A Letter to Voters

Many of you have been my neighbors for a long time. Some of you have been in the district I have represented for the 16 years that I have served. Because of redistricting, some of you are newer to me since the last election in 2022. Either way — welcome. I’m glad you’re here.

I want to tell you a little about who I am, what I believe, and why I’m asking for the chance to keep serving you.

What guides me every day comes down to three things. Alaskans’ interests first. Character matters. And a balance of principle and teamwork.

Alaskans come first in every decision I make — not special interests, not out-of-state companies. You are the reason I show up every day. Character means integrity, courage, and hard work. That’s how I have tried to serve you, and that’s what you can keep counting on. 

I know that good things happen when people listen to and respect each other. I will always be honest about where I stand. I will always look for common ground which helps Alaska. I will not trade my vote for favors. When I vote, it’s because I believe it’s right for Alaska — full stop.

I’ll also be honest: I won’t always have every answer. Alaska is big and complex. I will need your input, and I truly welcome it.

Here’s what those values look like in practice. Alaska’s oil, gas, mining, and fisheries should be creating paychecks for Alaskans. I support developing our resources in a way that puts Alaska workers and families first. Outside businesses are part of our economy — I understand that — but Alaska Hire matters to me.

All Alaska kids deserve an excellent education, no matter where they live. That means smaller class sizes, extracurricular activity opportunities, and great, experienced teachers. We need to invest, not just in K-12, but also early education, career training, and university access after high school. When we invest in our young people, we invest in Alaska’s future.

Alaska needs a balanced budget but balanced must mean more than just numbers on a page. It must mean that spending puts people first.  That means hard decisions and prioritizing what provides the greatest benefit to the people of Alaska. We need to hold government agencies accountable to getting their work done well. That’s why I support bringing back a limited pension plan for public employees, to address the shortage of police, trooper, teachers, and other public servants. It’s hard to keep good employees without it, and good employees mean good government. Without a strong government structure, the private sector businesses can’t function to their highest, with government providing prompt licenses, permits, enforcement of fair-trade practices, transportation facilities, and much more.

You are at the center of all of this. 

As I shop, hike, volunteer, and do business around our city and state, I see you and our other neighbors. I recognize my serious responsibility. I don’t take that responsibility lightly. 

I send a weekly email newsletter, hold community meetings across the district, and personally respond to email I receive. Your input on decisions is critical. You deserve to know what I’m doing and why. 

I am a lifelong Alaskan. Every corner of this state matters to me. I have given 16 years to serving the people of this district, and I am asking for the honor of continuing that work. If you believe Alaska deserves a senator who puts people first, tells the truth, and works hard every single day — I humbly ask for your vote.

Thank you for reading this. Thank you for caring about Alaska.

With gratitude and respect, Your Alaska State Senator