is unique and fulfilling. Each one of us values this place in our own way. We all want to see this place remain unique for future generations.

However, I find in visiting door-to-door, there are people in many different circumstances. Some have lost a good paying job, others are looking for work, while others would like to see the preservation of the quality of life they have. Affordability is a huge concern for many folks. They worry about providing food for their family, heat for their homes and how their financial future will look. When people can afford to live in their homes, quality of life is enhanced. These are factors that affect sustainability.

Legislators should be proactive. Operating the state from a reactive basis is like putting band aids on an artery that has burst. Sustainable development, that which carries us through ups and downs, affordable health care access, and preserving a healthy environment are part of my vision for this area and the state. The people are what make our communities livable and viable. The energy of one multiplied by many thousand sharing common goals and visions make this community the success it is. The sense of compassion and caring for others defines us.¿¿¿¿

With a slumping economy that affects all of us, people may have to find ways to go back to basics. Alaskans have an advantage because many have developed an independent lifestyle, and, have a better ability to withstand the continued erosion of our monetary standard. Alaskans have a can-do spirit and I see that wherever I go. The determination is there to survive and we leave no illusions behind us. There are no quick fixes, but, Alaskans have always risen to the occasion because they have learned to be independent and are take charge type individuals.

What the government can do is to make sure it is providing access to the survival tools needed, that education is available for life-long learning and that cooperation and sharing are part of the picture. Legislators need to make sure Alaskans are receiving their fair and clear share of resources. As I've said in my campaign literature, the legislature is not a game, legislators are there to work together to create a better Alaska.

Communication is important at all levels. Communication between neighbors, school and community leaders, government officials, as well as communication between our representatives and the people of our district. Communication needs to be open and honest. ¿¿

Positive, open communication will be my goal as I work for a better Alaska. I believe we should focus on jobs, energy needs, health care issues, and equitable funding for education. Legislators must work hard to promote a sustainable quality of life on the peninsula as well as for the state of Alaska. ¿¿

As an educator, parents trusted me to teach their children and to help them find direction. I believe I can turn the legislature around to find the positive direction that helps the people of my district and all of Alaska. ¿¿

My goal is to work with other legislators, no matter the party, to find ways to make sure our future is sustainable, that communication is open, that we protect our environment for future generations, that we provide opportunity for jobs, and that our residents feel safe and secure.

I would be honored to have your vote and I pledge to work hard for open and honest representation for the people on the peninsula.