Peggy Wilson
Why are you running for this newly created seat in the Alaska State Legislature?
I feel I have a good understanding of the legislative process and know what is reality and what really can be accomplished through legislation. I am not a quitter. I am in this thing for the long haul. Some legislation takes a long while to put in place like my bill forming the SEASWA (Southeast Solid Waste Authority) and another of my bills forming MTAB (Marine Transportation Advisory Board). Capital project funding may be somewhat quicker to take place but all legislation takes time, effort, hard work, and compromise for most of it to happen.
I get along well with both sides of the aisle and work well for the good of all. There is much yet to be done and I feel I am best suited to get it done for Southeast. I don’t feel we have time for a new legislator to learn the ropes. I am well versed in whom to go to for help and have been successful in getting others to come on board with our issues. I understand in which areas it is actually possible to make things happen. It will take a new legislator two to six years to get to where I already am.
I feel I would be a traitor to my area if I were to jump ship at such a crucial time. Our economy could go one-way or the other very easily. Now is not the time to change horses in the middle of the stream. I will be able to deliver almost anything easier and quicker than anyone who is starting out new. I pledge to work hard like I always have in the past for all of the new District 33.
What do you feel are the two most pressing issues affecting Southeast Alaska, and particularly the City and Borough of Wrangell?
Economic growth and jobs are the most pressing issues facing Southeast Alaska. Alaska is and has been focused on oil and fishing. While these economic drivers are very important we also need to diversify. Alaska is a resource driven state. We are fortunate to have mining, timber, oil and gas but we also have hydropower.
In many parts of Southeast Alaska tourism has become a strong economic driver. We must continue to support what we have while constantly looking at ways of stimulating new businesses. We also need to have our young people and our workforce trained to take the new jobs that are created.
How will you work to support the Native corporations throughout the region?
I have a good working relationship with the Native organizations in the area. I listen to their concerns and do my best to help them develop their resources. I meet with their leadership and have been able to jump start projects like Chief Shakes House and the Carving Shed. Making sure the Weatherizing Program is well funded to help bring down heating costs for many has really been a great help. There are other areas that can be pursued more like the IRR (Indian Rural Roads) funds.
What are some of the ways you feel you can encourage economic development in the City and Borough of Wrangell?
I have sponsored many bills that support small business growth and development. I am one of only four legislators in Alaska to have been given the Guardian Award by the National Federation of Independent Business. This award is for a 100 percent positive voting record in favor of small business. Small business employs over one half of the private sector workforce in Alaska. I plan to continue my strong support for small business and work hard to keep regulation roadblocks to business expansion to a minimum.
I have been able to make a big difference in Wrangell's Economy through some of the recent Capital Projects. Heritage Harbor, the Boat Yard and the Boat Haul-out are just a couple. This has made a big difference and there have been new businesses spring up from that initial endeavor. Getting funding for two different years has helped a great deal in the process of working to get a new hospital funded. Hopefully it can continue to fruition. These are all areas that I have made a difference in. I will continue working hard for business development and jobs.
I also support responsible resource development. Whether it is mining, oil, gas, timber, tourism, or fish, I am always there to support businesses that provide jobs and security for our part of the state.
One thing that I have worked on that is important to business is low cost power and transportation infrastructure. Both of these are crucial to attracting business and for growth of business in our area.
Agnes Moran
Why are you running for this newly created seat in the Alaska State Legislature?
We need strong, effective representation in the state legislature to support the work going on in the district and continue diversifying and strengthening our economy. It is an exciting time in the district. Our shipyards are expanding, the mines on Prince of Wales are showing potential, mariculture is developing, the fishing industry is stable and the state micro timber sales are supporting the remaining small timber mills in the area.
What do you feel are the two most pressing issues affecting Southeast Alaska, and particularly the City and Borough of Wrangell?
Jobs and energy are the two most pressing issues facing Southeast Alaska. Increased access to affordable energy is necessary to sustain existing industry and to attract new jobs. Energy is key to supporting seafood processing activities, the remaining small timber mills, shipyard expansion, mining, mariculture, and maritime. We can’t diversify and grow our economy without affordable energy.
How will you work to support the Native corporations throughout the region?
Native corporations in Southeast Alaska are an important segment of our economy. I will work to support the efforts of all residents of Southeast Alaska to promote responsible economic development.
What are some of the ways you feel you can encourage economic development in the City and Borough of Wrangell?
The role of a representative is to support the work going on in a community by listening to concerns of the local residents and addressing issues.
Ensuring that Wrangell has the infrastructure and access to natural resources needed for economic development is a vital part of the job. So, too, is working to protect local residents from unreasonable regulation on the part of the State. Wrangell’s strengths are the community, fishing and seafood processing, The Marine Service Center, tourism, and timber.
Patti Mackey
Why are you running for this newly created seat in the Alaska State Legislature?
I have had an interest in running for state office for many years, and began looking in earnest at the 2012 race in April 2010. I had fulfilled my responsibilities raising my sons (now 22 and 25 years old), and felt that I was at a point in my life where my career, community service and knowledge of the legislative process had prepared me for the responsibilities of elected office. I have strong organizational skills, am an experienced public speaker, and I understand the challenges that face all of our communities in our efforts to build strong local economies in our region.
I spent ten years in commercial radio, and during that time I reported news and hosted a public affairs program that provided an opportunity to question elected officials at every level of government. As the director of the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau I’ve spent the past 17 years interacting with small business owners, industry representatives and government- all in the interest of developing industry and growing our local economy.
I’ve also spent a significant amount of time in Juneau during session, talking to legislators and their staff, and working with the administration. I’ve testified in committee hearings, organized legislative briefings and have an excellent understanding of the legislative process in Alaska.
Over the years I’ve seen our region lose important economic engines like the timber industry, while trying to grow our remaining industries and develop new opportunities. Despite the continued predictions that our population will decline, I refuse to see a dreary future. As my sons set out on their respective career paths, I want to put my experience and energy to work in a way that will ensure all of our families have a future in southern Southeast Alaska.
What do you feel are the two most pressing issues affecting Southeast Alaska, and particularly the City and Borough of Wrangell?
All of the communities I have visited- Wrangell included - are seeking ways to grow their economies and provide more jobs. Hands down it is the most talked about issue.
I believe there are three things that dramatically impact our district and our potential to be successful in achieving our hopes for the future. The vast amount of land held by the federal government makes it difficult, if not impossible to develop projects. One of my first visits to Wrangell, about 20 years ago, was as the public involvement consultant for the Swan Lake-Lake Tyee Intertie project. It was my job to conduct public hearings required to file the Environmental Impact Statement.
It took 18 years before we celebrated flipping the switch on the intertie and that brings me to the second most pressing issue, the need to develop additional sources of affordable energy that will increase our capacity and expand our options for growth.
Finally we need to continue to press for efficient and cost effective transportation throughout the region.
How will you work to support the Native corporations throughout the region?
I have the utmost respect for, and share the cultural values of our Native communities. It has been my experience that Native corporations strive to create jobs and opportunities for their shareholders, enhance the economy and pass on the traditions, wisdom and assets of a people that have lived in this region for centuries to future generations.
I see a relationship with Native corporations in a similar way that I would work with local government representatives throughout the district- listen to the priorities that each has for their respective stakeholders, and work with them to ensure Alaska’s resources are utilized to help achieve those goals. I am of Tsimshian (Killer Whale/Wolf) descent, a member of Ketchikan Indian Community and a Sealaska shareholder.
What are some of the ways you feel you can encourage economic development in the City and Borough of Wrangell?
The decisions on what to pursue to grow the economy are really the business of local government.
As a legislator, I would want to do whatever I could to help the community achieve the goals they set by serving as a conduit for them with state government, whether it’s ensuring that the various state departments are attentive to the community’s needs, or giving them a voice in the legislature.
I would work to address our district wide needs, as noted above such as energy and land access, and ensure we receive our fair share of education funding, whether for work force development or K-12.
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