Joe Blanchard II, Republican
State Representative, District 4
Why are you running for office?
I am extremely concerned about the $1 billion dollars annually over the last two years that have been raided from our savings account just to pay for state government. This is a bipartisan problem with Democrats and Republicans adding to the mess with no end in sight. I want to be part of the solution to bring sustainable budgets back to Alaska so that the next decade does not end in insolvency.
The biggest problem facing the state of Alaska is
The largest looming problem is the budget. If we do not get that back on track by stabilizing revenue and spending we will be on a dangerous track that can damage our future prosperity.
Describe three ways in which the state should try to grow and diversify Alaska's economy
I don't think its the state's job to grow or diversify Alaska's economy. What the state can do is promote a regulatory regime that allows small business to thrive and promotes job growth and prosperity. The state's job is to provide lean, well-managed, and productive services to the people of Alaska. The state can also regulate the price of gas much like the sweetheart deal South-central Alaska has enjoyed for years so we can all enjoy the bounty of our resources statewide.
What amount of state spending do you believe is sustainable? If cuts need to be made, where should most of the money come from, the operations budget or the capital budget?
State spending should equal state revenue anything above that level is unsustainable. Cuts do in fact need to be made and I would start in the Capital Budget but I would analyze all services in the operations budget for programmatic changes that could lead to equal service for less dollars.
What additional steps can the state take to promote construction of a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope?
I think it would benefit the state to actually buy a portion of the project and accept some level of risk. In a world saturated in natural gas waiting for the market to decide your project is important is not the best value for Alaskans. When you are partner you get a much greater control of the resource then when you are a passive negotiator who just happens to own the resource.
The voters have chosen Senate Bill 21 or the More Alaska Production Act to generate most of the state's tax revenues. How will you determine whether this tax structure is effective? Do you think any changes should be made to the law in the upcoming legislative session?
In two years we will know if there is an increase in oil production and dollars coming to the Alaska State Budget, than there was under ACES. If SB 21 fails this test I will be advocating major changes. I would like to see the state get more aggressive about our expectations for the permits we currently issue. Passive investment is not enough, we need holes in the ground, and seismic work being done, and oil and gas coming out of the ground. Otherwise we will give the permit to someone who will.
What additional steps can the state take to promote construction of a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope?
I don't believe reducing Permanent Fund Dividend checks should ever be considered; this is our resource and it is our payment for that resource. I think the state only has one or two more election cycles, if major changes aren't initiated, until taxation will be considered. I would like to see everything we can do on the table resource wise before we start taxing folks. Our success as a state has been largely due to our low tax rates.
Should the state subsidy program for films and reality television programs continue? Explain.
I am not a big fan of any subsidy programs for businesses. Every time we create an artificial market for things that would not otherwise occur in our state we are taking dollars away from kids, roads, the elderly and giving to a couple jobs here and there from folks most likely to take those dollars out of state. It might make our economy look more diverse, but it is not an accurate indicator of our economic outlook, because it is not really based on what makes sense in Alaska.
Taxation on oil and gas production in Alaska is ___ (Generally higher than it should be, About right; Generally lower than it should be, other):
About right
Taxation on other industries in Alaska is ___ (Generally higher than it should be, About right; Generally lower than it should be, other):
Generally lower than it should be
Taxation on individual citizens in Alaska is ___ (Generally higher than it should be, About right; Generally lower than it should be, other):
Generally higher than it should be
What are your specific plans to address the serious problems of leadership, morale and accountability within the Alaska National Guard?
I think the most important thing you can do is go down the chain of command and ask for resignations of all members of the Alaska National Guard whose lack of action led to the events that unfolded over the last 4 years. The next step is outlining clear standards for how the Guard will conduct itself for the future. In my time as a Borough Assemblymember when people brought concerns directly to me, I dealt with them personally just like I will in the Legislature.
What are Alaska's three biggest education challenges? What is your plan to address each of them?
Shrinking populations at our remote locations - we need to provide technological solutions to bring school to students and keep them from being exported to other larger schools
Rising cost - reducing administrative expenses while enhancing teachers and support staff is key, working with local communities to join in the investment will help
Workplace/College Preparation - setting up better tracks in high school to help students find the path for success
What are your suggestions to increase accountability of public schools?
I believe our public schools are already very accountable for the funds they receive. I would like to see more funds reach the students, and classrooms, and less money toward administrative services.
Would you support a constitutional amendment that would allow public funds to be spent on private or religious K-12 education? If such an amendment were to pass, would you then support voucher or some similar grant to parents of state funds that they could spend on private or religious education for their children?
I do not support the constitutional amendment or voucher programs. I believe the separation of funds might be the only barrier preventing private or religious schools from having to legally submit to government standards that will erode their beliefs and standards.
What are your plans for improving the quality of education offered through the University of Alaska system?
The quality of education at the University of Alaska can be enhanced by reducing duplication of programs and services systemwide so that the programs we offer are done with the best resources. Also ensuring that class offerings occur frequent enough that students can actually graduate in 4-5 years without taking absurd credit loads each semester, will improve success.
Do you support or oppose expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act? Explain.
I will support the expansion of Medicaid after two requirements are met. The first is that the program has been examined for inefficiencies and cost savings, which is happening right now. The second is a clear 10 year plan for how the State of Alaska will take on this cost and reduce its deficit. We should not let any Alaskan fall into the gap and I want to see this program succeed but not while accelerating the deficit for all Alaskans.
Are you confident that the current level of state environmental regulation and oversight of offshore oil and gas drilling and shipping is adequate to prevent a major spill in Alaska? If not, where are we deficient and what will you propose to achieve adequate protection?
I don't think anything is 100% effective but our currently regulatory and oversight regimes have a decent balance between allowing resource extraction and not risking our environment. Alaska has its share of dark marks against it and we need to continue to thrive for a spotless record. Our state is too important to damage any section of it.
What is your assessment of Alaska's transportation system? What, if anything, would you change?
Alaska's has to deal with a very diverse transportation system, from airports, ferry systems, railroads and highways. I would like to see the state maintain our transportation systems and I feel that they have been working for Alaska. Our ferry system is a very unique highway system that connects the remote parts of our state and should continue to be a major part of our transportation.
The Legislature has approved the use of state funds for four mega-projects: the Knik Arm Crossing, the Susitna-Watana dam and two gas line projects. Can the state afford all four, or should one or more be dropped? If so, which?
One gas line project seems appropriate for the state to use funds for the second one can be done with private funds with state support but we can not fund both. I see the Susitna-Watana dam as a benefit to more Alaskans than the Knik Arm Crossing. The Susitna-Watana dam can help provide reliable and renewable energy across the Railbelt for generations whereas the Knik Arm Crossing will help a much smaller group of Alaskans.
State your position on abortion. When should it be allowed, and when should government pay for it? Do you anticipate pushing any legislation, policies or budget proposals that would change the status quo in Alaska?
I believe life begins at conception, and that abortion is a loss of life. I also understand that Roe v Wade is the law of the land. I don't believe that we should change the status quo, and I would like to ensure there is enough education and contraceptive options so that when a choice is made that choice is for life. I don't believe that the government should pay for this loss of life.
When is it appropriate to appoint a non-Alaskan to a state board or commission?
I don't believe it is ever appropriate.
Are you satisfied with the process by which judges are selected and appointed in Alaska? Explain.
I am satisfied with the merit system we have established with a group of non-partisan folks with expert knowledge of our judicial system. I believe the balance of attorneys, appointed citizens, and the Supreme Court justice who can break ties is a good system and has worked for Alaska.
The number of Alaska State Troopers and Village Public Safety Officers is ____ (More than necessary, about right, less than necessary):
Less than necessary
If you answered more or less, what specific steps would you take to achieve the right level?
I would review regional assessments from the Troopers and Village Public Safety Officers compare that input with the community councils and tribal councils they serve and make budgetary recommendations on the results.
Bio
Age: 29
Occupation: Teller
Current employer: Credit Union 1
Employment history: UAF Student
Princess Tours - 2008-2010
Fairbanks Princess Lodge - 2010- 2012
Aaron's Sales and Lease Jan 2012 - Aug 2013
Staffer for Alaska State Legislature - July 2013 - Oct 2013
Teller Credit Union 1 - Oct 2013 - Now
Previous public offices held: Fairbanks North Star Borough Assemblymember 2008 - 2011
Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly Presiding Officer 2010 - 2011
Alaska Municipal League - District 7 Director 2009 - 2010
Alaska Municipal League - 2nd Vice President 2010 - 2011
Previous unsuccessful runs for office: N/A
Postsecondary education: UAF Associates Degree - 2013
Military service: N/A
Spouse's name: Megan
Children: None but two dogs Luna and Lucy
Website: www.joeblanchardforhouse.org