Letter to the editor: Why we need Ben Carpenter for State House

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

More in Opinion

Homer Port Director Bryan Hawkins. (Photo provided)
Opinion: The importance of the Homer Harbor expansion

Alaska’s marine trades and service businesses must be on a competitive playing field with other ports and harbors.

Rep. Justin Ruffridge, R-Soldotna, speaks in support of debating an omnibus education bill in the Alaska House Chambers on Monday, Feb. 19, 2024, in Juneau, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
Capitol Corner: HB 69 moves forward, fixes still needed

Rep. Justin Ruffridge reports back from Juneau.

Former Gov. Frank Murkowski speaks on a range of subjects during an interview with the Juneau Empire in May 2019. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)
Opinion: Advisors to the president should be held to the same conflict of interest standards as members of Congress

Musk’s role reminds me of a policy adopted some years ago by members of Congress — both the House and Senate.

Sen. Jesse Bjorkman, R-Nikiski, delivers a legislative update to the joint Kenai and Soldotna Chambers of Commerce in Kenai, Alaska, on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Capitol Corner: Town halls and transportation issues on the agenda

Sen. Jesse Bjorkman reports back from Juneau.

Alaska State House District 7 candidate Rep. Justin Ruffridge participates in the Peninsula Clarion and KDLL 91.9 FM candidate forum at the Soldotna Public Library on Monday, Oct. 14, 2024, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Photo by Erin Thompson/Peninsula Clarion)
Capitol Corner: Serving Alaskans: How my office can help you

Rep. Justin Ruffridge reports back from Juneau.

University of Alaska Anchorage Chancellor Sean Parnell speaks at a celebration of the 60th anniversary of Kenai Peninsula College in Soldotna, Alaska, on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Opinion: KPC offers opportunities and transforms lives

For over 60 years, KPC has created career pathways and served as a trusted community partner.