On Tuesday, Nov. 8, elections will be held for U.S. House and Senate, Alaska Legislature and the Alaska governor.
To help inform voters, the Homer News will introduce the southern peninsula candidates, show their answers to a group of questions and give them an opportunity to make their pitch on why you should elect them. This week, we introduce the candidates.
For House District 6 covering the southern Kenai Peninsula, incumbent Sarah Vance, R-Homer, is being challenged by Homer residents Louie Flora and Ginger Bryant.
Sarah L. Vance, 43, was born in Texas and has lived in Homer from the age of 10, minus six years living Outside on the Vance family farm. She has lived in Homer about 27 years.
Contact information: votesarahvance@gmail.com; sarahvance.org
Education: A.A.S Small Business Management, University of Alaska, 2000; A.A. Biblical Studies, Word to the World College, 2002; A.A. Accounting, University of Alaska Anchorage, 2004; Certificate in Massage Therapy, Parkland College, 2008
Current Occupation: Homemaker of 20 years
Previous occupations or businesses: NCTMB LMT, Renu Bodyworks
Other professional experience: Member of Alaska Food & Farm Caucus; member of Alaska Outdoor Heritage Caucus; member of Alaska House Republican Caucus; and member of the local Transportation Working Group.
Elected or appointed experience: Member of House Judiciary Committee; House State Affairs Committee; House Special Committee on Fisheries; former member of House Special Committee on Tribal Affairs; and associated budget subcommittees. Alaska State Chair for National Association of Christian Lawmakers; Chair of Committee on Human Dignity for NACL; Member of National Conference of State Legislatures Redistricting and Elections Committee; and Member of Council of State Government Western Agriculture & Water Committee.
Community service: Volunteer for Relay for Life; Green Room Mom in the Homer Nutcracker Production; volunteer in various church projects and mission work around the world.
Hobbies or interests: Knitwear design, knitting winter garments for my family, crocheting amigurumi toys for my children, quilting, baking, hiking, camping, anything creative and fun with my family!
Personal statement:
“Growing up in Homer has instilled in me a deep love for our state. I want to bring back the character of small-town Alaska that is safe, vibrant, and bursting with opportunity. I am running for re-election to the Alaska State House to continue the work I was elected to do; to fight for the will of the people, follow the law and pursue good governance.
My office motto is: Let me see what I can do to help you! Good governance goes far beyond legislation but includes prioritizing what matters to you most. Projects like the Homer Deep Water Port, granting an easement for the historical Watermelon Trail and advocating for accountability within the Alaska Department of Fish & Game ensures your family can enjoy the Alaska you love for generations to come! No games. No gimmicks. I offer simple representation.
Some of my priorities include repealing the confusing Ranked Choice Voting scheme, passing the No Patient Left Alone Act so you can have a loved one by your side in a healthcare facility, strengthening laws against sexual predators, enacting a long-term fiscal plan and restoring the Permanent Fund Dividend. There is still much more work to be done to advance Alaska!”
