Tuesday is an important day for Alaskans. I will not campaign until after the primary so that constituents can learn the most they can about issues they will be considering next week. Of the hard won rights we enjoy in our great country, I appreciate the right to vote as the most important of our country’s symbols of freedom.

I have actively served the community and I am honored and humbled to serve as your District O Senator. Constituents have been engaged and supportive by attending my standing room-only town halls, answering surveys in record numbers and feeling free to contact me regularly in the office or at the supermarket. I strive to be always available for my constituents, approachable and caring about their concerns whether or not we completely agree on every issue.

This job is clearly the most important I have ever had. I try to be there for each community need. I attended nearly every Funny River Fire meeting, support high water victims in the K-Beach area and attend most community meetings. As a family, we actively support schools, seniors, veterans, families, first responders and community causes. Many of you know me, my wife and our children and about our commitment to the Kenai Peninsula and Alaska … in fact, it’s what we do as a family.

We have delivered on important district needs from playgrounds to teen centers, fire stations to football fields, library expansions, stable education funding, public safety and better roads; while always focusing on quality, more cost-effective, essential state services.

My priorities in the Legislature can be divided into four key areas;

• sustainable levels of government revenue,

• the reduction of spending to sustainable levels,

• quality essential services for Alaskans, with adequate funding for families and individuals that simply need our support, and

• creative solutions to facilitate the success of key industries for good jobs today and well into the future for our kids and grandkids.

My priorities also include a statewide affordable energy plan and my key legislation has been focused on public health and safety, consumer protection, access to public lands and recreation and protection for the natural resources we hold so dear.

I place people before politics and continuously demonstrate that District O Alaskans come first. I work for you. I am always available. I fight for the people of my district. It brings me the most satisfaction when constituents thank me for listening to and hearing them.

I am pro-responsible development, yet unwilling to sacrifice our unique quality-of-life, healthy fish and clean water. I am proudly conservative; however place District O needs before party politics. When necessary, I vote independently while maintaining positive legislative relationships.

The Peninsula did very well over the last two very successful, influential years in Juneau. I served on a record number of key committees. I work well on both sides of the aisle. In fact, of 9 pieces of legislation that have become law I received nearly unanimous support from the 60 Legislators with 538 positive of 540 possible votes. I am idealistic, but pragmatic. I kept every pledge to the people of the Kenai. My background in business, energy and fisheries served our state very well. We have accomplished much, but have more to do to ensure a positive path for future generations of Alaskans.

I am asking you again for your vote and active support for a second term in the Alaska Senate. In the meantime, I’m always available at the office, on e-mail or at 398-6759 if my staff or I can help you in any way with state constituent issues.