Matt Olsen
Why are you running for this newly created seat in the Alaska State Legislature?
I grew up in Ketchikan and remember our region at the height of its successes. We need to develop three parts of our lives: energy, education and economy. We need affordable energy to develop and grow our economy. We need to provide our children with world-class educations so they can continue to develop our region and create a greater quality of life. And we need a diverse economy that takes advantage of all our resources: timber, fishing, mining, and tourism. What we need in Juneau is someone who will work with the other legislators to ensure we have the support necessary to develop and grow our resource-based economy.
What do you feel are the two most pressing issues affecting Southeast Alaska, and particularly the City and Borough of Wrangell?
Energy and economy. The two are tied together through cost. We have a few resources of great quantity: water, fish, and timber. All are renewable, but not all are being used to their fullest. We have to continue to develop our energy production so we can fully support all industries that wish to come here: whether it is a greater shipyard presence in Wrangell to the possible ore processing facility in Ketchikan. Once we have the necessary power, we can develop our economy based on our greatest assets: our resources and children.
What are some of the ways you feel you can encourage economic development in the City and Borough of Wrangell?
First and foremost, we have to protect the industries we have. Wrangell's small boat shipyard has become a favorite amongst Southeast's commercial and pleasure boaters. I would work at the state level to protect and aid its continued development. We also need to continue to grow our fisheries. I support enhancing our natural fish stocks by use of hatcheries as well as continued development of the region's mariculture industry. We also need to maintain and develop its infrastructure so people and industries want to commit to the community. Through the State's investment and aide, we can continue to update our roads and harbors (part of the State's infrastructure that was recently pushed onto local governments). I will work in Juneau to help Southern Southeast create a broad, integrated economic region that can stand on its own in the future and not one that is subject to the whim of outside pressures.
What are two priorities for you to accomplish within your first year in office?
I would work on the following items: get the Southeast Regional Energy Resource Plan reviewed and rewritten to reflect expected growth of the region, push for greater funding in education so our schools can again afford to fully implement career ready (vocational) programs, and continue to push for development dollars to aid in the growth of our natural resource based economy.
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 have developed strong relationships with others and I can depend on the team building I have done when I need help. Others view me as honest and trustworthy. They know where I stand and they know when I give my word it is worth standing on. I am a legislative leader and I serve on committees that make a solid difference in Southeast: Transportation, Chairman; Resources, Vice Chair; Education; and more. I understand which areas it is actually possible to make things happen and I do a lot of work behind the scenes for the good of Southeast. Our economy could go one way or the other very easily. I will be able to deliver for Southeast easier and quicker than someone new or someone who has to rekindle relationships within the legislature. 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 need to develop our hydropower to a greater extent. In many parts of Southeast Alaska tourism has become a strong economic driver and now provides needed revenues for many of our families.
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.
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% 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 eliminate or curtail regulation roadblocks to business expansion.
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 springing up from that initial endeavor. Getting funding two different years has helped a great deal in the process of getting our new hospital funded. Hopefully it can continue to fruition. These are all areas where I have made a difference. 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.
Two major things I have worked on that are important to businesses are low cost power and improved transportation infrastructure. Both of these are crucial to attracting and growing business in our area.
What are two priorities for you to accomplish within your first year of office?
To pass the Alaska Transportation Infrastructure Fund (ATIF) through the House and get it to the Senate where I will have a full year in which to get it passed. ATIF is an endowment fund for transportation infrastructure that guarantees ongoing funds for short and long-term transportation needs throughout the state. Southeast’s unique transportation needs make ATIF crucial for stability and continued ferry service, road and harbor maintenance, and new road construction to our resources.
Secondly, I want to be a catalyst to help develop an overall economic plan for Southern Southeast. This plan would identify the areas where economic growth is possible and would further develop individual communities to reach their economic goals. An overall plan for Southern Southeast would benefit all communities since there would be less division and more common purpose in planning. Working together for a common Southern Southeast plan will be much more productive than if each community reaches out for themselves. I want a comprehensive economic plan for Southern Southeast because it is much stronger and much more likely to be successful.
Kyle Johansen
Why are you running for this newly created seat in the Alaska State Legislature?
I was born here in Southeast and I have a passion for this area, this State and this job. I have been working on political issues for Southeast Alaska since 1994 when I started working for Representative Bill Williams. We have things to finish, new things to start and fighting for our region in the Legislature is always a challenge. I am also very concerned that we have lost one Representative from Southeast. Now is the time to have the most capable, knowledgeable and determined person in office. My experience, proven success and drive make me the best candidate to defend our positions in Juneau.
What do you feel are the two most pressing issues affecting Southeast Alaska, and particularly the City and Borough of Wrangell?
Stable energy supplies and dependable transportation options lead to a strong economy. These two issues go hand-in-hand and apply to the entire district. We must have the energy to extract, process or observe our natural resources. We need solid transportation networks to move goods, services and people to and from our natural assets. Taking care of these basics will open up opportunity for businesses to have a chance at success.
What are some of the ways you feel you can encourage economic development in the City and Borough of Wrangell?
Lowering the cost of doing business will improve the bottom-line for businesses. Opposing additional and, in fact, working to reduce government taxes, fees and required regulatory paperwork will allow people to keep more of their money and spend more time on commerce and less time filling out government paperwork.
What are two priorities for you to accomplish within your first year in office?
First, and foremost, for Wrangell is to learn about the specific issues and concerns my new constituents have. I’m guessing they are very similar to the challenges we all face here in southern Southeast. However, each community has their own challenges and I look forward to learning about them directly from the people.
Second, I will continue to work on the priorities I have worked on over the past six years as a legislator. These include building the basic infrastructure needed for a community to succeed such as good roads, transportation routes, water and sewer projects, good schools, quality docks for both commercial and personal use just to name a few. I am fiscally and socially conservative and will apply those beliefs to each issue presented.
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