Bob Lynn, Republican
State Representative, District 26
Why are you running for office?
I think I'm doing a good job, and a majority of my constituents seem to have thought so too in previous elections. I believe my experience, maturity, seniority and, hopefully some common sense, can continue contributing to the good of Alaska. I also enjoy my work.
The biggest problem facing the state of Alaska is
Alaska's biggest "challenge" (my word for "problem") is how to obtain sustainable funding without cuts that "throws. the baby out with the bathwater."
Describe three ways in which the state should try to grow and diversify Alaska's economy
1) Make Alaska a "business friendly state."
2) Open ANWR
3) Build the Alaska Gas Pipeline (cheaper energy brings more business opportunity). 4) Develop Rare Earth resources, and other mining assets. 5) Develop commercial blueberry resources.
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 budget for each department should start at zero, and justify each dollar thereafter. That's called "Zero Based Budgeting." Budget from the bottom up, not the top down. The capital budget is more susceptible to trimming than the operating budget, but Alaska's infrastructure must be maintained and thoughtfully developed. A meat axe approach to cutting the capital budget would generate many problems, including job loss and a downward economic ripple effect.
What additional steps can the state take to promote construction of a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope?
Alaska closer today to a natural gas pipeline than ever before. We need to actively pursue the deal we're already in the middle of, and not wander off down rabbit trails for a different pipeline route to a different terminus.
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 "proof will be in the pudding." If, after a reasonable period of time, we get more wells drilled, and more oil in the pipeline, we can reasonably assume part of the additional wells and oil can be attributed to SB21. I'm very reluctant to see any changes in the law this coming session. Businesses of any kind, including oil, aren't helped by uncertainty of tax rates or anything else. We need to give our SB 21 legislation time to work.
What additional steps can the state take to promote construction of a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope?
For openers, I'll never vote for a state income tax. Why not? Look at the mess we're suffering from the federal income tax. We don't need to metastasize the federal income tax into a state copycat. Secondly, the permanent fund is "the people's money" and the state needs to keep it's "pea picking hands" off of it. The first step more savings in remedying the problem is to do what we can to increase state revenue through economic development. We can't save what we don't have.
Should the state subsidy program for films and reality television programs continue? Explain.
Increased diversification is a noble goal. We need to attract new business. A state subsidy program for films and reality shows is a form of "chumming the water." For chumming to work as intended, the income from the "fish" must exceed the cost of the "chum." This kind of subsidizing is also a variety of "betting on the come." What are the odds of the subsidy "gamble" paying off? Has there been any significant benefit yet? The answer to those questions involves research and arithmetic.
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):
Taxation should be reviewed to determine if any business taxes can be lowered. Want more of something? Tax it less.
Taxation on individual citizens in Alaska is ___ (Generally higher than it should be, About right; Generally lower than it should be, other):
Generally higher than it should be
What are your specific plans to address the serious problems of leadership, morale and accountability within the Alaska National Guard?
The report is disgraceful, criminal, and an insult to innocent National Guard. It's a military maxim to "support the troops," and that includes victims. Actions must be taken including - but not limited to - less than honorable discharges, resignations, demotions, criminal indictments, and civil remedy. I'm pleased our governor ordered an outside investigation. I must say it's not helpful for any one to attempt turning the situation into a political circus for partisan purpose.
What are Alaska's three biggest education challenges? What is your plan to address each of them?
I'm a retired public school teacher. I think I'm the only retired teacher in our legislature. Perhaps Alaska's biggest challenge is attracting and retaining good teachers. Providing for more vocational education is also a challenge. Teacher salary is critical. When the legislature delays its school funding "act together" teachers suffer contract renewal uncertainty, and that results in good teachers leaving our state for employment elsewhere.
What are your suggestions to increase accountability of public schools?
Reinstate the exit exam the legislature trashed last year (I voted against the bill). Graduating students should at least must be able to read their own diplomas. Accountability also should include accounting for how school districts spend whatever money is provided by our state. For example, how much money actually gets into the classroom, and into attracting and retaining good teachers, as compared to funding layers of bureaucracy?
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 can' state how I might vote on legislation that hasn't been written. I'm a personal beneficiary of a school voucher system. It was called the "GI Bill." The GI Bill helped me attend a school of my choice - public, private, or religious (I chose a public school). That's how I was enabled to get both my Bachelor's and Master's degrees. I do support public education. I also support making it possible for the people and parents of Alaska to cast their personal vote on this critical issue.
What are your plans for improving the quality of education offered through the University of Alaska system?
The universities typically graduate well-educated students, particularly in factual disciplines such as science, engineering, nursing, and other "hard core" subject matter. The university must deal with the product of our K-12 educational system.
Do you support or oppose expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act? Explain.
I can't support expanding Medicaid in this time of decreasing state revenue. We can't afford to expand Medicaid based on a gamble that the Feds will continue to fund Medicaid, and that Alaska could be left holding the bag of an unfunded liability. Much will depend on who gets elected to president in 2016. No one knows who that will be, and no one knows what the Medicaid policy of whoever gets elected will be.
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 confident our Alaska's environmental regulators, and those who oversee drilling and shipping, are just as smart (if not smarter) as the federal regulators ensconced in bowels of Washington DC., most of whom have no clue whatsoever of what we do in Alaska and how we do it. Some of these Feds haven't even been here, or even ventured outside the Washington beltway. I'm more confident of Alaskans than the Feds.
What is your assessment of Alaska's transportation system? What, if anything, would you change?
"Roads to Resources" is a good concept. Roads must be capable of supporting the construction of the gas pipeline, and other projects. There needs to be a rail extension to the North Slope, and eventually a rail connection to the Lower 48 and Nome. Closer to Anchorage, there needs to be a rail extension from the Wasilla area to Point McKenzie.
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 voted "YES" on each of these megaprojects. If we don't start construction of all these projects all on the same day, we can afford it (or can't afford not to do it). These projects are each on a different timeline, and that's a good thing. Each project here listed will bring jobs both in the short term and long term. The Knik Arm Crossing will improve transportation, and the gasline and dam projects will bring the energy from natural resources Alaska so desperately needs.
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-Life and Anti-Abortion. I believe in the protection of innocent human life from the moment of conception until natural death. That position is "non-negotiable." If the physical life of the mother is endangered by a pregnancy, it is not an abortion if a procedure's only intent is to save the physical life of the mother.
When is it appropriate to appoint a non-Alaskan to a state board or commission?
The highest qualified available individuals should be appointed to state boards and commissions. Hopefully we can find them in Alaska.
Are you satisfied with the process by which judges are selected and appointed in Alaska? Explain.
No. More non-attorneys need to be put on the Judicial Council, and the number of council members needs to be expanded to achieve a broader representation of views. The governor needs more choices available for judicial appointments.
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?
N/A
Bio
Age: 81
Occupation: Legislator
Current employer: State of Alaskla
Employment history:
Clerk; US Air Force (Retired); Salesman; Policeman, City of Tucson, AZ; Ambulance Driver/Mortician's Assistant, Tucson, AZ; Public School Teacher (retired), California, Alaska; Real Estate Broker-Associate; Councilman and Mayor Pro-Tem, Moreno Valley, CA; Adjunct real estate teacher, Riverside Community College, CA; Alaska State Legislature.
Previous public offices held:
City Councilman / Mayor Pro-Tem, Moreno Valley, CA
Alaska State representative
Previous unsuccessful runs for office: N/A
Postsecondary education:
Diploma, Garfield High School, East Los Angeles, CA; B.A., University of Arizona; M.A. in Educational Administration, California State University Long Beach; Air University "Education with Industry" (similar to MBA), Washington, relating to government contracting; Riverside Community, Real Estate; University of California Riverside, Special Education; University of Alaska, Anchorage, Special Education; various other college level courses, including law.
Military service:
Major USAF, Retired; Vietnam Veteran; Bandsman (saxophone) and Drum Major (enlisted); Aviation Cadet Flying School (T-6, T28, T33); Fighter Pilot (F94C); Radar Operations (Virginia, California, Alaska, Montana, Thailand, Germany, Turkey); Radar Senior Director, Monkey Mountain, Vietnam; Site Commander, Pleiku, Vietnam; Inspector General contracts; Seventeen military awards and decorations, including Bronze Star, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.
Spouse's name: Marlene Wagner Lynn
Children: Debra, John, Robyn, Mary, Marla, John
Website: N/A