David M. "Dave" Talerico, Republican
Alaska State Representative, District
Why are you running for office?
I feel that my experience is appropriate and I would like to be part of the solution to move forward to a successful future.
The biggest problem facing the state of Alaska is
Energy, which can impact the economy, education, transportation, public safety, resource development, etc. The list goes on.
Describe three ways in which the state should try to grow and diversify Alaska's economy
1. Responsible resource development. I think we've only scratched the surface of developing resources.
2. Evaluate and begin developing key infrastructure projects, not just large but small as well.
3. More technical education opportunites for students to fill jobs created by resource development.
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?
What we can afford. The volatile market where the lion's share of state funding comes from is not consistently predictable.
Most cuts would come from the capital budget but operations will need constant monitoring and evaluation.
What additional steps can the state take to promote construction of a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope?
It would make a tremendous difference to have an export market established to reduce the overall cost to Alaskans. I think the State should continue to pursue the export potential and find a customer.
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?
I believe it will take more than this session to determine the overall effects of SB21 and evaluate the impact. The effectiveness will eventually be determined in part by production numbers and activity in the oilfields.
I don't think any changes should be made in the very near future. It may be beneficial for us to stop "moving the target".
What additional steps can the state take to promote construction of a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope?
I don't think we are anywhere near the point of discussing taxes and I will never be in favor of a raid on the permanent fund. The savings of the state are not gone and we will have a better grasp on future savings/funding issues in a few years.
Should the state subsidy program for films and reality television programs continue? Explain.
I'm not crazy about subsidies, so I would say no. If we think some tax rate or fee is too high then we should discuss changing the rate.
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?
I believe leadership problems were recently addressed which, I hope, improves morale We should always expect a high level of accountability.
What are Alaska's three biggest education challenges? What is your plan to address each of them?
Teacher retention in rural schools. Equipment acquisition isn't sufficient in all schools. I would like to address equipment (laptops, ipads, basic supplies) which I believe will help retain educators as well. I would like to see better facility maintenance and do as much as possible to achieve this. I believe these things are directly related to a quality education along with retaining a basic "bottom line" of what tools a student should have when they graduate.
What are your suggestions to increase accountability of public schools?
I am somewhat of a "throwback" when it comes to testing for accountability. I suggest we make sure that some very basic educational needs have been met in our school system, ie; the ability to fill out a job or college application, health care forms, an I9, basic accounting, etc. The students are capable, we should offer this to them in public education.
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 would support a voucher program as long as there was a basic set of standards that are met as I mentioned previously. Several people have told me that I would be asking for converting private facilities into public schools. I disagree and believe we need those requirements for utilizing public funds.
What are your plans for improving the quality of education offered through the University of Alaska system?
Business management, marketing, and engineering are already very high quality programs. Health related programs could be expanded to provide more education opportunities. I believe we have a very good system in place.
Do you support or oppose expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act? Explain.
I oppose the expansion for several reasons. With the national debt is it feasible to think that the federal government can really provide the funding which has been promised? I question some of the numbers that have been tossed around about the eligible parties in Alaska. With services already provided through IHS and community health centers are we gaining anything by spending $90 million the first year. And I have heard about "thousands of 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?
I do believe we have adequate mitigation measures in place.
What is your assessment of Alaska's transportation system? What, if anything, would you change?
Transporation has improved over the years but we haven't expanded the system hardly at all. We need to continue to work on transportation. It is vital to improving our economy.
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 hope we can afford all four but time will tell. Moving forward with one designated gas line project would make sense if we can determine which is best for now.
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. I only support this procedure to save a mother's life. Government should pay for this when absolutely necessary.
When is it appropriate to appoint a non-Alaskan to a state board or commission?
I would say never but hesitate thinking that special circumstances could arise that would allow us to utilize the very best advice/information available. I prefer Alaskans if possible.
Are you satisfied with the process by which judges are selected and appointed in Alaska? Explain.
I don't have particular issues with the process but recently I take issue with the courts seemingly trying to "legislate" from the bench rather than make clear determinations of current law.
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?
Public safety is one of my priorities and I would like to work towards more available Troopers and VPSO's. I believe just their presence alone is a deterrent to crime.
Bio
Age: 58
Occupation: Miner, HR and Safety
Current employer: Usibelli Coal Mine, Inc.
Employment history:
Usibelli Coal Mine 4/74 to 1/97
Self employed 10/96 to 10/05
Denali Borough 11/02 to 12/12
Alaska Legislature 1/13 to 5/13
Usibelli 6/13 to present
Previous public offices held:
Upper Railbelt School Board
Tri-Valley Volunteer Fire Dept. Board
Denali Borough Assembly
Denali Borough Mayor
Alaska Safety Advisory Council
Previous unsuccessful runs for office: 2010 Ak. House District 8
Postsecondary education: N/A
Military service: N/A
Spouse's name: Peggy
Children: Danielle (Kevin), David (Terra)
Website: talericoforhouse.com