Wrangell Sentinel -

BERT STEDMAN (R)

Why are you running for this seat in the Alaska State Senate?

I’m running for re-election to continue building a positive future for Southeast. We have many needs in our region such as living wage jobs, access to resources, affordable energy and reliable transportation to name a few. As other regions in the state grow in population, Southeast Alaska is losing representation in the legislature. Therefore, it is extremely important that we elect effective, results-oriented legislators to represent our interests in Juneau. My nine years in the Senate, including six years as the Co-Chair of the Finance Committee, has resulted in a proven record of working hard to successfully increase economic opportunity, develop more sources of energy, upgrade our public infrastructure, and provide good schools in safe communities throughout Southeast.

What do you believe are the two most pressing issues affecting Southeast Alaska, and particularly the City and Borough of Wrangell?

Jobs and access to more affordable energy are the two most pressing issues affecting every community in Southeast. Since the early 1990s, Wrangell has lost a third of its population primarily due to jobs lost in the timber industry. In order to bring back more living wage jobs that can support families, we must continue to build out the boat yard, develop our natural resources such as timber and mining, maintain sustainable fisheries, encourage tourism and lower the cost of energy.

How will you encourage economic development in the City and Borough of Wrangell?

I’ve had many opportunities to see how my role in the legislature can encourage economic development. I successfully advocated for needed projects such as the boat yard and travel lift, the construction of Heritage Harbor, and Chief Shakes House. I will encourage more projects like these and others supported by the local community. I believe one of my main roles as a legislator is to listen to local assemblies, councils and mayors when making decisions regarding funding for economic development projects. If it’s important to the community and a good investment for the state, I will be a strong advocate. Providing more affordable energy is another requirement for encouraging and maintaining economic development in Wrangell and throughout Southeast.

How do you view renewable energy opportunities in Southeast Alaska? Do you believe they can create jobs in the region?

Hydroelectric power is the most reliable and accessible source of renewable energy in Southeast with the potential to provide competitively priced energy for the region. We must continue to prudently invest in renewable energy projects like hydro in order to provide multi-generational economic relief for our communities. Expanding our generation of hydropower will not only create jobs in the construction and maintenance of individual projects, it will also grow our economy by lowering the cost of living for families and attract new business opportunities.

In one paragraph, can you point out the main difference between the platform of you and your opponent?

I have spent the last nine years in the Senate improving our economic opportunities, promoting the development of our key industries and investing in our energy infrastructure. As a result of my six consecutive years as Co-Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, I’ve developed a proactive record of providing for the needs of our residents. Most of our challenges require a strong partnership between state and local governments. I have a history of working closely with local governments to make community priorities a reality.

ALBERT KOOKESH (D)

Why are you running for this seat in the Alaska State Senate?

I am the most experienced person running for this seat with 16 years of legislative experience.

What do you believe are the two most pressing issues affecting Southeast Alaska, and particularly the City and Borough of Wrangell?

Energy and education funding. We need to make sure that hydro is sufficiently provided for the community of Wrangell. On education the base student allocation has to rise in the next legislative session. I believe in a separate funding path for technology in the schools; and a separate path for energy funding for school needs.

How will you encourage economic development in the City and Borough of Wrangell?

We can work to bring more cruise ships into Wrangell. The cruise ship industry can play a bigger role in the economic picture of Wrangell, if that is what Wrangell wants. Secondly, low cost energy must be available for all the local businesses in Wrangell. We should explore new industries such as pellet manufacturing in the community.

How do you view renewable energy opportunities in Southeast Alaska? Do you believe they can create jobs in the region?

Yes. Again, a pellet manufacturing plant and support for a local sawmill; and support for the local fishing industry.

In one paragraph, can you point out the main difference between the platform of you and your opponent?

I am a very strong supporter of a defined payment system for a new retirement system in the state. Senator Egan introduced a bill last session with defined benefits and I supported that. My opponent did not. The bill gives two options – a defined benefit package or a 401(K) system. I also have consistently supported money to the base student allocation and forward funding for schools.