to the extent that I have input, I will not empower anyone who would sacrifice Alaska’s resource development production to achieve higher government spending. My values are not for sale. I would be honored to have your sup- port in this race, with your vote and your resource, if you’re able to make a contri- bution. House District 25 Mel Gillis, Republican Candidate I’ve lived the Alaska dream and now I’m trying to make sure that our kids and grandkids can live it too. When I came to Alaska in 1965 there were endless opportunities for anyone that was will- ing to work. I worked on Cook Inlet oil platforms and up on the North Slope. I worked construction projects as a mem- ber of the Plasterers and Cement Masons Local 867. I also became a professional hunting guide. I then became the District 25 representative when I was appointed last year. There are two things that are essential ingredients to my story - good jobs and the ability to get out and experi- ence the Alaska dream. Sadly, it has become harder and harder for Alaskans to live that dream. Oppor- tunities for good jobs are being fought by those that resist every effort to open new prospects. Wilderness access is increas- ingly being denied, controlled, and taken away. It’s impossible to experience the wonders of Alaska if you can’t afford the basics and are not allowed to own or access even a little piece of this immense and wonderful place. I will work to assure that you have the opportunities that make our shared dreams possible. Don’t believe the hollow promises of those that say that they are on your side when trying to get elected, and then work to shut everything down when they get in office. We simply can’t afford those kinds of destructive policies. I am a born and raised third-gener- ation Alaskan who literally learned to walk, talk, and ride my bike in the district I am now running to represent. This last fall, I married my wife Heather and we bought the family home. I am running to make sure my family - and yours - have access to the same great opportunities we had growing up here. That means good schools, strong public safety, and eco- nomic opportunities. Calvin Schrage, Democrat Candidate
I am a lifelong non-partisan and worked my way from an intern to the executive director at a small business here in town, Frontier Tutoring. I have served on the local Abbott Loop Commu- nity Council for the last five years and the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce for the last four years. I support investing in Alaska and creating Alaskan jobs, especially with the record-high unemployment we face. To that end, I support responsible resource development and investing in our econ- omy and local projects. Donlin Gold Mine is a great example of what I look for in a development project with buy-in from the local community, a long-term and strategic plan, and environmental safe- guards. I look forward to working together in the Legislature to get Alaskans back to work and ensure our great state is a great place to live, work, and raise a family. House District 26 Laddie Shaw, Republican Candidate I’m running for re-election to the Alaska State House representing the Lower Hillside area in Anchorage. My priorities are to work for an Alas- ka that is safe, prosperous, and bursting with opportunities. Alaska is already bursting with natural resources and has a stellar record of developing those resources responsibly – largely due to the efforts of Alaskans like you and your fellow AMA members. There are some out there who feel that Alaska already has too many mines – some even say that Alaska or parts of Alaska should be forever closed to mining and resource development. I could not disagree more strongly with those people. I believe that Alaska’s economic future depends on developing our resources generally – and on mining specifically. I’m running for my second term, and I’m grateful to have had the sup- port of the Alaska Miners Association. If re-elected, miners can expect to see me continue to support resource develop- ment in Alaska – and you can expect to continue to see me at the weekly AMA breakfasts just as soon as COVID pre- cautions make that possible! Lastly, you can expect that I will always want to hear from you about any concerns you have and how I can help. Thank you for all you do to help keep Alaska’s economy strong!
GILLIS
SCHRAGE
SHAW
44
The Alaska Miner
October 2020
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