Andrew L. "Andy" Josephson, Democrat
State Representative, District 17
Why are you running for office?
After living here for 50 years, I still see things that amaze me: our mountains, coastline, rivers, and great Interior expanses. Our history is mostly unwritten. We can still build the communities we want and strive for great things, like eliminating domestic violence and alcohol abuse, while educating young and old alike for personal, economic and social enrichment. It means developing our resources smartly, while keeping protective watch over all the things that make Alaska special.
The biggest problem facing the state of Alaska is
Our budget deficits and failure to fund public schools are troubling. We've been largely unable to make progress on alcohol abuse and domestic violence. But, a central problem facing our state is our failure to assert our sovereignty. I don't refer to the tired, mostly false mantra about "federal overreach". Rather, while we need corporate presence to develop our resources and provide us jobs, we shouldn't surrender our territorial integrity and muscle in protecting Alaska's interest first.
Describe three ways in which the state should try to grow and diversify Alaska's economy
First, opportunities abound in rural Alaska for village-centered tourism. People like authentic experiences including cultural, artistic and archeological opportunities. Add to this hunting, fishing and ecotourism. Second, there are always value-added, "cottage" industries that can be promoted in our secondary economies. Finally, while Arctic development poses real environmental threats, "realpolitik" suggests that if China and Russia are aggressively developing the Arctic, we can't dawdle.
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?
According to Department of Revenue forecasts, a budget of only $4.5 billion is sustainable. However, SBR and CBR accounts have been used the last two fiscal years to meet most needs of Alaskans' and avoid crashing the economy. In this context, budget cuts should come from exempt salaries (appointees) and the capital budget. Deputy commissioners should not earn $200,000. We should not fund every development project nor should we spend tens of millions on a cushy "rental" for legislators.
What additional steps can the state take to promote construction of a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope?
I voted for Senate Bill 138 this year. The Governor's gas team made the imperfect case that its plan should move forward to the next stage. I opposed House Bill 4 last year. Its backers said that the Treasury would see no income from the development of that bill's small gas line. The State has no knowledge of gas marketing and needs help in this area. We should reconsider the role of TransCanada and the availability of access by independents. We need to repeal HB 4 and focus on the large line.
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?
Complex uncompleted MAPA tax returns and audits, with incomplete data, means we're working mostly with projections. New considerations include: per barrel credits, a gross value reduction, a new base rate, different deductions and credits, etc. The industry spent $15 million on MAPA's passage because it saw benefit to its bottom line. Changes are necessary but will prove politically challenged even in a Walker administration. Arguments that MAPA earned respect, for a time, are not meritless.
What additional steps can the state take to promote construction of a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope?
Lower. We 're running very serious budget deficits, and while it's imperative that we have a fiscal plan spanning the next 5 years, our SBR and CBR (and other small liquid accounts) still have well in excess of $10 billion in them. The need to discuss other measures is not critical for about 5-7 years. If the promises of MAPA are met, and if we receive Revenue's projected $3.3 billion in new revenue through a gas line beginning in 2024, we hope to forestall the need for the other measures.
Should the state subsidy program for films and reality television programs continue? Explain.
As noted, above, we need to consider options for economic diversity. Film credits contribute to this goal. I'm a big fan of their constituencies and stakeholders, artistic folks who bring creativity and an appreciation of Alaska and its appeal to their work. It is not unreasonable to require the credits to "prove up" their merit on a fairly routine basis but not so often that the industry cannot make plans. Legislators needs to determine if what we are giving up is worth what we are getting.
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):
Our severance tax on large metallic sulfide mines is inadequate.
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 would support and consider sponsoring legislation akin to that sponsored by U.S. Senator Gillibrand (NY). An embedded culture of corruption, sexual abuse and assault calls for greater control by civilian authorities in hiring, firing and management of personnel, as well as over investigations relating to violations of law. Title 11 sex crimes should be referred to the AG for prosecution just like happens in the civilian arena. Alaska should consider an Inspector General equivalency, also.
What are Alaska's three biggest education challenges? What is your plan to address each of them?
First, our school years are too short. I sponsored HB 155 to expand the school year to 190 days. If we're going to compete with Finland we have to work like the Finns. Second, the only "silver bullet" I've identified to markedly improve education preparedness is universal Pre-K education. It works. We need to do it. Third, our public school funding is wholly inadequate. It has not kept pace with inflation since 2010 and ASD is slashing jobs that impact our youth. We need to reverse this.
What are your suggestions to increase accountability of public schools?
Implicit in your question is a present lack of accountability. I don't agree with this assumption. Graduation rates are at all time highs, approaching 80%. Students spend about 14% of their entire lives in front of teachers. We need to consider what's happening to them the other 86% of the time. No doubt, there are teachers that should retire. But, my experience has been that 99% of them are absolutely dedicated to the task at hand. A new high school graduation qualifying exam is needed.
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?
Let me be clear: There is no circumstance--none ever--in which I would support such an amendment. I'm immovable on this point. If the amendment were to be supported by supermajorities of both houses (as required), I would campaign against the amendment, and were the Alaska people to pass the amendment at the polls, I would demand that the State fund programs fully--not partially--so that poorer Alaskans would not be marginalized and have equal opportunities.
What are your plans for improving the quality of education offered through the University of Alaska system?
I sponsored House Bill 43, authorizing the creation of a Law School and Medical School. We should "double down" on the 49er Fellows Program, so that liberal arts becomes a real emphasis. We should grow the Nursing School to eliminate the waiting list. We should focus the University on its natural resources sustainability programs, so that Alaska can lead the world in this area. Arctic research and climate change programs should be continued. We need to support freshmen preparedness.
Do you support or oppose expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act? Explain.
I was the House leader on expanding Medicaid, and lead sponsor of House Concurrent Resolution 8 and House Bill 290, both of which encouraged or required expansion. I speak on this issue whenever and wherever possible. At issue is $1.1 billion in revenue, 4,000 jobs, 41,000 covered persons and the saving of lives. Sadly, Governor Parnell has played politics with this instead-- a colossal mistake. Independent candidate, Bill Walker, wisely favors expansion. Expansion is a "no brainer".
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?
Not nearly, no. The fact that Shell had the difficulties it had in 2012-2013 speaks to a lack of regulation. The Coast Guard has essentially concluded as much. Additionally, the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund needs to be increased and re-capitalized. We need to have "Keeper" systems covering every major bay, inlet and estuary along Alaska's coasts. Citizens Advisory Councils like the one in Prince William Sound would meet this need. We should restore the Coastal Zone Management program.
What is your assessment of Alaska's transportation system? What, if anything, would you change?
The Governor is trying to appease too many interests by throwing money at every project--all at once. I did support HJR 10, a measure to dedicate funds to transportation infrastructure allocations. I would support a Regional Transportation Authority for south central that would be required to develop a light rail system between the Mat-Su and Anchorage. I support the construction of two new ferries to ply the waters of Southeast. I believe we need to restore and maintain what we have.
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 believe funding for the Knik Arm Bridge, the Susitna-Watana dam and House Bill 4 (small gas line that brings the Treasury no money) should be discontinued. I think we need to "double down" and focus like a lazer beam on the large gas line. We need between $6 and $11 billion (perhaps more) to fund our share of it, alone. This administration has wasted time and valuable resources trying to be all things to all constituencies. I might reconsider my bridge position if it included light rail.
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 absolutely respect pro-life positions. They are rational. I would not try to dissuade someone from their pro-life positions. I support the right to choose, prior to viability. It should obviously be allowed when the health of the mother is at stake, and in instances of rape. As to elective abortions, this is a personal issue that concerns the individual, their doctor, and their belief system. I don't oppose Medicaid abortions, as allowed by case law. I support contraception legislation.
When is it appropriate to appoint a non-Alaskan to a state board or commission?
Hardly ever. I came as close as I could come to voting to confirm Richard Rabinow, a Texan, to the Alaska Gasline Development Corporation. I liked him when I interviewed him and he has vast experience. I am not "unhappy" that he was confirmed to the Board. However, I think the Governor likely violated the law in seeking his appointment. And I have no idea why out-of-staters could not simply be hired to offer their advice and expertise to Alaska Boards and Commissions.
Are you satisfied with the process by which judges are selected and appointed in Alaska? Explain.
I am beyond satisfied. I am ecstatic. I am a leading champion of retaining the appointment system we have now. Here's the deal: the current system results in the "tallest timbers" being appointed to the bench. It results in a non-partisan, apolitical, and totally impartial Judiciary. What's broken? Not one single thing. The Republican majorities and conservatives want to control all 3 branches of government. It ties them up in knots that they can't politicize and corporatize our courts.
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 give the Governor some credit for increasing the number of State Troopers. However, there are only about 250 State Troopers covering an area 1/5th the size of the United States. I believe we need a Trooper in every village that requests one. I believe we need armed VPSOs in all villages. We need "buy in" from our 230 villages, however. They need to be equal participants at the table.
Bio
Age: 50
Occupation: Legislator/Attorney/Teacher
Current employer: State of Alaska
Employment history:
Alaska Legislature, 2013-2014, Legislator
Law Offices of G.R. Eschbacher, 2008-2012, Attorney
Law Offices of Dan Allan, 2003-2008, Attorney
Legislative Aide, 2003
Law Offices of Joe Josephson, 2001-2002
Assistant District Attorney, 1999-2001
Judicial Law Clerk, 3rd and 4th Districts, 1997-1999
Kuspuk School District, 1991-1994, Teacher
Previous public offices held:
28th Alaska Legislature
MOA Planning and Zoning Commission, 2006-2008
MOA Zoning Board of Examiners and Appeals, 2005-2006
Previous unsuccessful runs for office: None.
Postsecondary education:
Juris Doctorate, Penn State-Dickinson, 1997
Master of Arts in Teaching, University of Alaska-Anchorage, 1992
Bachelor of Arts in History, Whitman College, 1986
Military service: None.
Spouse's name: Donna Kay
Children: None.
Website: electandystatehouse.com