State House candidates make their pitch to voters

Alaska House District 1 candidates Dan Ortiz and Jeremy Bynum took turns at a Ketchikan community forum on Oct. 13 promoting why they deserve to win the Nov. 8 election for the district that represents Ketchikan, Wrangell, Prince of Wales Island and Metlakatla.

About 50 people attended the forum, which was moderated by Ketchikan Gateway Borough Attorney Glenn Brown.

Ortiz, the incumbent, drew nearly all of his answers and arguments back to his experience and accomplishments; his experience working with other legislators for the past eight years; and his experience as a Southeast Alaska resident for the past 55 years.

In his opening remarks, he emphasized that point, drawing a contrast with Bynum: "My opponent lacks the broad base of understanding and experience in knowing the people and communities and economic drivers of the region. Jeremy is a six-year resident of Alaska, and while he has a background in the area of energy, and specifically hydropower, his relatively recent arrival in Alaska would handicap his ability to effectively represent all of the district."

Ortiz also noted that if re-elected, "there is a very good chance that I will be able to serve the next two years as the co-chair of the House Finance Committee," given his service as the vice chair of the committee for the past four years. Coupled with Sitka Sen. Bert Stedman's likely re-election, he argued that would give Southeast Alaska communities extremely strong representation in drafting the state budget, and could make it easier for communities to receive federal and state funding.

Bynum, in his opening remarks, argued that Ortiz has been a more passive force in the Legislature than the community needs. Bynum said he would be a more forcible advocate.

"I'm running because I think we can do better," said Bynum. "We're not gonna nice our way to success for District 1. We're just not. We need someone that's willing to do more than take notes and write reports. We will not achieve our goals by falling in line, taking roll and voting with a quiet voice. We need to fight for our district, fight for our families, our businesses, our way of life."

In their policy attitudes, the two often agreed on the importance of funding the Alaska Marine Highway System, investing in education, and supporting mariculture and fisheries.

As both candidates concluded their remarks for the evening, Ortiz noted their similarities while accentuating what he argued is their key difference.

"In closing, my opponent presents small differences from myself on policy goals. But the difference between us in terms of experience, established regional relationships and record of district-wide dedication is very significant," Ortiz concluded. "I remind you that I've always caucused (joined House bipartisan coalitions) for the overall best interests of Southeast Alaska. Jeremy has stated he would only caucus with a majority (composed) of Republicans. I will protect and enhance the key economic drivers in our region. ... and I pledge relentlessly to support our Alaska Marine Highway System."

Bynum in his closing remarks pointed out that his experience with energy and serving on the Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly would make him more of an asset if elected than Ortiz suggested.

"I ask the question again: What do you want from your representation? Status quo? Or do you want an aggressive brand of advocacy - the kind of advocacy that will get the job done for District 1?" said Bynum.