Gregory Don Bringhurst, Republican
State Representative, District 1
Why are you running for office?
Fairbanks and our State are facing significant issues in several areas and House district 1 needs new representation.
I want to work on the issues I see Alaskans facing on a daily basis. High energy and housing costs, economic uncertainty, crime and substance abuse. I have personally experienced, and witnessed many others, be burdened by these issues.
I want to work my hardest to influence Alaskans ability to thrive in this State and raise there children here.
The biggest problem facing the state of Alaska is
The energy crisis in Fairbanks and the Interior, the high rates of crime and substance abuse, and our fiscal future.
Describe three ways in which the state should try to grow and diversify Alaska's economy
We must work to solve the energy issues that the State is facing. We have progress with the Interior Energy Project, but we need to keep momentum.
Let's attract manufacturing and high-tech industry. For example, the Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration has potential to attract new software & manufacturing jobs.
Increase arctic research and infrastructure. The US will soon Chair the Arctic Council. We must continue research and explore economic opportunities.
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 amount we are spending is not sustainable. We need to work closely with departments to lower costs and streamline services in the operating budget. I will work hard with commissioners and staff to find solutions.
In the capital budget we need to take a critical look at how we allocate State dollars. We need to seek sustainable, cost-effective, and well planned projects that save energy and increase standards of living. .
What additional steps can the state take to promote construction of a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope?
We must continue to explore every opportunity and have everyone at the table. We also need to keep a close eye on the national and world markets to watch for any changes in potential customers.
It is time for a pipeline. We need to get past our differences, keep momentum going, and get to work.
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 will keep a close eye on the activity and developments across the State and work to keep pressure on industry to invest in Alaska. We need to promote economic stability and consistency.
What additional steps can the state take to promote construction of a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope?
Although this is a difficult question, I do not support implementing a state-wide tax or dipping into out permanent fund.
Should the state subsidy program for films and reality television programs continue? Explain.
The Alaska Film Production Incentive Program should work to benefit Alaskans. I do not agree with projects that negatively portray Alaskans on a national level.
Though I agree with what the intent of the program, to increase film and economic activity in Alaska, I am given reports that Alaskan jobs are short-lived and most profits go outside.
I do support diversifying Alaska's industries but we need to make sure this is a sustainable way of making it happen.
Taxation on oil and gas production in Alaska is ___ (Generally higher than it should be, About right; Generally lower than it should be, other):
N/A
Taxation on other industries in Alaska is ___ (Generally higher than it should be, About right; Generally lower than it should be, other):
N/A
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?
I will work with the existing leaders at the Alaska National Guard to make sure the serious problems they are facing will not happen again. There is no reason that anyone, including our service members, should be exposed to anything that causes harm or injustice under the State's watch.
There should be swift & certain accountability measures for anyone who is caught committing a crime.
What are Alaska's three biggest education challenges? What is your plan to address each of them?
Teacher retention, especially in rural Alaska. We need to increase local hire and training. Teachers who teach in the community they are from are more likely to remain in the district.
Schools are paying too much to run their facilities. We must find energy solutions and increasing building efficiency, so more funds can go towards the classroom.
Drop out rates. We have made progress, but we must continue to graduate our students. Expanded vocational and technical opportunities will help.
What are your suggestions to increase accountability of public schools?
N/A
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 do not believe vouchers for private and religious schools is right for Alaska. I believe we need to focus on improving the systems we already have.
What are your plans for improving the quality of education offered through the University of Alaska system?
As a graduate of UAF, I feel as if I had a very quality education right here at home. I will work to expand technology through our system so we can keep up with national trends. We need to work on our aging facilities and catch up on some deferred maintenance that is increasing in cost the longer we wait. I will push to offer programs that are in-line with the needs we will have if we develop some of the major projects Alaskans are proposing like an LNG line or the Susitna-Watana Dam.
Do you support or oppose expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act? Explain.
At this time I do not support the expansion. But, I do believe we should take a long, hard look at it. I am concerned about the unintended consequences that may occur when costs increase, federal funding diminishes, and the people, businesses, and State are left with burden's we cannot afford. I'm told the cost to Alaska in the initial year would be $90 million and increase to $250 million annually soon after that. We need to examine every angle and I remain confident we can find a solution.
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 does have some of the highest standards in the world when it comes to prevention of a spill at our oil and gas sites. We need to remain innovative and aware of trends in the industry so we are always ready if a catastrophe did take place.
What is your assessment of Alaska's transportation system? What, if anything, would you change?
Alaska faces a crucial time for our Transportation systems. We will in no doubt be receiving less federal dollars to maintain and develop our infrastructure. I would be supportive of looking at the creation of a Transportation Fund that will stabilize our ability to work on projects important to us and create predictability for small businesses across Alaska.
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?
From my perspective in Fairbanks the state should focus on the Susitna-Watana Dam and the large scale LNG pipeline. However we need to be forward thinking in a plan & timeline that will work for our State. Both projects will take tremendous focus & funds from the State to produce, but the long-term effects will benefit generations of 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?
Abortion is an immensely personal issue for many Alaskans. I have my personal beliefs, but I am unlikely to be a Representative who will introduce legislation on the issue. I feel abortions should only be done if absolutely necessary under extreme circumstances.
When is it appropriate to appoint a non-Alaskan to a state board or commission?
I agree that in any way possible Alaskans should be put in positions that allow them to represent us on state boards and commissions. However, if there is absolutely no qualified resident who is available in the State, and an outside expert benefits Alaskans, we may need to make an exception to allow that person to serve the State.
Are you satisfied with the process by which judges are selected and appointed in Alaska? Explain.
N/A
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?
We need to expand the amount of State Troopers and VPSOs in the State. I will advocate for increased personnel and for the tools they need to properly protect and serve Alaskans.
Bio
Age: 32
Occupation: Communications Manager
Current employer: Tanana Chiefs Conference
Employment history: N/A
Previous public offices held: Fairbanks North Star Borough Planning Commission
Previous unsuccessful runs for office: None
Postsecondary education:
University of Hawaii Hilo, College of Business & Economics 2003-05
University of Alaska Fairbanks, School of Management, 2006-08
Bachelors of Business Administration
Military service: none
Spouse's name: Charlene
Children: None
Website: gregbringhurst.com