Peter Dukowitz, Republican
State Representative, District 33
Why are you running for office?
Importance and timing. We need a voice in the majority to have our issues resolved. After years of advocating, my personal and work schedules aligned up to accommodate public service.
The biggest problem facing the state of Alaska is
Alaska's biggest problem is "Ourselves and Our Actions". We are not responding as a team effectively or efficiently to declining revenues, budget shortfalls, increasing cost management,.
Describe three ways in which the state should try to grow and diversify Alaska's economy
See my website for details. Alaska needs to compete by doubling our university attendance, become self insured, increase revenues with gas pipeline and most of all, curtail mandated federal spending.
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?
As a standard practice, Spending should be limited to 90% with 10% going to savings. Budget appropriations are required for critical state functions and a shortfall sliding scale prepared for bad times. Capital budget cuts are preferred as these can be recouped by partnering with businesses to encourage development.
What additional steps can the state take to promote construction of a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope?
The state of alaska has to have an alliance between it's state agencies to stream line permitting as current regulations are burdoning, time consuming, expensive, and not needed.
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?
SB 21 is a long term solution, and we may not see immediate results. Our first indicators will be to watch oil company activity. BP's recent cut in empoleeys is part of restructuring so we will closely watch there next move.
Ultimately The Governors budget will determine if SB 21 is effective. If it is not, then yes, changes should be made.
What additional steps can the state take to promote construction of a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope?
First, alaska has to review its spending, and increase revenues before implementing serious cuts.
Alaska has out of state tuition, hunting/fishing license, tourist tax, but no out of state worker tax. Local residence are essentially being penalized for living in alaska.
The first thing alaska needs to do is implement a 6% income tax on non-residence.
Should the state subsidy program for films and reality television programs continue? Explain.
I enjoy these programs, however, if we are losing money on them, then they need to be eliminated.
Taxation on oil and gas production in Alaska is ___ (Generally higher than it should be, About right; Generally lower than it should be, other):
Tbd SB21
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):
About right
What are your specific plans to address the serious problems of leadership, morale and accountability within the Alaska National Guard?
I served in the alaska guard so this issue is dear to me. These problems are not new, and have been growing for a long time. A complete overhaul is required.
What are Alaska's three biggest education challenges? What is your plan to address each of them?
There are two major problems with our education system. The first is Funding at the state level. Budget appropriations need to be set for school funding to stop education swings from year to year.
The second major issue is the quality of education and the growing separation / frustration between par ants and the school system.
What are your suggestions to increase accountability of public schools?
Pay based on results would be effective but could not be rationally implemented. The state has to review and change graduation requirements, &educating systems to be aligned with each other.
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 support competition. If public schools are failing, then I support private vouchers only. (No religious)
What are your plans for improving the quality of education offered through the University of Alaska system?
Two key areas would be plans to double our student attendance that go along with revenue growth fields, and an overhaul of grant /scholarships regulations to foster affordability for students.
Do you support or oppose expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act? Explain.
Oppose. Alaska needs to offer self insurance. We could two better by having our premiums sent to our PFD division to invest and those returns would help lower costs more. Too many Alaskans are loosing insurance under Obama care. I oppose big government but if the private insurance companies are not going to step up, then Alaskans don't need them.
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?
We have too much regulations that restrict development. For more protection we need to require a very large insurance policy, and deposit. Major oil companies profit billions per year. A $5 billion deposit would ensure accountability of regulations and proper company policies to ensure safe operations.
What is your assessment of Alaska's transportation system? What, if anything, would you change?
Our transportation system is lacking. We have not been properly funding and spurring growth.
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?
I support alaska partnering with private business for development. If we do not, then our budget short falls will only get worse.
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?
The nation has not accepted roe v wade which has only created decades of fighting. Roe v wade is not based on health, but on choice , and yet does not address a mans rights nor unborn rights. A woman's right to choose should be before sex not after. Women are allowed a "redo" but that choice is not extended to men, or any other cases. If sex was consensual then contract law applies. Abortion will remain legal with an individual insurance policy; however public money should not be spent.
When is it appropriate to appoint a non-Alaskan to a state board or commission?
Never
Are you satisfied with the process by which judges are selected and appointed in Alaska? Explain.
Judges need to accountable to the people.
Judges should be appointed for a single 10 year term, followed by a vote of the people if that judge receives zero, fifty or 100% of retirement and bonus. At any time a recall petition can be submitted by the people and if successful retirement would be at zero level.
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?
More information on this is required but it is up to individual villages.
Bio
Age: 45
Occupation: System operator
Current employer: Alaska electric light power
Employment history: 1988-1992 worked several misclaneous jobs while attending college. Major employment as a spill response tech in cook inlet and Dunbar, and on Exxon Valdez clean up.
1992-2002 worked as in Instrument tech in various oil fields around alaska to include: cook inlet platforms, kenai gas field, beluga, trading bay, Tesoro refinery, unocal fertilizer plant, and kuparuks CPF 1,23, and salt water treatment plant. Wireman apprentice.
2002-current Alaska electric light & power as Scada tech and later as power grid system operator.
Previous public offices held: Prior to this election, I have been an advocate for insurance, education, and finance. This is my first run for public office.
Previous unsuccessful runs for office: N/A
Postsecondary education: 1990-1992 Kenai Peninsula College, degree in Industrial Process Instrumentation.
2000 microage Microsoft Certification System Engineer.
Various trade school refreshers to include electronics, communications, protocols, safety, system operator.
Military service: 1987-1995 Alaska Army National Gurad. E4, 31C. (Communications)
Spouse's name: Tracey
Children: Adam, Austin, Beau
Website: Dukowitzforhouse.com