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The Capital City Weekly asked the candidates, "What are the most important things Southeast residents should know about you?" We requested they limit responses to 300 words, and to include a photograph if they desired. The candidates were given four days to respond before we went to press on Monday. We will include all additional responses received after deadline on our website. Visit www.capweek.com for updates.
Primary Candidates 081810 NEWS 3 Capital City Weekly The Capital City Weekly asked the candidates, "What are the most important things Southeast residents should know about you?" We requested they limit responses to 300 words, and to include a photograph if they desired. The candidates were given four days to respond before we went to press on Monday. We will include all additional responses received after deadline on our website. Visit www.capweek.com for updates.

courtesy Ethan A. Berkowitz


courtesy Hollis S. French


courtesy John R. Cox


courtesy Sam Little


courtesy Ralph Samuels


courtesy Bill Walker


courtesy Mead Treadwell


courtesy J.J. "Jack" Powers

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Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Story last updated at 8/18/2010 - 12:22 pm

Primary Candidates

The Capital City Weekly asked the candidates, "What are the most important things Southeast residents should know about you?" We requested they limit responses to 300 words, and to include a photograph if they desired. The candidates were given four days to respond before we went to press on Monday. We will include all additional responses received after deadline on our website. Visit www.capweek.com for updates.

United States Senator

Fredrick "David" Haase, Libertarian

200 W 34th Avenue #587

Anchorage, AK 99503

Phone: (907) 279-8768

DavidforAlaska@Gmail.com

http://www.DavidforAlaska.com

Jacob Seth Kern, Democrat

4100 Allan Place

Anchorage, AK 99508

Phone: (907) 561-1231

Scott T. McAdams, Democrat

PO Box 336

Sitka, AK 99835

Phone: (907) 747-3376

Joe Miller, Republican

PO Box 72838

Fairbanks, AK 99707

Phone: (907) 452-8559

info@joemiller.us

http://www.joemiller.us

Lisa Murkowski, Republican (Incumbent)

PO Box 100847

Anchorage, AK 99501

http://www.lisamurkowski.com/

Frank J. Vondersaar, Democrat

1740 Saltwater Dr.

Homer, AK 99603

Phone: (907) 235-7721 x229

United States Representative

John R. Cox, Republican

PO Box 1092

Anchor Point, AK 99556

Phone: (907) 399-3610

johnrcox_for_congress@yahoo.com

www.johnrcoxforcongress.com

I am a retired Navy Vet. An Alaskan resident since 1976 and a true conservative and not because it is the current trend of the political scene. We were taught to live within our means and that nothing is free. If you want something, you have to work for it.

I currently live in Anchor Point, where I am building my house. I am married and have three children and one granddaughter. I am working towards my Masters in Liberal Arts (History and Political Science) and I'm an NRA Committee member.

I believe in God, Country and the Constitution.

I was a Navy SERE (Survival, Evasion Resistance and Escape) instructor, as well as a PDAHS (Peace time Detention and Hostage Situation) and DEST (Desert Evasion Survival Training) instructor. We help developed the current tools used by our Soldiers and Sailors subject high risk of capture. We taught them, how to survive in a world, as prisoner of war, where rules no longer exist.

As a collateral job, I was the Command Financial Specialist, where I assisted individuals in money matters that were deep into debt.

I currently have a economic plan to set in motion, that will not cost taxpayers and creating jobs for Alaskans.

If I tell you I'm going to do something, you can count on it getting done. For as long as there is a breath of air in my lungs and a beat in my heart, I will be there for the fight and the protection of Alaska, Alaskans and our way of life.

This country has entrusted me in the past with the lives of your husbands, wives, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters. And I never lost a life while I was in charge. I am only asking you to trust me once again.

Harry T. Crawford Jr., Democrat

PO Box 200407

Anchorage, AK 99520

harry@harrycrawfordforcongress.com

http://www.harrycrawfordforcongress.com

Phone: (907) 344-2779

Sheldon Fisher, Republican

3333 Denali Street, Ste 150

Anchorage, AK 99503

Phone: (907) 277-1515

sheldon@sheldonfisher.com

http://www.sheldonfisher.com

Don Young, Republican (Incumbent)

2504 Fairbanks Street

Anchorage, AK 99503

akfordy@gmail.com

www.donyoung2010.com

Governor

Ethan A. Berkowitz, Democrat

PO Box 91365

Anchorage, AK 99509

Phone: (907) 563-8426

From traveling the Alaska Marine Highway System, to spending time in the state capitol and witnessing the devastating effects of high energy costs, I understand that Alaska's people need a leader that is tough enough to do what's right and come up with solutions that will create stability for future generations. Right now we just don't have one. Take for example, the Alaska Marine Highway System. Anyone who's bought a ferry ticket, and waited through the small hours of the night to get aboard knows how critical it is to have service that connects the communities of Southeast and allows people and goods to travel affordably and reliably. The Marine Highway System is a crucial part of Alaska's infrastructure and must have the support it needs. Energy costs are another prime example. They devastate communities across Southeast - making it nearly impossible to add value to our fisheries, timber and mining resources. The cost is greater than utility bills - it is job loss, opportunity loss, and hardship to families. After spending ten years in the state legislature, eight as Democratic Leader, I look forward to moving back to the capitol - and making sure that my Administration stems the capitol creep that has occurred. These challenges are not insurmountable - we just haven't had a leader tough enough to get the job done. And if we keep doing what we've been doing, we'll get what we've got - and that's not nearly what we need. If you agree, I am asking for your vote next Tuesday, August 24th. Thank you.

Hollis S. French, Democrat

1231 W. Northern Lights Blvd #416

Anchorage, AK 99517

Phone: (907) 441-5115

hollis@frenchforgovernor.com

www.frenchforgovernor.com

Alaska is at a crossroads - we face crucial decisions about our economy, our energy policy and our educational system. Those decisions demand a governor who will be tough but fair, who has a vision for what's best for the entire state. During my 32 years in Alaska, I've pumped oil on the North Slope, prosecuted criminals in the courtroom and served in the state Senate. Alaska is a place where hard work gets rewarded. I want to keep it that way for the next generation. Our responsibility to tomorrow begins with investing in education today. Our schools, while good, should be great. Alaska's children deserve a head start through voluntary pre-kindergarten programs. Quality vocational options are crucial for our young adults and our economy. And though we are an energy-producing state, our home heating costs are painfully high. We should invest today's oil wealth in proven, renewable projects, giving much needed relief to families and businesses across Alaska.As Governor, I'll live in Juneau, and I'll insist that my key staff lives in Juneau as well. The capital creep' that has been occurring - with more and more commissioners living outside of Alaska's capital city - must end. I want to strengthen our marine highway system, so that people and business moves freely from community to community. I'll make certain that any natural gas pipeline project has fiscal terms which will benefit all Alaskans. While natural gas from the line may not make it to southeast, a strong revenue stream will build docks, schools and infrastructure for generations to come, if we get the terms right. We cannot settle for anything less. Working together, we can improve our state. I would be honored to have your vote on election day.

Gerald L. Heikes, Republican

16170 E. Smith Road

Palmer, AK 99645

Phone: (907) 745-1139

The Most Important Things about Me: First and foremost, I am a Constitutional Christian Conservative. I believe in life at conception. I believe this nation was founded with the help of God Almighty to be a beacon for the rest of the world.

I have constructed the only Oil and Gas Plan that will lower fuel costs throughout the state of Alaska and establish a Second Permanent Fund. This plan will lower the cost of transportation in the state for every Alaskan 65-90% by charging approximately $1.00 a gallon for fuel thereby, keeping the cost of fuels free from market manipulations and control.

To protect the Second Amendment, I will put in place a permanent moratorium on the decisions of the Congress and the US Supreme Court. The Second Amendment means what it says, that you have the right to keep and bear arms, and it shall not be infringed upon. Quite simply, it is a closed issue - Forever, in the State of Alaska!

I will reclaim our State's rights to access our resources and give the boot to the EPA and the Department of Energy and all the Federal Mandates that have usurped the oversight of Alaska's natural resources that belong in the hands of the residents of state, the governor and the elected legislature.

These are just a few items that are important to me. I invite you to visit my website: http://www.heikesontherock.com to discover more.

Merica Hlatcu, Republican

814 Ivy Street Apt. 592

Anchorage, AK 99501

Phone: (907) 903-0340

Sam Little, Republican

PO Box 201867

Anchorage, AK 99520

Phone: (907) 355-3157

Singinsam@samlittleforgovernor.com

http://www.samlittleforgovernor.com

I have been a trucker for many years, and worked in the music world for awhile. I came to Alaska with Louisiana Pacific and worked on the original pipeline. I spent time in the Alaska National Guard and I ran my own trucking outfit here in Alaska for 15 years trucking groceries, and also flying them all over the State. I ran my trucking company out of Delta Junction where I also worked on the farm projects. For the last 15 years I have been hauling produce for Fred Myer stores in Alaska.

Here's what I want to do for Southeast Alaska. I have plans to work on the Tongass Forest and groom it so it is not a fire hazard. With that we can build a particle board plant. I also want to build the bridge in Ketchikan which will create lots of jobs and also make room for building our own ferries again and also tug boats. Tourism must be advertised and I will drop the head tax making passengers more willing to spend money in southeast towns. I will keep State agencies in Juneau keeping the economy strong. Bringing back longevity will help seniors on fixed incomes. We must support our elders so they can live in Alaska without struggling. As Governor I will live in Juneau and make it my home but I will travel to all parts of the State, bringing it together. Fishing is a big part of my life, I will push to keep the fishing strong. Alaska is a big state but Southeast has a special feeling where all walks of life work and live together. I will do everything in my power to keep that spirit alive and thriving.

Thank you,

Sam Little for Governor

P.S. Can I bring my horses? Just 2.

Sean R. Parnell, Republican (Incumbant)

PO Box 100719

Anchorage, AK 99510

Phone: (907) 771-9090

info@parnellgovernor.com

http://www.parnellgovernor.com

As governor, I work to grow our economy and create more opportunities for families. Growing Southeast's economy requires natural resource development, lower cost energy, and a tax structure that creates a climate for more jobs. Alaska now leads the nation in job creation, according to a recent report in the Juneau Empire, and we will work to continue that strong trend.

The Parnell administration's work has positioned Southeast Alaska residents and businesses for growth. Kensington now employs Alaskans in part because our administration joined Southeast residents to fight for these jobs.

Southeast's tourism businesses have a positive shot at growth after I fought for increased tourism marketing funds and championed the cruise ship head tax reduction. These actions will mean more jobs and customers for Alaska's small businesses in the future.

Paving the way for more timber jobs in the Southeast means fighting the federal government when they limit access to our land. I took Alaska's case to the Secretary of Agriculture and helped gain access to timber under the Logjam timber sale. Timber from that sale put Alaskans to work this summer on Prince of Wales Island. We are putting more Alaskan forest under Alaskan management so our mills have more supply. We established the Southeast State Forest during the last legislative session so we can bring more timber to market. I am honored that my hands-on approach to fighting for Alaskan jobs has earned me the endorsement of the Alaska Forest Association.

Southeast Alaskan fishermen spend their lives bringing our state's fish to market, and their hard work deserves to be rewarded. Through increased funding for the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, more of Alaska's fish will fetch higher prices at restaurants worldwide.

This is just the beginning of my work for Alaskans. Visit Parnellgovernor.com to learn more.

Sean Parnell is Alaska's 10th governor. The Republican Primary is August 24.

Ralph Samuels, Republican

123 E. Fireweed, Suite 22

Anchorage, AK 99503

Phone: (907) 929-3200

ralph@samuelsforgovernor.com

http://www.samuelsforgovernor.com

I know Alaska. I grew up in Nome, Fairbanks, and Anchorage. I graduated from high school in Metlakatla and I consider King Salmon my home town. My rural roots contribute to my understanding of the challenges we face in each region of our state and our state as a whole.

Unabashedly, I am a private sector guy. I spent 28 years at Pen Air, a small Alaska commuter airline. I helped grow a company to over 500 employees and $80 million in revenue. I served in the State House of Representatives for three terms, focusing on protecting victims' rights, resource development, and policies that will protect and grow our economy.

I have traveled the state talking to Alaskans about the issues that impact their lives: high energy costs, deteriorating infrastructure, loss of jobs, and faltering education opportunities.

The policies of the current administration have taken Alaska in the wrong direction. Rather than working to address the problems our state faces, the focus has been on higher taxes and increased government spending.

Alaskans deserve better. I want to take back Alaska and get us on track to a bright future.

As your Governor, I will respect conservative values, restore smaller government, and push policies to encourage private sector investment and good paying jobs for Alaskans. I will focus on lowering the cost of energy, improving transportation infrastructure such as the Alaska Marine Highway system and ports and harbors, improving graduation rates, and eliminating wasteful government spending. We cannot sustain the current level of government spending. Reforms must be made to provide essential services in a cost-effective manner.

I am the only Republican candidate running for Governor that will bring conservative leadership to the Governor's office and I would appreciate your support on August 24.

William S. "Billy" Toien, Libertarian

3705 Arctic Blvd. PMB 680

Anchorage, AK 99503

Phone: (907) 243-9996

I'm not going to stand on a platform of blowing my own horn or on credentialism, chest beating or personality. But I will take a stand on the issues, and that's what matters, because no one else will. I'm an ordinary working person much like yourself. I have come to understand that the structure of government is no longer for people like you and me; but is a self - serving, self - sustaining, self- replicating, all - consuming bureaucracy that is designed to serve the needs of the bureaucrats and not us, be it simply to line their own pockets, or to install their own pet social engineering programs for us to live by. It's time to turn that around now! You can start by making your vote, count; not by supporting someone who is against what you want, but by supporting someone who is for what you want. By voting for a lesser of two evils, you only perpetuate an already corrupt system by giving your support. The so - called two - party system is evil by its very nature, because it has become one party with two names, and is monopolistic; the difference being that this monopoly has armed enforcement agencies to make you live the way they want. Republicans govern like socialists. Democrats govern like communists.

It's time for a change. It's time to tell the bureaucrats to take a hike. It's time to take the future into your own hands. It's time for us all to reclaim ownership of our own lives.

Gun Owners of America; Moffett Field Historical Society; Fully Informed Jury Association; Libertarian Party; Association of Balloon and Airship Constructors; Lighter Than-Air Society.

Bill Walker, Republican

731 N Street

Anchorage, AK 99501

Phone: (907) 332-2455

info@billwalkerforgovernor.com

www.billwalkerforgovernor.com

Born in Fairbanks and raised in Delta Junction and Valdez, I celebrated Alaska's Statehood, helped my family recover from our devastating losses in the '64 earthquake, worked as a laborer and carpenter in constructing the TransAlaska Pipeline and served as Mayor of Valdez at the age of 27. I also have owned construction, tourism and charter businesses and commercial fished so I have an affinity with the residents of Southeast.

Having previously served on the management committee of Alaska's largest law firm, I now own an Anchorage law firm that specializes in oil and gas and municipal law. My wife, Donna and I have been married for 33 years and have four children and two grandchildren. As governor, Donna and I would make Juneau our home.

My efforts to accomplish the building of the All-Alaska Gasline from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez with a spur to Southcentral extend several decades and earned me the endorsement of the late Governor Wally Hickel. Earlier this year the late Senator Ted Stevens changed his long held position on gas line routes and urged that immediate steps be taken to build the Valdez route for export of our resources to the lucrative Asian market. This project is the key to igniting our economy, replenishing state revenues and delivering affordable energy to Alaskans.

I have visited Southeast approximately a dozen times during my campaign, including a trip to Prince of Wales. My priorities for Southeast would be to advocate aggressively for a more equitable timber harvest; create more infrastructure to tie other customers into Southeast's hydroelectric grid system; remove limitations that preclude building of Alaska Class replacement ferries in the Ketchikan shipyard; and explore options to improve the transportation system for delivering fresh fish from Southeast to market.

Donald R. Wright, Alaskan Independence

6382 E. Tex-Al Dr.

Wasilla, AK 99654

Phone: (907) 376-5383

Lieutenant Governor

Diane E. Benson, Democrat

PO Box 200408

Anchorage, AK 99520

Phone: (907) 688-1370

Jeffrey D. Brown, Libertarian

3209 Baxter Road #2

Anchorage, AK 99504

Eddie Burke, Republican

8921 Boulder Bay Circle

Anchorage, AK 99507

Phone: (907) 229-2287

Bob Lupo, Republican

11423 Fireball Street

Eagle River, AK 99577

Phone: (907) 694-5876

Lynette Moreno-Hinz, Democrat

6407 East 31st Avenue

Anchorage, AK 99504

Phone: (907) 301-5435 or (907) 338-6697

sitkasilk@aol.com

http://sitkasilk.victorydiy.com

J. J. "Jack" Powers, Democrat

4201 Piper Street, Unit B

Anchorage, AK 99508

Phone: (907) 277-2617

e-mail: alaskanjack@hotmail.com

Candidate's web site: http://www.powersforalaska.com/

I'm Jack Powers and I would like to be your next Lieutenant Governor.

I admire the tenacity of Alaskans and I am compelled to give the residents a voice in Juneau, a voice that can be heard and a voice who's only mission is to serve all Alaskans regardless of party affiliation.

I believe that I am the best candidate to bring the professionalism and honor back to state government in the name of all Alaskans.

Over the years, like many Alaskans, I have become extremely unhappy with "politics as usual." I want to reverse these trends. I believe that the Lt. Governor does not have enough duties and responsibilities. The everyday role of the Lt. Governor needs to be expanded and made an active part of politics in Alaska. I'm ready to roll up my sleeves and take on additional duties.

I have served in the United States Army and I am a proud Veteran. I served to underscore the principles that America was built on, to end discrimination based on race, sex, ethnicity, national origin, language, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, and disability. These are the rights that we fought to preserve. These are the guiding principles of the Democratic Party and I support them.

I raised my two sons alone after their mother lost her life in a traffic accident. I am a proud retired member of the I.B.E.W. Union. I am a successful entrepreneur. Alaska has been good to me and now I want to serve as your Lieutenant Governor. I will be a proactive advocate for all Alaskans to make our state better for future generations.

Jay Ramras, Republican

PO Box 74305

Fairbanks, AK 99707

Phone: (907) 388-3000

Mead Treadwell, Republican

PO Box 101307

Anchorage, AK 99501

Phone: (907) 717-3444

info@treadwellalaska.com

http://www.treadwellalaska.com

I deeply value the time that I've lived and worked in Southeast Alaska, first as the Director of Cordova's Oil Spill Response Office in 1989 and 1990 during the Exxon Valdez disaster, then in Juneau from 1990 to 1994 in Governor Wally Hickel's second administration as the Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation. I've served as Vice President of the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens Advisory Council and helped start the Prince William Sound Science Center. My grandmother lived in Ketchikan and when I visited her there in 1974 as a teenager, I made the decision to make Alaska my home. The time that I've spent in Southeast Alaska has shaped my vision of Alaska and its future.

I ask voters to give me the chance to return to Juneau as Lieutenant Governor. For the record, I oppose moving capital from Juneau. We don't need to move the capital, we need to get the capital moving.

I'm running for Lieutenant Governor because in the past year, my frustration with the runaway, out of control cost and growth of government at every level has skyrocketed. Recent decisions by the Obama Administration will severely injure Alaska's economy.

I believe that Alaska needs elected leaders in every office who will stand up to Washington and ensure that the federal government deals with Alaska's issues on Alaska's terms. I've fought for Alaska's right to make our own decisions on natural resource development and fish and game management for over thirty years. You can count on me to be a strong voice to fight the federal policies that hurt Alaska.

I'll work to fill up our oil pipeline, build our gas pipeline, and diversify our economy to create jobs with a future.

Please visit www.treadwellalaska.com.


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