Jonathan S. Kreiss-Tomkins, Democrat
State Representative, District 35
Why are you running for office?
To help make our small corner of the world (Alaska) a better place. I love this place. I want to make it better.
The biggest problem facing the state of Alaska is
Where to start! (1) Our fiscal future is like a polar bear on Arctic ice: the ice is melting, and fast. (2) I'd like to fully realize the wholesome economic symmetry of Alaskans benefiting from Alaska resources. (3) I'd like our education system to become a model of frame-busting innovation.
But increasingly, I feel our political system needs systemic reforms that encourage bipartisanship and greater transparency. This would help us with (1), (2), (3), and pretty much everything else.
Describe three ways in which the state should try to grow and diversify Alaska's economy
I want to see go-getters, entrepreneurs, and young talent across America attracted to Alaska the way iron filings cling to a magnet. The buzz word is creating a "knowledge economy": If you get heaps of smart, driven, entrepreneurial people all in the same place, really, really cool economic things will happen.
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 is not sustainable. And assuming current financial projections, the necessary cuts will be painful. Like, Civil War-hacksaw-amputations-without-morphine painful. Both budgets need to come under the knife. The capital budget is "easier" because there's more discretion. But there's a whole lot more money in the operations budget. Both merit critical and comprehensive review.
What additional steps can the state take to promote construction of a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope?
I'd like to ensure that independent producers will have fair access to the pipeline.
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?
North Slope oil is hugely profitable for both Alaskans (owners) and oil companies (producers). A "successful" tax structure splits profit equitably between the owner (State of Alaska) and the producers (Conoco, BP, Exxon). If the split gets too lopsided one way or the other, we should reassess.
I'd like to see greater auditing rigor of SB 21. It's not happening. The stakes are literally upwards of billions of dollars. (Little attention/reporting has been directed towards this issue, sadly.)
What additional steps can the state take to promote construction of a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope?
Back in the '60s, Alaska was stumbling around financially and — whoomph! — a golden anvil fell out of the sky. It was called Prudhoe Bay. It was worth a cool couple hundred billion dollars.
A huge variable in our financial future is the natural gas pipeline. If the pipeline is built — whoomph! — another golden anvil just fell out of the sky. Before we institute taxes or talk about the Permanent Fund, let's see what happens with the gas pipeline. In the meantime, we should tighten the belt.
Should the state subsidy program for films and reality television programs continue? Explain.
If there's a reasonable relationship between the tax subsidies and economic activity/jobs, yes, it makes sense. TBD whether this relationship is "reasonable."
Taxation on oil and gas production in Alaska is ___ (Generally higher than it should be, About right; Generally lower than it should be, other):
I'd like to see Alaska get a better return on oil when prices and profitability are through the roof
Taxation on other industries in Alaska is ___ (Generally higher than it should be, About right; Generally lower than it should be, other):
About right
Taxation on individual citizens in Alaska is ___ (Generally higher than it should be, About right; Generally lower than it should be, other):
About right
What are your specific plans to address the serious problems of leadership, morale and accountability within the Alaska National Guard?
As an Alaskan who believes in choosing respect, the stories in Alaska Dispatch, APRN, and Anchorage Press have been the source of waves of sadness. We need new and more ethical leadership in the National Guard. Ultimately, responsibility rests with the Governor.
What are Alaska's three biggest education challenges? What is your plan to address each of them?
I recently watched Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy. One of the characters, Groot, would respond to any question with only one answer: "I am Groot": When I think of education, I have an almost singular focus: get as many amazing, life-changing pedagogic dynamos into classrooms as possible. Create a "halo" around the craft and profession of teaching, and attract the very best. Make the field of education peer to law and medicine.
What are your suggestions to increase accountability of public schools?
I harbor a geeky excitement for the potential of student-generated data. Check out Panorama Education (no really! Google it!). They're a sizzling new education start-up and I think they're on the right track: exploring a new frontier of meaningful education data.
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?
Public money should go to public education. No and no.
What are your plans for improving the quality of education offered through the University of Alaska system?
I try to listen before I talk, and I probably have a good deal of listening and learning before I feel I can offer a sufficiently intelligent answer on this one. UA policy was not a focus in my first term, but I'm excited to learn more.
Do you support or oppose expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act? Explain.
YES. Yes, I support Medicaid expansion. Morally, I believe we must provide healthcare to Alaska's most vulnerable.
If our job as legislators is to help improve the lives of Alaskans as much as we possibly can, there is no other issue (perhaps besides the minimum wage increase) that profoundly transforms and improves the day-to-day lives of real working people.
Plus, it's an economic no-brainer: we are forgoing literally billions of dollars for reasons of political pride.
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'm not sure we know — or at least I don't. This is a new thing for Alaska and there's a lot of learning that comes with it. I just want to make sure, make *absolute* sure, that the learning does not come from experience.
What is your assessment of Alaska's transportation system? What, if anything, would you change?
Federal transportation money is disappearing. We're starting, or piecemealing along, a medley of megaprojects: Northern Rail Extension, Port MacKenzie Rail Extension, Knik Arm Bridge, Anchorage Port Expansion, extending the Juneau Road, building the Ambler and Umiat roads.
I am more fond of some of these projects than others, but let's put aside my personal feelings and acknowledge this one overwhelming fact: We don't have money for all of these projects. We need to choose.
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?
Unless we have a financially masochistic affection for draining all our savings, we cannot afford all four projects. The three energy projects are inter-related; it's hard to say which should be dropped; that answer depends on which of the three prove most promising (and all three are in flux). KABATA traffic projections are suspiciously optimistic — a perspective shared by an independent audit from the Division of Legislative Audit. I seriously question the affordability of the bridge.
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 am pro-choice.
When is it appropriate to appoint a non-Alaskan to a state board or commission?
Since well before statehood, Alaska has struggled to realize the notion of sovereignty. I prefer Alaskans govern Alaska. After all, would the United States appoint a Brazilian national to a federal board or commission? (Perhaps there are exceptions, but only to be granted in extreme extenuating circumstances.)
Are you satisfied with the process by which judges are selected and appointed in Alaska? Explain.
Other states (Illinois, Texas, and 20 other states) elect their Supreme Court justices. Have you ever seen TV ads for these elections? The first time I saw one, it was like watching the dignity of the judicial branch disintegrate in front of my eyes. Our current judicial selection and appointment process produces one of the best judiciaries in the nation. I wouldn't change a thing.
The number of Alaska State Troopers and Village Public Safety Officers is ____ (More than necessary, about right, less than necessary):
About right
If you answered more or less, what specific steps would you take to achieve the right level?
N/A
Bio
Age: 25
Occupation: Legislator, non-profit program administrator, occasional fishing deckhand
Current employer: Alaska Legislature, Sitka's Sheldon Jackson Campus, various salty fishing skippers
Employment history: N/A
Previous public offices held: N/A
Previous unsuccessful runs for office: N/A
Postsecondary education: Attended Yale College 2008-2012 (left early, without a degree, to run for Alaska Legislature)
Military service: N/A
Spouse's name: N/A
Children: N/A
Website: jonathanforstatehouse.com