The Alaska Miner Fall 2024 26 Legislature Candidates Guide and provide the highest average wage among local industries. They provide strong stable incomes for families across the region. I support their industry and hold the contributions they make to our region in high regard. My responsibilities as a state representative are to serve the wellbeing of my constituents to the best of my abilities while also looking out for the best interests of Alaskans as a whole. I base my responsibilities on my values. In turn, they inform my policy priorities, particularly because of the fiscal crisis the state is facing and how this predicament will affect what we provide our citizens. The top challenge facing the legislature is how to fund government agencies, the education of our children, and services as basic as plowing roads and keeping ferries in service while also balancing the budget. In recent years, annual spending has been cut dramatically, so much so that we now risk setting up agencies to fail, stripping the value from the dollars we do spend. My priorities will be to diversify and increase state revenues. Alaska has all but exhausted its easily accessible savings and now faces tough choices when it comes to delivering budgets that provide for our citizens' needs. The fiscal crisis has persisted too long and has already eroded cornerstone government responsibilities and the quality of life for Alaskans. We must establish long- term solutions to provide stable, sufficient, and sustainable state budgets so that Alaskans can once again anticipate a prosperous future. HOUSE DISTRICT 5, KODIAK/SEWARD/CORDOVA NOTE: Leighton Radner did not submit a profile NOTE: Louise Stutes did not submit a profile HOUSE DISTRICT 6, HOMER/KACHEMAK BAY/NINILCHIK/KASILOF NOTE: Brent Johnson did not submit a profile NOTE: Dawson Slaughter did not submit a profile NOTE: Sarah Vance did not submit a profile HOUSE DISTRICT 7, KENAI/SOLDOTNA NOTE: Ron Gillham did not submit a profile NOTE: Justin Ruffridge did not submit a profile HOUSE DISTRICT 8, NORTHERN KENAI PENINSULA Bill Elam Hello, my name is Bill Elam, and I am running for the currently vacant seat of house district 8. I have been serving on the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly for two terms. While on the Assembly I have been a strong voice for mining, land access, and industry development. During my two terms I have been able to help improve the conditional land use permitting process, I have been a voice for landowners with access issues and removed bloat from our permitting committees. I have been a consistent conservative voice for the Kenai. I believe that we should live within our means with a balanced budget and limited government. I am a supporter of industry, small business, and traditional conservative values. I am now asking for your vote to continue this work for all Alaskans. John Hillyer As a Veteran, I have defended the U.S. Constitution abroad for 32 years and now focus my efforts locally with securing our rights and liberties inherent to both the U.S. and Alaska Constitutions. My priorities as candidate, House District 8 Northern Kenai include: n Protect and defend all citizens' rights to maximize our life, liberty, and freedom n Reinvigorate natural resource production to resolve the Kenai Peninsula’s immediate energy needs and to posture Alaska for a leading role in our nation’s resurgence in energy production n Mandate intelligent government spending with limits, demand fiscal accountability for past, present, and future expenditures, balance the budget, and aggressively reduce/right-size government n Rejuvenate our local economy through incentives as Alaska’s natural resource production surges n Revitalize our local schools by increasing school choices, providing parents with policy, budget, and curriculum decision authority, empowering educators, and by focusing resources to maximize student benefit n Cultivate, secure, and defend our traditional American values of patriotism, faith, family, community, and the rule of law Alaska’s natural resource production — our primary economic engine — is currently constrained by a plethora of federal government restrictions and burdensome regulations, in addition to state permitting and policy issues. We must, however, posture Alaska for a leading role in the pending resurgence of resource production given a more permissive environment. Concurrent with this planned resurrection of oil and natural gas, the robust mining of Alaska’s vast and diverse minerals can certainly thrive. The legislature must work in concert to address both federal and state limitations involving permitting processes, land management and access, water policy, and wetlands management. Eliminating government overreach and gaining efficiencies in the permitting process are key, as is providing the necessary roads and infrastructure to facilitate environmentally responsible and resourceful mining operations. I have served all over the world and have seen first-hand the vital, powerful role of mineral production in local economies, leveraging the creation of numerous high-paying jobs and the delivery of essential materials to every sector of the economy. Alaska is uniquely positioned to generate tremendous economic benefit for our state and local communities with a comprehensive mining effort as imparted by our state constitution. I will work aggressively with key stakeholders in both the oil and gas industry and with the mining associations to rectify existing regulatory barriers and to facilitate responsible, efficient, and industrious natural resource production within Alaska. Our economic future and livelihood are truly contingent on such a plan. HOUSE DISTRICT 9, SOUTH ANCHORAGE AND GIRDWOOD/TURNAGAIN ARM, WHITTIER Lucy Bauer Hello, I’m Lucy Bauer, and I’m running to represent District 9 in the Alaska State House. As a business owner and a mother, I know firsthand the importance of a strong economy and a thriving community. My experience running a small business has taught me the value of hard work, accountability, and the need for clear, responsible leadership. Alaska’s future depends on our ability to develop and manage our natural resources responsibly. If it can’t be grown - it must be mined... Mining is a critical part of our state’s economy, and I am committed to supporting the industry while ensuring we maintain the highest environmental standards. Alaska must remain open for business, and I will advocate for policies that promote resource development, create jobs, and build a sustainable economy for future generations. I support responsible mining practices that provide economic growth while protecting Alaska’s natural beauty. The mining industry plays a key role in our state’s success, and I will work to ensure that it remains a viable and competitive industry. My focus will be on expanding opportunities for Alaskans through investment in infrastructure and job creation, especially in industries like mining, oil, and gas. I believe in reducing red tape and supporting businesses to fuel economic development. I am passionate about improving education and expanding vocational training programs that prepare our young people for careers in industries like mining, ensuring we have a skilled workforce for the future. Thank you for the opportunity to introduce myself, and I look forward to working with Alaska’s mining community to ensure a prosperous future for our state. Ky Holland For nearly 40 years, I’ve been deeply involved in the global mining and construction sectors, designing and managing the manufacturing of parts crucial to mining operations. This extensive experience has given me an appreciation for the critical role mining plays in our economy and communities, and the need for strategic, forward-thinking leadership to ensure its continued success. In my campaign for the Alaska State House, I’m committed to fostering a modern, innovative, and sustainable approach to economic development. I believe that the future of mining lies in its ability to lead rather than follow, to innovate rather than maintain the status quo. As we look to the future, we must prioritize the integration of new technologies and practices that not only enhance operational efficiency but also ensure environmental and social responsibility. Mining is essential to the global energy transition as well as valuable future jobs. Alaska is uniquely positioned to contribute to the production of critical minerals essential for technologies like electric vehicles and renewable energy systems. By investing in these emerging industries and aligning them with our traditional strengths, we can ensure that Alaska remains a global leader in both mining, energy, and environmental stewardship of remote fragile arctic regions. My priorities align closely with the principles of innovation, sustainability, and community empowerment that are essential for the future of Alaska’s mining industry. I am eager to work with the Alaska Miners Association and all stakeholders to build a prosperous future for our state. Together, we can ensure that Alaska’s mining industry remains a cornerstone of our economy while leading the way in sustainability and innovation.
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