Campaign Issues

Put Alaskans to work

Put Alaskans to work: Oil & Gas - As a truck driver on the pipeline, I remember what it took to make sure Alaska residents were included on the biggest project Alaska has ever known. I worked all three years of pipeline construction, and remember how difficult finding work was after it was over. Alaskans know how to work, are not afraid to work, and all Alaskans who want a job should be put to work. I will work with the Governor to bring everyone to the table to ensure we get a gas-line built and other energy-based projects that work for Alaskans and put Alaskans to work.

Put Alaskans to Work: Build Homegrown Businesses - I put Alaskans to work in the film industry at a time when the value of the dollar was drawing film producers to Canada. Many Alaskans have the innovation and knowhow to create jobs in Alaska if they have the support and incentives. I succeeded in hiring Alaskans out to film and commercial projects nationwide, and landed work for Alaskans as far away as New Zealand, while attracting projects from Chile, Europe and Asia.

Alaskans are resourceful and continually create and grow small businesses that put Alaskans to work.  We can be more active in building and supporting our home-grown businesses. The old paradigm of big development vs. quality of life is a false choice; as Lieutenant Governor I'll work to embrace both ideas while we create a revenue stream that can jump-start a rapid expansion of new Alaska-based businesses. We can think globally and grow locally.

Put Alaskans to Work: Train and Educate Alaskans - While running the talent agency I found some folks weren’t ready or lacked the experience to work, so I worked to train and prepare them by sharing expertise, and by bringing in topnotch facilitators in the industry to make them eligible for work. I will carry that belief in Alaskans and fight to build our own workforce at home.  I believe when we invest in Alaska’s higher education system, job training, rehabilitation and adult education, we make Alaska stronger. 

Safety and Education

Safety and Education: Taking Care of Our Children - I know firsthand the importance of good foster homes, safe children's homes, and food on the table.  Having gone through the foster home, boarding school and children’s home system, I am motivated to protect, educate and inspire our children.  That is why I not only took in and raised a foster child but have advocated and educated others on behalf of the safety of children, including healing child sexual abuse.

I will work with the Governor and the legislature to ensure that we have better operating children’s services, after- school and early-education programs, and increased and better monitored foster care.  Denali Kid Care and Internet safety training is a must for growing, healthy Alaskan children.

Safety and Education: Curb Violence Against Women - As a survivor of violence, I faced the challenges of recovery with little support; and learned how silence feeds the problem.  For over two decades I have been speaking across the nation to help inspire other women with their recovery, educate officials such as Attorneys Generals and Probation Officers to the realities of victims, and assist groups with educational media on the issue.

As Lieutenant Governor, I'd like not only to keep this issue on the front burner, but also to end the record violence against women. As a survivor and having taught at the University on issues of violence against women, I do have a unique and educated perspective that can help improve our approach to dealing with this critical issue, an issue that devastates both urban and rural Alaska.

Honoring Veterans and Military Families

As a mother of a severely wounded warrior I know the difficulties faced by military families.  Spending several months at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, I witnessed not only the bravery of the wounded, but also the struggles of the spouses and families with the system. Although my son lost both his legs and suffered other injuries, I was inspired to see him rise up and ski, scuba dive, hand-cycle and live.  But he had the support of determined family.  Sadly, not everyone has that.

I know that our country is only as good as our treatment of Veterans. As the only candidate who has had to contend with the trauma of war, I, as Lieutenant Governor, would do all in my power to improve outreach to our Veterans, and help to make Alaska’s existing veterans health care system a model for improved state-level care and joint services for veterans and military families.

Ethics, Elections & Accountability

I believe so strongly that people have to be held accountable that I stood up, under my rights as a citizen, and demanded from the Congressional Committee on Standards of Official Conduct to open an investigation of ethical impropriety, specifically involving Coconut Grove and language changes in an earmark of the 06 Federal Transportation bill after the bill had passed. 

It is past time for us to restore confidence in Alaska state government. As we move further into the 21st Century, Alaskans need to feel confident that their state government officials will possess the integrity to initiate real reforms, not for their own self-interest, but for the good of all our citizens. That's why I will return the Lt. Governor position to its first priority, ensuring all Alaskans have clear voting opportunities, and will update our election process. I will support reforms that hold our elected officials to a higher standard and ultimately increase the public's trust in government.