Charisse E. Millett (Republican)
State Representative, District 25
Why are you running for office?
I believe in Alaska! This is truly the land of opportunity, and serving in public office is a way to give back to the State I have lived in since birth. I want to help shape the state for future generations, and Alaskans of all ages. Ensuring we have world class educational opportunities, a healthy vibrant economy and a place that people want to live and raise a family, and retire in is paramount. There is no challenge to great that we cannot overcome if we all work together.
The biggest problem facing the state of Alaska is
There are several problems facing Alaska, we have begun and continue to address them all. Declining revenue, domestic violence, sexual assault, substance abuse, increasing educational opportunities, funding education costs, affordable and accessible health care for Alaskans, transportation infrastructure, high cost and lack of accessible of energy, these are some of the major issues we are facing as Alaskans.
Describe three ways in which the state should try to grow and diversify Alaska's economy
A affordable accessible energy supply will allow our economy to diversify, whether in manufacturing, mining, oil and gas exploration and to increase in small business opportunities.
Encourage a "open for business" climate for business to ensure their company can succeed in Alaska, including stable tax climate, incentives to encourage businesses to come to our State.
I believe we have a great future in Arctic research and could serve as Arctic research center for the world.
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?
In December 2012 the Institute of Social and Economic Research released a report titled Maximum Sustainable Yield. In 2013 I introduced a bill (HB 136) modeled after the papers findings, With the help of Scott Goldsmith we presented this to the legislature, I believe that report and findings are the pathway to creating a sustainable budget. I will continue to advocate our budgets be sustainable. We have to strike a balance on spending whether it is the Capital or Operating budget.
What additional steps can the state take to promote construction of a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope?
I believe we are closer to our goal of seeing a natural gas pipeline then in any other time of state history. Ground work has begun on the LNG facility in Kenai, and engineering and environmental impact studies are underway. I will continue to advocate to stay on track and continue to support the In State gasline. Commercializing our gas, getting it to market and getting it to our urban and rural communities is vital to the economic and social health of our State.
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?
Continued oversight on our tax structure is important to ensure Alaska and Alaskans are represented when we are dealing with our finite oil and gas natural resources. I will continue to monitor the tax structure that Alaskan reconfirmed in the primary. In my district over 63 percent of my neighbors voted to continue the tax structure we put in place in the 28th legislature. I will be vigilant in making sure it is what is best for Alaska.
What additional steps can the state take to promote construction of a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope?
I believe Alaska has a vibrant economy and can live within its means. I will continue to work towards a balance when it comes to budget priorities. I believe that Alaska's vast natural resources in the ground can continue to provide revenue for Alaskans. Our best natural resources are Alaskans themselves, innovation and a "can do" attitude is what Alaska was built on and what will sustain us.
Should the state subsidy program for films and reality television programs continue? Explain.
I believe the film and television program can and will continue to grow and help diversify our economy. I have seen first hand the impact this industry is having on our economy, it has proven to be successful.
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):
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?
The serious problems within the Alaska National Guard must be addressed immediately. Confirming a new Commissioner of Military and Veterans Affairs who will root out the culture of abuse and mismanagement is the first and most important step the legislature can take. Ensuring that all reports are taken seriously and addressed immediately, the cultural of abuse must be stopped in the National Guard and Alaska.
What are Alaska's three biggest education challenges? What is your plan to address each of them?
Getting and keeping children in school is very important and proved to be challenge in all parts of the state. Focusing on attendance is crucial to success for students and parents.
Re-evaulate the Base Student Allocation - The current formula may be outdated.
Education funding-Increase the Base Student Allocation.
What are your suggestions to increase accountability of public schools?
Continue to work with the Department of Education, the Associations of School Boards and local school boards to ensure 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?
If a constitutional amendment were approved by voters it would be up to the Alaska Legislature to determine exactly how and under what circumstances public funds can be used at private and schools. Parents are the ones that know what is best for their child, whether it is in public schools or private schools. I would work hard to make sure public schools were not financially harmed by the choice.
What are your plans for improving the quality of education offered through the University of Alaska system?
More investment in the programs and facilities at all University of Alaska campuses means we will have even more Alaskans with college degrees and technical training certificates remaining in our state. We are a State with great career paths, continuing to create educational paths with in the University system that support our businesses we will grow our own.
Do you support or oppose expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act? Explain.
Medicaid is an important safety net for thousands of Alaskans and one of the primary cost drivers in the state budget. After identifying other insurance options for uncovered Alaskans and if we can find efficiencies in the program and get assurances from the federal government that it will maintain adequate federal funding I will support expansion.
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?
Alaska has some of the most stringent environmental protections for oil and gas exploration and production in the world. While I am confident that drilling and production activities can be done safely, if deficiencies are found I will fully support implementing new safeguards to protect the environment
What is your assessment of Alaska's transportation system? What, if anything, would you change?
The state has wisely invested in transportation infrastructure during my time in office and we need to continue to do so within our budget constraints. Good roads, harbors and airports stimulate economic activity so I want to see that investment continue.
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?
We need to continue to keep all of our options open when it comes to accessible, affordable energy, it is one the most important issues facing Alaskans.
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. Government should pay when it is medically necessary or in the case of rape or incest or to save the life of the mother.
When is it appropriate to appoint a non-Alaskan to a state board or commission?
Alaskans should be considered first for boards and commissions and non-Alaskans should only be considered in unique and all other circumstances are exhausted. Outside candidates may have skills and experience that can benefit the state.
Are you satisfied with the process by which judges are selected and appointed in Alaska? Explain.
Alaskans who are not part of the legal system should have a larger role in selecting judges. I would like to see more public representation on the Alaska Judicial Council.
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?
Hire more.
Bio
Age: 50
Occupation: Airline Management 25 years/ Currently Legislator
Current employer: Alaska State Legislature 2009-present
Employment history:
AirPac Inc 1982-1984
Reeve Aleutian Airways 1984-1993
Era Aviation 1993-2004
State of Alaska 2004-2008
State of Alaska Legislature 2009-present
Previous public offices held: State Legislature 2009-present
Previous unsuccessful runs for office: N/A
Postsecondary education:
Anchorage Community College 1982-1983
University of Alaska Anchorage 1982-84
Military service: N/A
Spouse's name: N/A
Children: Zachery Ashley Zane- Grandchildren Halen, Hudson
Website: www.votemillett.com