Bill Goodell, Democrat
State Representative, District 26
Why are you running for office?
Mutual responsibility for one another and the state as a whole
The biggest problem facing the state of Alaska is
Spending in excess of current income and 90% dependence on oil revenue for state and municipal spending
Describe three ways in which the state should try to grow and diversify Alaska's economy
Restore income and school tax
Invest in fisheries to gain the knowledge required maintain/achieve a sustainable future
Stop spending oil revenues, only spend earnings from investment returns that that the revenue accrued
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?
Cap the permanent fund payout at about present level
Greatest savings with least pain is to cap capital expenditures at about 5 billion, per ISER recommendation for sustainable expenditures
Continue scrutiny of medical expenditures.
What additional steps can the state take to promote construction of a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope?
All the mechanisms appear to be in place and the line advancing, there may be a greater risk in failing to pull back if adverse information comes in at the demarcated decision points.
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?
The selling point for the proposition was increased flow through the pipeline... measure the flow.
What additional steps can the state take to promote construction of a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope?
Now
Should the state subsidy program for films and reality television programs continue? Explain.
Can't afford to invest if there isn't a positive cash value to the state
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 lower than it should be
What are your specific plans to address the serious problems of leadership, morale and accountability within the Alaska National Guard?
Unless new problems come to light let the current review/overhaul play out, and the take appropriate action.
What are Alaska's three biggest education challenges? What is your plan to address each of them?
Quality of learning for all, required courses in personal finance and economics and increased graduation rates
Insure funding, Pre K program, and insure that oversight at local level is working.
What are your suggestions to increase accountability of public schools?
Accountability is graduation rates and breadth of knowledge of the individual students, both of which are public knowledge that provide accountability
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?
No
What are your plans for improving the quality of education offered through the University of Alaska system?
N/A
Do you support or oppose expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act? Explain.
Expand Medicaid
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?
No, between the Exxon Valdez and the Gulf of Mexico we have seen that blowouts and wrecks happen and should be expected in the Arctic
We have to depend on the expertise of State, Federal, consulting and drilling company engineers to devise the best systems but expect a spill.
What is your assessment of Alaska's transportation system? What, if anything, would you change?
Emphasis on safety and maintenance and improvement to substandard roads
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?
1st priority is little gas line
If continuing review shows big gas line as economically viable it is 2nd priority
The dam has yet to be accepted by in the neighborhood, but if that and fish passage can be obtained it is 3rd priority
There isn't information to support the viability of the crossing
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 in a woman's right to choose up until the fetus is viable on its own and the cost of medicinal (pill), or medical procedure should be covered
When is it appropriate to appoint a non-Alaskan to a state board or commission?
I think it should be the exception, and only used when a particular expertise is necessary and not available in state
Are you satisfied with the process by which judges are selected and appointed in Alaska? Explain.
I think the current system is working
It provides a balance with appointment by the executive branch, formal review by the three groups most often directly associated with the judges, and a final retention vote by the public at large.
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, or better use of Village Safety officer program
Bio
Age: 68
Occupation: Retired DOT&PF
Current employer: None
Employment history:
6/64-65 Vail Assoc. Mountain Crew
6-9/65 Eldorado Engineering Land Surveying
9-12/65 Climax Mine General Labor
12/65-67 Draftee US Army 1 year Vietnam Survey crew
1/68-6/74 Anch Community College/UAA winter & Highway Dept summers
6/74-8/98 DOT&PF field engineering to project engineering
Retired 8/98 DOT&PF
Summers 99 & 00 set-net fished in Bristol Bay
Previous public offices held: Mid 70's a term on MOA Planning and Zoning Comm.
Previous unsuccessful runs for office: N/A
Postsecondary education: 1/78-6/74 Anch Comm College/UAA BA in History
Military service: 12/65-67, '67 Vietnam Spec 5, Artillery Survey
Spouse's name: Kathy
Children: Nathan - deceased
Website: none