Legislature Candidates Guide
needs of all Alaskans. Continuing to use the PFD as a scapegoat to balance our budget is the most regressive tax that can be imposed on Alaskans. We must look into expanding our revenue options wherever we can. Nothing should be off the table. Senate District D David Wilson, Republican Candidate My name is David Wilson, and I have had the pleasure to represent Alaska’s Senate District D since 2017. Prior to serving in the Senate, I served as a City Councilman in Wasilla. I am a principled, common-sensed Republican and liberty-oriented conser- vative. I moved to Alaska over 20 years ago and married a lifelong Alaskan who grew up on the Lower Yukon River. I have degrees in education, psycholo- gy, and an MBA with a concentration in health service administration. I am a motivated but personable business pro- fessional with diverse experience. I have been one of the most effective legislators in the state. Acting with in- tegrity, honesty, and experience, I have promoted legislation and policies that support our families and ensure a bright and healthy future for all of Alaska. One on my top priorities is economic development. A strong economy means a stronger Alaska. We have abundant natural resources, a trained workforce, and developed transportation routes. I look forward to ensuring our state remains competitive in economic devel- opment and job creation by continuing to advocate for responsible investments in infrastructure. Over the past few of years, I have served as Chairman of the Senate Health & Services Committee and passed legis- lation to increase access for behavioral health while lowering cost to the state. We must continue to address behavior- al health. It is time to rethink how our public safety, social services, and health care communities respond to individuals with behavioral health issues. There is a growing need for coordination among law enforcement and health care pro- fessionals in order to properly treat individuals suffering from behavioral health issues, to provide access to quali- ty care, and to ensure funds are used to provide effective treatment. I ask for your continued trust and vote on November 3rd.
Senate District F Senator Shelley Hughes, Republican Candidate I’ve lived in Alaska 44 years and in Palmer 30 years, and with my husband, Rock, raised 4 children – and now have 8 grandchildren. With 4 years in the House and 3+ years in the Senate, I’m known as a fighter for Alaska’s best future. With my solid work ethic, fiscal understanding, trustworthy leadership record, and consensus-building abil- ities, I am stepping up once again to serve and be held accountable. My first career as a busy stay-at- home mom involved at the local level, taught me why what happens in Juneau is so important. In the 1970’s-80’s, I lived in Hoonah, Bethel, Fort Yukon, Fairbanks, and Seward where I gained a statewide perspective, now helpful in the Senate. My second career began after a 1990 move to Palmer, a university degree, a small business, and project contracts. I was an in-district aide then a policy affairs director in the private sector. With countless Juneau and D.C. trips, I learned the legislative process and hit the ground running when I begin serv- ing. Currently our state government’s size and cost is disproportional to our small population and economic output. We must fix both sides of this equation: 1) we must restructure government so it serves us well and is affordable and sustainable; 2) we must unleash the potential of the private sector by reduc- ing obstacles, increasing responsible resource development, providing neces- sary capital infrastructure, and opening opportunities for economic diversifica - tion and emerging industries. As I’ve said before (and the pun is indeed intended), we’ve barely “scratched the surface” when it comes to mining. Alaska holds important keys to the US reducing dependence on foreign mines, such as for rare earth minerals. My door is open to learn what policymakers can do to open up mining opportunities.
WILSON
HUGHES
33
October 2020
The Alaska Miner
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