Between the three of us, we have had the privilege of serving Alaska as governor for a total of 16 years. We come from different political backgrounds, have different perspectives and have not always agreed on issues facing our state.

But we share a deep commitment to Alaska and its future. That is why we are coming together to support Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins (JKT) for governor.

Each of us knows firsthand that governing Alaska is no easy task. It requires difficult decisions, sound judgment and the ability to bring people together to respond to the challenges you didn’t see coming. Above all, it requires putting Alaska’s interest ahead of partisan politics.

Today our state faces serious challenges. Families are struggling with skyrocketing costs of food, fuel and energy. Schools are under tremendous strain, losing teachers and students. Infrastructure continues to deteriorate. These challenges demand more than political promises. They demand thoughtful leadership, a willingness to work with the public and the Legislature to bring real change.

JKT has not just expressed a willingness to bring Alaskans together but has demonstrated a record of doing just that. During his time in the Legislature, he earned a reputation for working across party lines, listening to different perspectives and approaching complex issues with thoughtfulness, respect and independence.

Alaskans, faced with the challenges of today, need to know specifically what Jonathan will focus on from day one. He is genuine and honest in his straightforward answers. Here are some of those commitments:

Reverse the decline of public education. Fully fund public education and pass a constitutional amendment to forward fund education, putting an end to the annual budget guessing game of laying teachers off only to hire them back. Pay teachers fairly to attract and retain the best educators in the country.

Protect our fisheries. Rein in bottom trawl bycatch, support balance on the state Board of Fisheries and ensure it is not dominated by any one user group. Nominate Alaskans to the North Pacific Fishery Management Council who support the interests of Alaska-based fishermen and coastal communities. Prioritize restoring the crashed Chinook runs in the Yukon, Kuskokwim, Kenai and other SouthcentralAlaska rivers.

Fix our infrastructure. Build and maintain roads, airports and airstrips, bridges, power plants and ports. Rebuild the Alaska Marine Highway System and create an independent, non-political governing board.

Reduce healthcare costs and keep Alaskans safe. Protect Medicaid expansion. Support first responders by funding and equipping our police, fire and emergency medical personnel.

Balance the budget, beginning by constitutionally protecting the entirety of the Permanent Fund from overspending so that it may continue to grow for future generations.

As former governors, we understand the weight of the responsibility that comes with leading this state. We are proud to stand together in support of Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, and we encourage Alaskans of every political affiliation to join us.

Tony Knowles, a Democrat, served from 1994 to 2002. Frank H. Murkowski, a Republican, served from 2002 to 2006. Bill Walker, an independent, served from 2014 to 2018.