Alaska Miner Fall 24

www.AlaskaMiners.org 29 Legislature Candidates Guide jobs, strengthens our economy, and preserves our Alaskan way of life. Heather understands that Alaska's economy has long been fueled by natural resource development, and responsible mining plays a vital role in the State’s prosperity. With vast mineral resources like gold, silver, copper, and rare earth elements, mining offers high-paying jobs and supports local communities, particularly in rural areas. Supporting the mining industry means promoting sustainable economic growth while ensuring responsible environmental stewardship. Through the use of advanced technologies and a strong commitment to environmental standards, Alaska remains a leader in responsible resource development, setting an example for other resource-rich regions around the globe. By embracing modern technologies and rigorous regulations, Alaska can strike a balance between preserving its pristine wilderness and unlocking the potential of its mineral wealth to provide crucial resources for a variety of industries nationwide. Heather’s background as a veteran provides her with a sense of discipline, a deep sense of duty, making her well-suited to overcome challenges and make tough decisions that prioritize the needs of Alaskans first. Heather brings a fresh perspective as a first-time candidate and looks forward to continuing her public service as a representative for the Alaska State House, District 13. Andy Josephson My name is Andy Josephson. I am a state representative currently representing House District 13, South Midtown. My district encompasses Taku-Campbell, East Sand Lake, Campbell Park, and South Midtown. I am a lifelong Alaskan of 60 years. I have spent essentially my whole life in Alaska other than 4 years of college and 3 years of law school. Professionally, I have worked as a public school teacher in Bush Alaska. My village was Kalskag, downriver a ways from Crooked Creek, near the site of the Donlin Mine. I once toured the Donlin site as a legislator. I have kept my teacher's certificate current from 1991-2028. After teaching, I attended law school from 19941997. I returned to Alaska and worked as a superior court law clerk in Fairbanks and Kenai. Following that work, I began serving as a state prosecutor, covering the Aleutians calendar and later, the Kotzebue office. I managed the Kotzebue office and its 11 neighboring villages (Deering up to Pt. Hope). I returned to Anchorage in 2001 and worked mostly in the private practice of law from 2001-2012. I taught Constitutional Law during this time period at UAA. After serving on the Planning and Zoning Commission and Zoning Board of Examiners and Appeals, I ran for the legislature in 2012. I represented the heart of the UMED from 2013-2022. I then assumed my current seat. My focus in Juneau has been largely on the following topics: Workers' Compensation, Natural Resources, Oil and Gas, Civil Rights, Crime and Justice, Environmental, Education I was once Co-Chair of House Resources. I have sat on House Finance since 2019. I am now 3rd in seniority in the Alaska House. I am known for being a tough on crime legislator. I am also known for being a fiscal hawk--in some respects. This is best evidenced by the fact that I refuse to vote to overdraw the Earnings Reserve Account (which violates a law if one does it), to fund PFDs. This would force taxation on the people of Alaska. I have toured the Donlin site, Greens Creek, Pogo, and Fort Knox. I was impressed by each mine! I have been a concerned person relative to the Ambler Mining District and Pebble, admittedly. Thank you for reading my comment! HOUSE DISTRICT 14, SPENARD Alyse Galvin I am a third generation Alaskan. My father helped build the Trans-Alaska Pipeline as a Teamster. Over 30 years ago, I brought my new husband back from college and raised our four children here. I have been involved in Alaska public policy for years, both inside and outside government. I have spent my life bringing people together, solving problems, fighting for our communities, and standing up for Alaska’s future. I will continue to do that in the Legislature. As an oil and gas family, we know the importance of a strong resource development sector to Alaska’s economy and future. I believe the State government can and should play a pivotal role in advancing responsible resource development. Through infrastructure construction and low-cost energy generation. I believe in an “all of the above” approach to the growing crisis in Southcentral and along the Railbelt, including: n Improving the delivery of currently generated energy in the most efficient and cost-effective way. n Supporting the integration of renewable energy sources into the grid and heating systems. n Making the initial investigative investments into a variety of long-term potential sources I also believe that the State’s primary contribution to the economy is by providing a fully funded, high quality, public education system to deliver the skilled workers and well-earning consumers that become the catalyst for the entire economy. On that end, the State is falling woefully short. The three primary strategies we need to employ immediately for a strong public education system are: 1. Predictable and adequate funding ensuring appropriate class size; 2. Meaningful engagement of families and community members; and 3. Appropriate and competitive defined benefit plan to attract and retain young brilliant teachers. The future for Alaska’s miners is bright, particularly if the State provides the policy direction that will allow it to thrive. I look forward to providing the leadership in the legislature to bring that about. Harry Kamdem Thank you for the opportunity to introduce myself to the members of Alaska’s mining industry. I am Harry Winner Kamdem, a candidate for the Alaska State House - District, and I am committed to ensuring that our state’s natural resources are managed responsibly, sustainably, and to the benefit of all Alaskans. I understand that mining is a cornerstone of our economy, providing essential jobs and driving growth in our communities. My priorities for Alaska include fostering innovation in our resource industries, ensuring our workforce is well-trained for future opportunities, and advocating for policies that balance economic development with environmental stewardship. If elected, I will work to create a regulatory environment that supports the mining industry’s growth while ensuring safe and environmentally sound operations. Additionally, I am ready to help the state push for an ever-expanding influence on the federal and global stage to safeguard our interests and ensure that Alaska’s voice is heard in matters that affect our industry and our future. Alaska’s rich natural resources are a vital part of our prosperity, and I believe that with the right leadership, we can ensure they continue to benefit our state for generations to come. Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to working together to build a brighter future for Alaska. HOUSE DISTRICT 15, SAND LAKE/CAMPBELL LAKE NOTE: Mia Costello did not submit a profile Denny Wells I’m a lifelong Alaskan and proud husband and father to three children who attend our local Anchorage public schools. I was raised in Fairbanks and attended UAF where I fell in love with my wife Lisa. We served two years with the Peace Corps in Thailand and returned to make Anchorage home. I’m running to fight for quality education, fiscal responsibility, safe neighborhoods, good job opportunities, affordable energy, and a prosperous Alaska. As a lifelong Alaskan, small business owner, and former oil industry worker, I understand the unique importance of resource development for our economy, workforce, and to help fund essential state services. My father completed his IBEW apprenticeship at a Molybdenum mine in Leadville Colorado and my brother’s first job out of high school was as a laborer and equipment operator at a small gold mine near Fairbanks. Continuing to support and invest in responsible resource development and critical mineral extraction is essential for Alaska’s way of life and to continue creating good-paying jobs and opportunities for Alaska’s workers. With technological advancements and the growing renewable energy sector, Alaska’s mining industry is critical not only for our state’s prosperity but for our country on the national and international stage. Alaska is well-positioned to continue responsibly developing and extracting our resources and I will continue to support this industry and advocate for a stable and business-friendly environment while maintaining responsible stewardship that protects Alaska’s waters and environment. If elected, I look forward to working with you and your members and will always have an open door. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have questions, concerns, or ideas you’d like to share with me. You can reach me anytime and learn more at dennywellsforalaska.com. HOUSE DISTRICT 16, ANCHORAGE AIRPORT Carolyn Hall My name is Carolyn Hall, and I’m running to represent House District 16, which encompasses the Turnagain, Spenard, and Sand Lake neighborhoods. Alaska is more than just my home — it's a place where I've built deep relationships and found countless opportunities. Over the years, I've grown a successful business, held significant community roles, and married my husband, Scott. His family, who settled in West Anchorage in 1949, have been dedicated educators and valued community members. When I moved to Alaska over 16 years ago, I fell in love with its vibrant spirit and boundless potential. However, our state has changed. Our economy has declined, and many of our neighbors are leaving. It's clear that we need to refocus on a few key fundamentals to restore our vitality: education, workforce development, and stability. I believe in Alaska's potential and its people. My commitment to reversing our state's decline drives my candidacy. My priorities include adequately funding public education, enhancing wages and benefits for public workers, and addressing our

RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTcxMjMwNg==