Why we need Ben Carpenter for State House

Captain Ben Carpenter has led troops in battle in Iraq and Afghanistan, showing that he can handle tense and demanding situations while thinking on his feet.

He has been married to his lovely wife Ameye for 23 years, showing he understands the concept of commitment and how to see things through. Together they have four great kids, and having met a few of them, I have to say I’m impressed with the product of their home life and the efforts that have obviously been consistently applied throughout their upbringing.

It’s no wonder the military has decorated Capt. Carpenter with so many medals!

If you’re going to do something, you may as well do it right, and he has a proven lifelong track record of just such a paradigm. He has the experience and age to know what his values are and what he wants to accomplish so that what he says, he means. He’s shown a long track record as a man of his word and of rock solid dependability.

Ben wants to repeal SB 91 and replace it with effective legislation. Instead of lowering the bar and just turning a blind eye when heinous acts are committed, he will punish wrongdoing and end the revolving door policy of our prisons. Ben says, “Three strikes and you’re out!”

Ben recognizes that state spending for government services cannot be funded in ever-increasing amounts and that taxpayers need relief. Instead of kicking the can down the road, he wants to address and problem head-on with innovative actions. He wants to balance the budget and keep taxes low. Instead of wanting new revenue streams, he realizes that we have a greater problem of governmental overspending that needs to be reeled in right away.

Political hobnobbers typically want to expand government in every way, but Ben wants to shrink the size and scope of government. He is opposed to any income tax, and wants to return the entire PFD to the people and protect the dividend with a Constitutional amendment.

Ben says, “We have a desperate need for ordinary citizens who possess common sense, a functioning moral compass, and an ability to solve problems to stand up and lead for a time, and then sit down.”

It’s time we replace the status quo with new perspectives, new commitment and a tenacious drive to return us to a balanced budget and a sensible government. Ben Carpenter has my support; can he count on yours?

— Dr. Greg Madden, Soldotna