Thornton: Time for hard conversations

  • By Shauna Thornton
  • Tuesday, August 9, 2016 6:09pm
  • Opinion

“You are what you do, not what you say you’ll do.” — C.G. Jung

Let’s face it — we have all heard about the budget, the PFD cap, massive cuts and a myriad of other woes facing Alaska and our communities this past two years. What is important is what we are doing, not what we are told is being done. This is why I think, “We Deserve Better.”

It is time for rolling up or sleeves, sitting at the table, and having the hard conversations that we all agree need to happen. For this to happen, we need to put egos and special interests aside. Only then can we get down to doing the work for the people. We all have differing views and yet we all can agree on many things. Letters behind names are not going to solve the problems that we are facing as a community or state. It isn’t going to be high power endorsements or fancy ads and signs, but who is actively every day out in our community actively participating and listening to our constituents. I believe that I have the guts, determination, and ability to deliver results based on what I and others know about me the community member and candidate for House District 30.

What I bring to the table:

• Accountability and integrity both to myself and constituents.

• Belief in following the U.S. and Alaska constitution.

• Protecting your PFD.

• Never putting special interests above the people in our district.

• Open, honest, ethical and approachable.

• Forward thinking, problem solver who values common sense.

• Accounting and financial background that will serve our community well.

• First priority is what is best for our community and Alaskans.

• Support term limits and anti-corruption legislation.

• Willingness to sit down and discuss, and negotiate with all sides and positions.

• Protect and enhance educational opportunities for our children and community.

• Explore and implement opportunities to improve our economy both locally and statewide.

I work hard, care deeply and believe that our actions say far more than our words ever will. I am asking for your support because I am that candidate that shows up, does the hard work, and does it each and every day not just during elections, not just when it is convenient, and I will continue to work for each and every one of you 100% of the time. I answer my phone and messages and work hard to get answers and solutions for our community and you as neighbors. This is a time in our lives that will require hard work, open communication, and a willingness to come together and make hard decisions. I have never run from hard work, difficult conversations, or a fight these are qualities that are going to be needed not just to hold a chair, and collect a paycheck at the public’s expense. This is a point in history that the political letters behind our names are meaningless, and our actions will be what take us forward as a community and a state. This candidate is completely accessible:

• Phone: 907-598-1171

• Email: sthorntonforhouse@gmail.com

• Facebook: Shauna Thornton for AK State House- Kenai/Soldotna

• www.shaunathornton.com

We worship together, and we gather for Sunday Dinner. We take our sick children to the doctor, and when someone harmful tries to hurt one of us, we rally. Not every member of the family is the same; we all have different goals, dreams, and desires.

Some are rich, some are poor, some work hard, while some work only to fill a necessity; but the truth is we all have personal struggles, one being no more important than the other. It is time to stop the family feud. We are a family! So let’s set aside our differences and start acting like one.

Shauna Thornton is a Democratic candidate for the Alaska House of Representatives in District 30.

More in Opinion

Sen. Jesse Bjorkman, R-Nikiski, speaks during a joint luncheon of the Kenai and Soldotna Chambers of Commerce in Kenai, Alaska, on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Opinion: Alaskans deserve a real voice in decisions about public land

Like many Alaskans, I was caught off guard when meetings were announced… Continue reading

UAF seismologist Carl Tape, age 9, stands outside on his family’s Fairbanks deck at minus 50 degrees F on Jan. 23, 1989. “Carl was ahead of his time,” said Rick Thoman. “Now people pose in front of the UAF sign.” Photo courtesy Walt Tape
Fuzzy memories of a real Alaska cold snap

More than 35 years have ticked away since I turned my pickup… Continue reading

Larry Persily. (Juneau Empire file photo)
Opinion: Low oil prices a ‘bah humbug’ for state treasury

It’s the season of warm wishes, goodwill, families and friends. It’s a… Continue reading

Seismologist Carl Tape stands at the site of Dome City in summer 2025. Dome City ghosted out many years ago, but not before miners unearthed many fossils, some of which they donated to the University of Alaska. Photo courtesy Ned Rozell
A whale of a mammoth tale

Matthew Wooller couldn’t believe his ears after a California researcher rang his… Continue reading

A vintage Underwood typewriter sits on a table on Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022, at the Homer News in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)
Letters to the editor

Soldotna needs better funding for all student sports An issue that has… Continue reading

Larry Persily. (Juneau Empire file photo)
Opinion: Governor misses the point of fiscal leadership

Gov. Mike Dunleavy, now in his final year in office, has spent… Continue reading

A 1958 earthquake on the Fairweather Fault that passes through Lituya Bay shook a mountaintop into the water and produced a wave that reached 1,740 feet on the hillside in the background, shearing off rainforest spruce trees. Photo courtesy Ned Rozell
A wrinkle beneath the icy face of Alaska

A few days ago, the forces beneath Alaska rattled people within a… Continue reading

Voting booths are filled at the Kenai No. 2 precinct, the Challenger Learning Center of Alaska in Kenai, Alaska, on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Point of View: Alaskans, don’t be duped by the Citizens Voter initiative

A signature drive is underway for a ballot measure officially titled the… Continue reading

A vintage Underwood typewriter sits on a table on Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022, at the Homer News in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)
Letters to the editor

Brine makes life less affordable About a year after the 2024 presidential… Continue reading

Larry Persily. (Juneau Empire file photo)
Opinion: Maybe the 5-day-old leftovers are to blame

I don’t ever throw away leftovers. I figure anything wrapped in petrochemical-based… Continue reading

This figure shows the approximately 2,700 earthquakes that occurred in Southcentral Alaska between Sept. 10 and Nov. 12, 2025. Also shown are the locations of the two research sites in Homer and Kodiak. Figure by Cade Quigley
The people behind earthquake early warning

Alders, alders, everywhere. When you follow scientists in the Alaska wilderness, you’ll… Continue reading

Patricia Ann Davis drew this illustration of dancing wires affected by air movement. From the book “Alaska Science Nuggets” by Neil Davis
The mystery of the dancing wires

In this quiet, peaceful time of year, with all the noisy birds… Continue reading