I am a chief proponent of renewable energy in the Legislature. I sponsored net metering legislation that encourages individuals to produce alternative energy. I will introduce legislation to decrease our dependency on liquid fossil fuels such as energy efficient motor and appliance replacement programs. I supported restructuring oil taxes resulting in billions of dollars in surplus to put towards diversifying our economy. I introduced mining tax reform legislation so Alaskans get our fair share for all our non-renewable resources.

I support creation of non-conventional job opportunities for Alaskans such as high-tech manufacturing and wood pellet manufacturing.

Fair Education Funding

The primary duty of state government is educating our children -- a responsibility I take very seriously. I was a member of the task force that instituted education funding that reflects the higher cost of education in rural school districts such as the Kenai Peninsula. For the first time ever we effectively forward-funded education by instituting an automatic annual increase.

I am an active defender of programs to improve the quality of education such as the teacher mentoring and public school performance incentive programs. I will continue to work to provide our schools with the tools they need to educate our children, increase vocational education and widen voluntary pre-K educational opportunities.

Protect Our Environment

I work to protect the environment in all my policy decisions. I was able to require companies applying to build a natural gas pipeline to address carbon emissions. I was a sponsor of legislation that ensures we can maintain a fleet of fisherman responders in case of an oil spill. I have introduced mixing zone legislation to protect the quality of water in streams with spawning fish. I will continue to fight to protect our pristine natural environment by working on more stringent water quality and permitting standards.

Health Care Access and Affordability

Residents of District 35 deserve access to health care without breaking the bank. I am a strong supporter of providing services to low income families. I supported SVT's dental program, which includes senior care, and consistently push for increasing Denali Kid Care. I was instrumental in getting the Anchor Point Health Clinic off the ground and am working with Cooper Landing to establish a community clinic. I have worked on legislation to provide workers in our vital industries with good working conditions and wages, such as legislation limiting mandatory overtime for nurses. I will work with the Feds to address Medicare/Medicaid compensation rates so that our seniors can stay in the community.

Sharing Alaska's Wealth with Our Communities

I believe local people know best the needs of their community. I have been a strong supporter of sharing state revenue with communities and worked hard to get unincorporated communities recognized for the valuable social services they provide by including them in revenue sharing. I advocated for the state to take on the retirement debt that was crippling municipalities and school districts, and worked to reform the system to make it sustainable. I will continue to provide support for local people to address the needs of their communities.

Staying in Touch and Listening

I communicate weekly during session by an e-mail newsletter to keep you informed so you can contribute to the debate on issues in a timely manner. I listen and respond to your suggestions and concerns. One of my major legislation achievements this session was brought to me by local ski club members.

I was able to pass a trails bill that promotes recreational use on private land while protecting land owners from frivolous lawsuits. I will continue to look to you, my constituents, for input, ideas and suggestions, and bring your voice to Juneau.

Thank you for your input and contributions during my six years as your state representative. I need your vote on Nov. 4 so together we can continue to work together to make a difference.