Adam Wool, Democrat
State Representative, District 5
Why are you running for office?
I am running for office to use my experience to make a difference. There has been too much stagnation and complacency. I hear talk of momentum. What momentum? We have billion dollar deficits, and energy costs are still crippling our economy. I will use my business experience to make the smart choices to balance the budget and lower energy costs for Alaskan families and businesses.
The biggest problem facing the state of Alaska is
The biggest problem we face as a state is the billion dollar budget deficits caused by wasteful spending amidst lower oil revenues. We need to make sure our revenue stream stays healthy and that we don't spend what we aren't taking in.
Describe three ways in which the state should try to grow and diversify Alaska's economy
The most important thing we can do for the economy is to lower energy costs. We need to build the gasline. This has been discussed for decades, and billions have been spent on studies. It is time to take action and get it built. Expanding our university system and focusing on arctic and energy issues can turn the UA system into an economic engine. Tourism can be expanded especially in areas north of Denali Park.
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?
The bottom line is the politicians need to stop spending more than we take in. Getting a fair share from our oil resources should give us the revenue we need, it just needs to be budgeted smartly. There is waste that needs to be cut from the budget including the lavish office space for Anchorage legislators and the Knik Arm Bridge, which the Legislature's own auditors have shown to be uneconomical.
What additional steps can the state take to promote construction of a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope?
The state should take a lead role in the construction of a gas pipe line. If it's up to the oil companies they will wait until they can maximize their profits but the state has other interests besides profit. We need to do what's in the best interest of our citizens and that isn't always oil and gas profit. We need to get affordable energy to our population and also maximize revenue from that energy source.
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?
Like the majority of my neighbors in Fairbanks, I voted to repeal SB 21. Watching Exxon announce they will not be increasing production, and BP fire 200 Alaskans makes me think Fairbanks got it right. The voters have spoken, so I will give the oil companies a little time to honor the promises they made. But if next year I haven't seen significant progress I will support requiring new production in exchange for the generous tax breaks in SB 21.
What additional steps can the state take to promote construction of a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope?
With responsible budgeting and fair share of the oil revenue, there is no reason why an income tax or spending the Permanent Fund would be necessary. These options are only being discussed because of the Legislature's failure to control spending. I have to keep spending under control every day in my business, and I will do the same in the Legislature. I will fight to actually build a gas pipeline, which would provide a new sustainable revenue stream.
Should the state subsidy program for films and reality television programs continue? Explain.
For many of these productions the film tax credits have proven to be a smart investment that paid off in Alaskan jobs and economic activity that would not have happened otherwise. We do need to make sure these credits are targeted at bringing new business and jobs into 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):
Generally lower than it should be
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?
Clearly there was a failure of leadership in the Guard and in the governor's office. There are some bad apples in any system, but the state utterly failed to root out the perpetrators and prosecute them. A full investigation needs to be done, some terminations need to occur and full transparency needs to be displayed.
What are Alaska's three biggest education challenges? What is your plan to address each of them?
The decision to lock in three more years of school funding cuts is the biggest challenge facing school districts. We need to properly fund the system for more than one year at a time. We need to attract the best possible candidates for teaching positions both with competitive pay and good benefits. We don't just want to teach the test as is happening in many school systems. Principles should be able to use other methods that have proven successful in other areas and see how they work here.
What are your suggestions to increase accountability of public schools?
Principals need to be given the resources to properly supervise and evaluate their teachers. Regular evaluations should be done and not just by test scores.
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?
The delegates who wrote our constitution got it right. Public funds should go to public schools only. I oppose the proposal to use vouchers to syphon funding away from our neighborhood schools.
What are your plans for improving the quality of education offered through the University of Alaska system?
We need to attract more students, high quality faculty, and more research grants. There is lots of interest in climate studies in the arctic and UAA and UAF should become leaders in these fields. The university system is one of our major industries and it needs to be improved and promoted just like any other industry.
Do you support or oppose expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act? Explain.
I agree with the Chamber of Commerce and the health care providers that Medicaid should be expanded to give 45,000 more Alaskans access to health care. Not only will this mean a healthier population and workforce, but it will lower health care costs for everyone since right now people with insurance pay extra to cover emergency room costs for uninsured patients.
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?
The challenge for offshore drilling is to make sure that oil spills do not happen in the first place. Given the arctic conditions and how far away the proposed drilling sites are from the nearest port clean up would be very difficult. I am confident that with proper safety procedures we can safely drill offshore.
What is your assessment of Alaska's transportation system? What, if anything, would you change?
One of the biggest challenges is to maintain the infra-structure we have already. It is important that we keep our existing infrastructure in working order, the collapse of the ferry docks in Skagway should have been a wake up call that we need to do more to make sure our roads, runways, and docks are still safe.
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?
The Knik Arm Bridge should be shelved at this time. The Knik Arm Bridge has been shown by the Legislature's own auditors to not make financial sense.
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?
Abortion and other reproductive issues should be decided between a woman and her physician. Politicians have no role inserting themselves into these personal decisions.
When is it appropriate to appoint a non-Alaskan to a state board or commission?
No, Alaskan boards should be filled with Alaskans. If the expertise of a non-resident is needed they can be hired for an advisory role, but should not get to vote.
Are you satisfied with the process by which judges are selected and appointed in Alaska? Explain.
I am satisfied with the nonpolitical judicial nomination process. I don't think it should become an election style process, look how well that's working? Judges should rule based on the law, not the whims of public opinion.
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?
There needs to be more VSPO's in villages. Having local officers working in their hometowns can help resolve problems earlier. Early intervention is the best prevention. More community policing would be very welcome and very effective.
Bio
Age: N/A
Occupation:Small Business owner
Current employer: The Blue Loon
Employment history:
1992-1997 The Marlin, Fairbanks, AK: founded and operated lounge and music club, capacity 100, offered nightly music entertainment. Gross annual sales $400,000. Sold in 1997, still exists today.
1986-1991 Hot Licks Homemade Ice Cream, Fairbanks, AK: founded specialty ice cream shop, managed daily operations with partner (brother), grew business into top ice cream restaurant in city, sold out to brother in 1991. Business still exists today with 5 locations statewide.
Previous public offices held: None
Previous unsuccessful runs for office: None
Postsecondary education:
1994-95 Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Boston, MA: Special Student Technology Policy
1983-88 University of Alaska Fairbanks, Bachelor of Arts in Physics with minors in Math and Music
1980-82 Boston University, Boston, MA: Major- Biology (pre-Med)
Military service: None
Spouse's name: Kate
Children: Evelyn (8) Abby (4)
Website: adamwool.com