www.AlaskaMiners.org 33 Legislature Candidates Guide HOUSE DISTRICT 33, NORTH POLE/BADGER Mike Prax I have lived in the North Pole / Badger Road area since moving to Alaska with my parents in 1969. I graduated from Lathrop High School in 1974. I worked for my parents at the Star of the North Bakery in downtown Fairbanks while attending high school. I attended the University of Alaska for three semesters in 1975 and 1976 but was unable to continue due to lack of funds. Fortunately, I landed a job as a Maintenance Technician with Alyeska Pipeline Service Company at the Valdez Terminal in January of '77 and continued working for them directly and as a contractor for the next 25 years. I then spent a year helping to set up the Process Technology Program at UAF's Tanana Valley Campus. When that project was complete, my brothers and I took over control of Prospector Outfitters from our dad and I managed the Fairbanks Store. I also held a seat on the Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly during that time. I was appointed to the Alaska State Legislature in 2019 and served as the Chair of the House Health and Social Services Committee for the 33rd legislature. Based on recent positive developments on the North Slope and the performance of the P-fund, I am optimistic that the legislature has enough liquid assets available to weather our current fiscal challenges without resorting to new broad-based taxes or additional taxation of Alaska's industries. We can accomplish this by simply following the performance-based budgeting principles codified in Alaska's 'Executive Budget Act' (AS 37.07. ...). Adhering to these principles will demonstrate to potential investors that Alaska understands the value of a more attractive fiscal environment to complement our attractive resource base. This should result in a decades-long growth in Alaska's private sector economy without straining the state's ability to provide supporting services. I also want to continue focusing on reducing unproductive barriers to employment and business development. My first priority in this area is passing a bill that enables Alaska to join the 42 other states who are already a part of the Multi-State Nurse Licensure Compact. I look forward to serving you in the 34th Alaska Legislature and ask you for your continued input and support. HOUSE DISTRICT 34, STEELE CREEK/TWO RIVERS/EIELSON/SALCHA Joy Beth Cottle I'm Joy Beth Cottle, running for election to the Alaska State House to represent the north and east areas surrounding Fairbanks, District 34. With 25 years of experience as a firefighter, I have dedicated my life to public service and community safety. My vision for Alaska is one that is safe, prosperous, and bursting with opportunities. My father owned a logging, sawmill, and firewood business in Delta Junction, and I remember accompanying him on some of his deliveries to Fairbanks, and even Valdez. I learned at an early age how to trouble-shoot a chainsaw, change out a throw-out bearing, butcher a cow, and find solutions to everyday mechanical failures. This is an inherent quality I find in Alaskans throughout the state, the ability to solve problems. It’s taken me far in my fire service career and I think it’s one of the reasons you’ll find me to be an everyday Alaskan. I motorcycle, burn wood, haul my own water, and treasure those days in the wilderness away from cell service while hunting or fishing. My priorities include supporting our education system, reducing energy costs, and ensuring robust public safety—all vital for a thriving mining sector and the overall well-being of our communities. I believe that developing our natural resources responsibly is key to Alaska's growth, and I am committed to fostering an environment where both industry and community can prosper. I encourage you to share your concerns with me; your insights are invaluable as we work together to strengthen Alaska's economy. Thank you for all you do to support our great state! Frank Tomaszewski I’m Frank Tomaszewski, a 45+ year Fairbanks resident who believes in family values, hard work, and the unique spirit of our great state. I am an Electrician by trade and have been self-employed for the last 22 years as an electrical contractor and a birch syrup producer. My wife Harmony and I will soon celebrate our 30th anniversary, and together we’ve raised five children—all born at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital—and welcomed two daughters-in-law and two adorable grandchildren into our family. For the past two years, I’ve been honored to serve as your Representative, working hard to address the unique needs of our community. We’ve made meaningful progress together—promoting economic growth, advocating for responsible resource use, and defending our freedoms. But there’s more to be done, and I’m humbled to continue the work I’ve started on behalf of Alaskans. My priorities include encouraging business development and job creation, managing our natural resources to benefit Alaskans today and in the future, investing in our children’s education while ensuring results, upholding family values and individual freedoms and standing firm for the principles that make the USA & Alaska strong, a full PFD according to statutes fighting for a Permanent Fund Dividend for all Alaskans, defending Alaska from Federal Overreach, ensuring that Alaskans control Alaska’s future, and preserving our right to bear arms and defend ourselves. It’s been an honor serving you, and I’m excited to keep working hard for our community and our state. Please consider voting for me, Frank Tomaszewski, your long-time Alaska Republican candidate. Learn more or reach out at www.Frank4Fairbanks.com, or give me a call at 907 347-2968, thank you. HOUSE DISTRICT 35, COLLEGE/EASTER/CHENA RIDGE Ashley Carrick I am a lifelong, fourth-generation Alaskan with deep family roots in the Interior and in the mining industry in Alaska. My grandfather was a 39-year Teamster and heavy engine mechanic working at Usibelli Coal Mine in Healy, where my mom grew up. I moved north from my hometown of Anchorage in 2010 to attend the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and after graduating in 2014 put my efforts into improving the public health and wellbeing of all Alaskans. I am passionate about ensuring a diversified economy, strong and thriving workforce development opportunities, and in making sure our citizens have the public health and safety needed to fulfill their full potential. Over my first term in office, I have concentrated on achieving balance and moderation in my approach to policy and governance. I believe that our state works best when we work hard and work together. To that end, I passed several bills through the legislative process, and the language of several other bills I sponsored have become law. In particular, I am proud to have re-authorized the Technical Vocational Education Program (TVEP,) which provides technical and vocational training opportunities to education providers across the state in high-demand career fields, including mining. This program will now continue in perpetuity. I also have focused on ensuring government efficiency for the payroll and licensing divisions, so that our hard-working and highly-qualified Alaskan families can get into the workforce as quickly as possible. One of my main focuses in this first term has been to learn about and address the issue of outmigration in Alaska, affecting my own generation and leading to devastating long-term impacts on the ability of our state to nurture families and take care of our elders. I believe in balancing current and additional potential revenue from mining activity with public safety and wellbeing. I support local Alaskan hire, and I want to see more young Alaskans pursue technical and vocational careers in mining in our state, especially as the industry explores new mines and expansion projects on current developments. Ultimately, I am all in for the long-term future of our state, because it is a future I will be around to see. I hope that you will consider me a resource and reach out anytime with your thoughts, questions, and with information about issues important to you. NOTE: Ruben McNeill did not submit a profile HOUSE DISTRICT 36, COPPER RIVER BASIN, DELTA, TOK/YUKON DRAINAGE NOTE: Pamela Goode did not submit a profile NOTE: James Fields did not submit a profile NOTE: Brandon Kowalski did not submit a profile Rebecca Schwanke I'm a lifelong Alaskan running to serve House District 36 in Juneau. My husband and I have lived in the Copper River area for 22 years, building a home and a family here. Along with our teenage son, we spend our free time on the river or in the mountains. As a wildlife biologist, a consumptive user, and an entrepreneur, I am all in for Alaska for the long-term. We live in unprecedented times here in Alaska, and in our nation. Technology is advancing at breakneck speed, jobs are evolving, and at the same time we're losing our workforce to more affordable states. We are at a crossroads here in Alaska. We have some critical choices to make. We continue selling out to subsidies and federal oversight, or we move in a prosperous direction on our own merits. Join me in encouraging investment in responsible resource development in Alaska and at the same time, building a highly qualified and motivated workforce. We must do a better job growing our own here in this state. From internships, to work for credit, to career path development, we have to work to connect Alaskan youth with industry. Mining is a pathway that brings together the best minds and hands, transforming earthen features to wealth and growth opportunities. The nation's need for precious metals is increasing, and Alaska is home to some tremendous deposits. Mining will no doubt be a critical component of a comprehensive path forward for our state. Alaska must choose wisely in where infrastructure and program funding is allocated over the next few years. Every state dollar spent must offer a solid return on our investment. Sustainable and affordable energy plays a significant role in Alaska's resource development
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