As a senior and senior citizen advocate, I pay attention to political races in areas other than my local District 31.

The representation by Sen. Peter Micciche is of particular importance to Senate District O, senior citizens and all Alaskans.

Sen. Peter Micciche is the Republican leader of the senate majority. This position is sandwiched between a governor who detests the concept of a PFD, let alone paying the dividend to residents and an out-of-control, rogue house with turncoat Republicans, that is determined to take the full PFD, create new taxes, attack senior citizens and spend without consideration for the impact on the state budget.

Sen. Micciche has had to use every legislative skill and option at his disposal to keep the PFD program intact, prevent total justice system chaos by refusing to allow the total watering down of bills like SB91 and restraining the house and governor from ruining the state beyond redemption. He has fought to maintain a balance to keep Alaskans hopeful until this election cycle, where we have the ability to take back control of the house, senate and governor’s office.

The Senate Majority leader will then have the political presence and legislative might to restore the PFD, redo the weak on crime SB91, actually reduce the state budget and put Alaska back on the path to economic recovery.

The abhorrent personal attacks on the senator by the opposition party, trolls and persons with little knowledge of the Alaska political system are deplorable. They are designed for the ulterior motive of diminishing the influence of the Republican party in the legislature so the door to full PFD seizure, high taxes and rampant liberal crime bills can be opened. Political discourse is good, questioning candidates is good, but do it yourself, don’t rely on those who would like to lead lemmings off the cliff for their own political cause.

Do what I did, take the Senator up on his offer: Call him. I did just that and guess what? He took the call. It was refreshing. No bragging, just facts. No rumors but, first-hand direct response to questions. Too many are using the “I heard,” “Someone said.” Try listening to the senator’s own words.

Sen. Micciche is stuck between two pieces of moldy bread and needs the help of all Alaskans to make them toast and bring the House and governor’s office back to Alaska.

Senior citizens especially need the leadership Sen. Micciche. The governor and house members like Paul Seaton are constantly trying to use senior citizens as the scapegoat for the state budget shortfalls. Raising taxes on Seniors, reducing the budgets for state Senior agencies and changing the needs requirement for senior programs to eliminate needy seniors from the rolls are their methods.

Sen. Micciche is committed to standing in front of Seniors as a champion for seniors statewide. We cannot surrender that type of leadership to a group that has tax, seize and tax as its mantra. I encourage you to listen carefully and return Sen. Micciche to the Senate leadership with PFD, anti-crime, economic growth Republican legislators, in the House and governor’s office. Even if you cannot vote for the senator, drop him a note of support.

— Peter T. Zuyus, Homer