As voters in Alaska’s District 6, we have a clear choice in the upcoming election: reelect Rep. Sarah Vance, a proven advocate for conservative values and fiscal responsibility, or support Brent Johnson, a candidate whose record on taxes and spending raises concerns about the direction he would take our district.

Sarah Vance has consistently stood up for policies that reflect the needs of our district, including opposing unnecessary tax increases and protecting the rights of Alaska’s families, especially our seniors. She has remained firm on reducing the size of government and keeping taxes low to ensure that working Alaskans aren’t burdened with additional financial stress. Her decision to not override the governor’s veto to increase public education funding was not an attack on education, but a recognition that throwing more money at the system without meaningful reform won’t solve underlying issues.

In contrast, Brent Johnson has a track record of sponsoring or supporting new taxes during his time on the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly. Johnson’s stance on issues like education funding, while admirable in its intentions, would rely heavily on tax hikes or not funding other line items in the budget, which would cause some services to not be funded. His long-standing support for measures that included more taxation shows that, if elected, he would push for higher taxes without guaranteeing better outcomes for Alaskans.

Vance, on the other hand, has always championed sensible policies that balance the need for services with the importance of fiscal responsibility. Her dedication to education reform, not just increased spending, demonstrates her pragmatic approach to improving our schools without saddling taxpayers with additional burdens.

As we near Election Day, let’s rally behind a candidate who has unwaveringly served our district and live our conservative values. Sarah Vance has shown her steadfast commitment to our district and our state, and with your support, she will continue to lead with integrity and dedication in the State House.

Cassie Lawver was born and raised in Alaska, with her family having deep roots in the Kenai area. She has been living in the Homer area for over 15 years.