Chris S. Tuck, Democrat
State Representative, District 23
Why are you running for office?
For people to have faith in government again. Middle class isn't getting very much these days. The republican led majority has been manipulating the process against the people of Alaska. We are still a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. When people get involved, then government becomes the solution.
The biggest problem facing the state of Alaska is
Revenue uncertainty and deficit spending.
Describe three ways in which the state should try to grow and diversify Alaska's economy
We need to invest in energy, infrastructure, and our university system to create a physical goods economy that promotes value-added industries and high paying jobs. We should not sell our raw resources to the rest of the world and buy it back in final product. Let's manufacture here in Alaska before shipping overseas.
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?
Our budget is unsustainable and stop the unnecessary overhead in both budget. We should examine the high wages of exempt employees and the unnecessary outsourcing of services. No more exemptions to the state procurement code for capital projects. Let's keep the competitive bidding process. No more sole-sourcing projects like the Anchorage Legislative Information Office building. No more bailouts to oil refineries who said they did not need it. No more wasteful spending.
What additional steps can the state take to promote construction of a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope?
We need lead the negotiations and quit waiting for the industry. Alaska should own 100% of the pipeline to prevent restrictions of independent gas producers from having access to the pipe. Alaska must exercise our sovereignty and negotiate from a position of strength.
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?
Alaskans have been duped into accepting an oil policy that has no guarantees for new investment and more production. Already the industry admits production will not increase in the foreseeable future. We need to put back guarantees for new investment, define new oil, and keep promoting more competition on the North Slope.
What additional steps can the state take to promote construction of a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope?
Alaska has an abundance of natural resources and talented people. What we lack is vision. As an owner state we need to negotiate from a position of strength to make sure we are getting our fair share of our resources. We need to create surpluses again so we can invest and attract new value-added industries and generate new revenue in Alaska. It would be short-sighted to automatically start talking about reaching into the pockets of hard working Alaskans.
Should the state subsidy program for films and reality television programs continue? Explain.
Not as currently written. With the recent changes made, we no longer are attracting the big motion picture industry like we once did. Reality shows are stimulating Alaska's economy.
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?
The governor is the commander in chief. The legislature is the oversight of the governor. It is important to do a full investigation and to get rid of all those who knew about this and did nothing. Sexual assaults in the military need to be automatically investigated by the state troopers.
What are Alaska's three biggest education challenges? What is your plan to address each of them?
Parental involvement, statewide pre-K program, and lack of resources to the schools for career and technical education. We need to properly fund Parents as Teachers program throughout the state and introduce more volunteer pre-K programs that can be taken in the summer before entering into kindergarten. High school graduation coaches are needed throughout the state to ensure better graduation rates. Funding for CTE should be in addition to the normal funding formula.
What are your suggestions to increase accountability of public schools?
We don't need to add anymore tests. Students are already tested too much and teachers are left teaching to the tests instead of teaching them to discover and to solve problems. The state needs to be accountable when it comes to providing the necessary resources so local school districts can provide an adequate education to students in their area. A "cookie cutter" approach does more harm than good.
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. No.
What are your plans for improving the quality of education offered through the University of Alaska system?
We need to return to a defined benefit pension plan to recruit and retain the best professors possible. We need to more class articulation between campuses and make sure money is used wisely. Now that we have a focus on science and technology, we need to establish a materials development and prototype institute so the students can apply what they learned to the economy of our state. This will make the university more relevant to creating a value-added physical goods economy.
Do you support or oppose expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act? Explain.
Yes. Alaskans are paying taxes for it and we should benefit rather than letting that money go to other states. We should allow people to die or suffer because of politics. It will save significant costs for people who currently have no insurance and use the expensive emergency room services instead of having a medical care provider. This increases the costs of those with insurance. Expansion would also bring 4,000 needed professional, good-paying jobs.
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?
Because of the Exxon oil spill, I am confident we have adequate oversight in the lower regions of Alaska. However after Shell's recent drilling effort, there are concerns the Arctic waters need to have more oversight and spill response plans.The expanding interest to drill in Arctic waters will create a need for more ports and coast guard patrol.
What is your assessment of Alaska's transportation system? What, if anything, would you change?
We need to maintain our existing infrastructure and begin expanding our railroad system. The Alaska Marine Highway needs to continue serving our coastal communities to keep them connected economically and we need to establish a state port authority.
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?
No, we cannot afford to fund all of these projects simultaneously. We need to invest in energy projects that will provide opportunities to support others. The large diameter gas pipeline will provide new revenue for the state. If fish will not be affected, we need to build the big Susitna-Watana dam and not the little "watered down version" the governor is proposing. With one more year of construction and only 27% more in cost, we can have 200% more power to support new industries.
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?
The law of the land has been determined in court and I don't plan to change the status quo. The goal isn't to make it illegal; it is to reduce the need for abortion by providing resources for families to succeed. Access to affordable health care is very important to promote healthy families.
When is it appropriate to appoint a non-Alaskan to a state board or commission?
Never. If we need someone's expertise, then hire them. Do not put them in charge. Alaskans are tired of outsiders telling us what to do.
Are you satisfied with the process by which judges are selected and appointed in Alaska? Explain.
Yes. Alaska's merit selection system, overseen by the Alaska Judicial Council, is the best way to select Judges. This is an impartial process that prevents the governor from picking judges based on party affiliation or political influence.
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?
Recruit more State Troopers and allow VPSO's a career path to become a State Trooper in their area. We need to return to a defined benefit retirement program so public safety officers can retire with dignity.
Bio
Age: 48
Occupation: Electrician
Current employer: IBEW 1547
Employment history: N/A
Previous public offices held: Anchorage School Board, 2007 to 2009
Previous unsuccessful runs for office:
2004 State House
2006 State House
Postsecondary education:
1999-2002 National Training Institute, University of Tennessee. Completion Certificate
1993-1998 Alaska Joint Electrical and Training Trust. Electrical Certificate of Fitness
Military service: N/A
Spouse's name: N/A
Children: Devon Tuck
Website: tuckforalaska.com