The Alaska Miner Fall 2024 34 capability. Transportation challenges can also affect project feasibility. It's time to think outside the box. Cooperative development projects and dual-use infrastructure may offer feasible opportunities not previously considered. Responsibly developing our resources, while strengthening and fortifying our state's energy and transportation corridors will lead to a better future for Alaska. HOUSE DISTRICT 37, BRISTOL BAY/ALEUTIANS/KUSPUK NOTE: Darren Deacon did not submit a profile NOTE: Bryce Edgmon did not submit a profile HOUSE DISTRICT 38, LOWER KUSKOKWIM NOTE: Nellie Jimmie did not submit a profile NOTE: Willy Keppel did not submit a profile NOTE: CJ McCormick did not submit a profile NOTE: Victoria Sosa did not submit a profile HOUSE DISTRICT 39, BERING STRAITS/YUKON DELTA NOTE: Neal Foster did not submit a profile NOTE: Tyler Ivanoff did not submit a profile HOUSE DISTRICT 40, ARCTIC Thomas Baker My name is Thomas Ikaaq Baker and I’m running to keep my seat as Representative for the Northwest Arctic and North Slope. My grandfather Bob Baker discovered the site of what is now Red Dog Mine and much of my family, including myself, have had the proud opportunity to work there. One of my top priorities is to support responsible resource development and the jobs that development leads to. All of our communities rely on the resource development industry, especially the rural communities near the areas where our natural resources are found. I believe in growing local economies and infrastructure by developing our people. Mines like Red Dog provide the on-the-job training that give people the opportunity to learn new skills, hone their craft, and apply that to providing for their families. This grows the local workforce so that when there are infrastructure projects in a community they have local people that can do the skilled work and keep the money in the community. This is just one example of why mining and miners are important and why I support resource development. As Representative for House District 40 I plan to continue working to support industry and responsible development. All Alaskans, especially those closest to the resources, deserve to have a say in how our state is developed and I will fight to make sure our voice is heard. Robyn Burke Uvaŋa Robyn Niayuq Burke, I am from Utqiagvik. My grandmother was Fannie Kuutuuq Akpik, and my grandfather is Joseph Akpik. I come from the Akpik and Piquk families. I am running for State House District 40, representing the North Slope Borough and Northwest Arctic Borough because the constituents of HD 40 deserve representation that prioritizes the needs of our district. Resource development has been, and will continue to be, core to our economy and wellbeing. I will stand up for our rights to access our resources. I will work to improve our schools and protect our traditional way of life. I will advocate for the enormous infrastructure needs across our district. I have had the privilege to serve on the North Slope Borough School District Board of Education for four years. As president for the last two years, I have also served as the secretary/treasurer on the Association of Alaska School Boards Board of Directors. I’ve served on various other boards, including the Voice of the Arctic Inupiaq, Ilisagvik Board of Trustees, and the steering committee for Nunaaqiuraat Tumitchiaŋit - Footprints of our Community, a quadrilateral committee focused on the betterment of education on the North Slope. NOTE: Saima Chase did not submit a profile SENATE CANDIDATES SENATE DISTRICT B, MENDENHALL VALLEY/ HAINES/SKAGWAY/GUSTAVUS NOTE: Jesse Kiehl did not submit a profile SENATE DISTRICT D, NORTHERN KENAI PENINSULA NOTE: Jesse Bjorkman did not submit a profile NOTE: Ben Carpenter did not submit a profile NOTE: Tina Wegener did not submit a profile SENATE DISTRICT F, SOUTH ANCHORAGE NOTE: Harold Borbridge did not submit a profile James Kaufman I have been leading the charge for common sense budgeting that makes government work more like your family budget. I have built a high functioning Senate office that prioritizes transparency, constituent outreach, and clear communications I have sponsored and passed 10 common-sense laws reducing government spending, protecting land access rights for Alaskans, removing barriers to working for truck drivers and injured workers, helping reduce high energy costs, supporting affordable housing, honoring our fallen peace officers, and more. I have continued to apply downward pressure to unnecessary spending and to advocate for balanced budgets. I have only supported balanced budgets during my tenure. Specifically, to miners: I successfully reestablished the Citizens’ Advisory Commission on Federal Areas, also known as CACFA. CACFA monitors federal rules and actions taken on federal land in Alaska and ensures that individual Alaskans have a place to go to understand them. The Commission then works to constructively engage with federal agencies, advocating for Alaskans. It is a source of institutional knowledge on the major laws that govern how our land is used, it helps Alaskans navigate federal permitting processes, and most importantly, it is an entity focused on constructively advocating for Alaskans to policy makers on the federal level. I continue to say no new taxes without a spending cap in place. Janice Park My name is Janice Park. I have lived in Alaska since 1991, and in Abbott Loop and what is now District F since 2001. I am a mother of four and a grandmother of six. I bring a wealth of experience and dedication to my candidacy for Alaska State Senate, District F. As the daughter of a US Marine and a union telephone operator, I was the first in my family to attend college, earning my BS in Nursing from the University of California, San Francisco, and then grad school in Public Health. Since moving to Alaska in 1991, I co-founded Alaska Water Systems and have worked tirelessly since 2010 as a paralegal advocating for Alaskan families. I am committed to securing consistent and predictable public education funding, as Alaska’s Constitution mandates, to ensure every child in Alaska has access to quality education. I support restoring a defined benefit pension plan for educators, first responders, and other public servants to attract and retain top talent to the state. I am a strong proponent of a comprehensive long- term fiscal plan and reducing our dependence on volatile oil prices. With my background in nursing, I understand the importance of improving healthcare and early intervention in education and will fight to bring widely available and affordable childcare to support the hard-working families of District F. I am ready to hit the ground running on day one and address the issues that matter most to Alaskans. Together, we can better secure Alaska’s future.” SENATE DISTRICT H, SOUTHWEST ANCHORAGE Matt Claman Thank you for requesting information about my campaign to share with the Alaska Miners Association. Alaskans want government that works with our families and businesses to make sure Alaska is a great state to live, work, and raise a family. In my experience as a State Senator and Representative, Acting Mayor, Assembly Member, community volunteer, husband, father, and son, I’ve learned that we’re at our best working together for better government. I am running for re-election to continue working together for a responsible action plan for Alaska, to improve public safety and public education, protect our constitution, and grow the economy. My record as a legislator shows that I work across the aisle for the good of Alaska and support responsible resource development. Responsible development of Alaska's abundant natural resources is essential to Alaska's way of life and our economy. By growing this sector, we can reduce reliance on foreign governments for critical minerals and promote good-paying Alaskan jobs. I will continue to advocate for stable and predictable regulatory oversight at the state level that allows industry to plan in advance while stewarding Alaskan’s environment. Remembering Abraham Lincoln, I pledge to make government “of the people, by the people, and for the people.” Working together, Alaska’s best days are ahead! I would be honored to have your vote. Please let me know if you have any questions. NOTE: Liz Vazquez did not submit a profile SENATE DISTRICT J, NORTHEAST ANCHORAGE Forrest Dunbar I want to start by thanking this publication and the members of the mining industry for giving me a chance to introduce myself and my priorities. I am a lifelong Alaskan, raised in the rural towns of Eagle, on the Yukon River, and Cordova, on Prince William Sound. As I'm sure everyone reading this knows, both of those
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