Gretchen Wehmhoff, Democrat
State Representative, District 12
Why are you running for office?
I passionately believe we need to work together for Alaska. Funding for education from early years through our university system is constantly under attack. We lack comprehensive plans to greet our growing senior population and thousands of Alaskans are ineligible to receive healthcare coverage. I am running to advocate for Alaskans and to do my best to inspire a legislature that works together to create solutions for these challenges. I want to make a difference.
The biggest problem facing the state of Alaska is
We are not planning for the future of our residents. The unprecedented underfunding of education has created larger class sizes, more difficult teacher retention and has undermined the core responsibility of the State to educate our children. We can lower crime rates, encourage our students to continue their training in Alaska and add stability to our economy with a strong education system.
Describe three ways in which the state should try to grow and diversify Alaska's economy
We need to encourage, not discourage (i.e. film industry) diverse industry development and we assist our university system to meet training needs for these new industries. We need to come together for an aggressive and solid gas pipeline plan that provides jobs to Alaskans first and supplies lower cost energy to our people. We need to prioritize education so we can teach and encourage our children to be active participants in Alaska's economic future.
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 financial future will be challenging with the growing deficits we have been seeing. The operating budget has been sliced and mangled to the point in which we are laying off teachers, losing public safety officers and allowing energy costs for our communities to skyrocket. We are on course to spend billions of dollars on capital projects that seem to be driven by politics and private interests rather than by practical and equitable considerations for the needs of our people.
What additional steps can the state take to promote construction of a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope?
We need to maintain the position of owner when it comes to the gas line. This means that we need to make sure we get a larger share of the revenue – a situation that continues to concern me. We need to make sure that we allow access to developers other than the big three and we become the drivers of the project. In other words, we need to command this project and make it happen by leading and moving forward on our terms. If we want this, WE need to do it.
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 effectiveness of the tax structure should be visible as we see the revenue numbers. According to local economists, the future revenue projections don't look promising. I would support clarifying language that mandates incentives are used in Alaska on Alaskan projects as well as adding language that captures the developers' promise to increase revenue and production in Alaska. We also need to make sure that when the price of oil climbs, we also receive our fair share of revenue.
What additional steps can the state take to promote construction of a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope?
Savings shouldn't go lower. We need to reevaluate our current capital projects. If we are using savings to supplement our other budgets, then we should not be spending money on capital projects that are not imperatively necessary. I hear legislatures talk of cutting the operational budget, then I watch the Capital budget grow! Adding taxes or reducing PFD checks should not be considered until we pull back on our capital budgets.
Should the state subsidy program for films and reality television programs continue? Explain.
Yes. This industry can create jobs, diversifying our workforce, and also seems to positively impact tourism. We should reevaluate the programs to address current concerns and fund our university system to train our workers in these new skills. We need to maintain the program long enough to encourage the industry to invest in Alaska. The current atmosphere of threats to cut the programs discourages investment.
Taxation on oil and gas production in Alaska is ___ (Generally higher than it should be, About right; Generally lower than it should be, other):
Much lower than it should be. I'm concerned that our incentives with SB-21 do not necessarily guarantee that Alaska is the only recipient of the benefits.
Taxation on other industries in Alaska is ___ (Generally higher than it should be, About right; Generally lower than it should be, other):
Are all industries taxed fairly? In many cases, I believe we are not watching for loop holes.
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?
A full and transparent investigation must happen. In addition to making sure that those who committed crimes are held accountable (rape is a crime - in case that concept gets overlooked.) Reporting practices need to be reevaluated. Victims must have access to safe and neutral reporting sources. This situation is the product of accepting despicable and indefensible actions as a norm. All victims and members of this "culture" must be provided resources for legal and emotional counseling.
What are Alaska's three biggest education challenges? What is your plan to address each of them?
We need to create a practical forward-funding formula to give districts the ability to project long-term plans.
We need to address the current pension plans for teachers, bringing back a plan that is sustainable, similar to previous plans where employees paid into plans that provided defined benefits at retirement.
We need to address the issue of retention in rural school districts and work to initiate creative solutions for meeting the cultural challenges of new teachers in our villages.
What are your suggestions to increase accountability of public schools?
We need to develop strong leaders in the schools. Strong principals could mitigate the challenges new teachers face when introduced to Alaska culture and experiences.
We need to fund schools so the class sizes are lowered and teachers can teach rather than practice daily crowd control. Smaller classes lead to more efficient and effective learning. How can we ask for accountability when we aren't accountable for responsible funding at the state level?
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. I will not support a constitutional amendment to direct public funds to private schools. I can't imagine a more divisive way to further destroy our funding formula than to consider splitting our education dollars. Private schools have always been "private." Would they become public schools following public school policies and accountabilities (as mentioned in the previous questions) once they receive public money! This is not a way to come together for our children's education.
What are your plans for improving the quality of education offered through the University of Alaska system?
If we want to attract good instructors, worthwhile research projects (and funding) and dynamic educational facilities, we need to fund appropriately. We need to increase the number of full-time faculty on our campuses and decrease the adjunct percentage. The more we can attract our own Alaska students to our university system, the more likely we will be able to attract innovative economic growth.
Do you support or oppose expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act? Explain.
Yes. I would accept the current Medicaid expansion offer under the terms that the federal government will fund it the first three years. Right now we have thousands of Alaskans who do not qualify for Medicaid, but also don't make enough money to qualify for coverage under the ACA. The three years could give us a chance to find a solution To do nothing only passes the costs to the currently insured and jeopardizes the health of uninsured residents.
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?
No, I am concerned that we have thousands of miles of coastline that is not protected by oil response or the readily available Coast Guard. The waters these new rigs and ships will cross are predictably difficult to navigate. This was exemplified when Shell's rig was grounded off Kodiak. Regulations managed by the DEC need to be put in place so that that beneficiaries of the ventures - federal or private – provide stronger safeguards during transit and drilling.
What is your assessment of Alaska's transportation system? What, if anything, would you change?
We are not doing well with mass transit. We are not utilizing our rail system to move people between the Mat-Su Borough and Anchorage.
We also need to look at transportation projects that are fiscally responsible and benefit more people.
I would add energy efficient transportation projects with schedules that meet the needs of our workforce. We have several communities with inadequate bus service. We should assist communities in obtaining grants for energy efficient transportation.
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 all four. We need a gasoline that supports Alaskans. We have communities (that already exist)which would benefit from the gas line and the state would benefit from the revenues. I don't believe the Knik Arm Bridge, especially in it's current suggested design, benefits the state in the same context.
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 don't believe that government should be involved in regulating personal moral or faith-based issues. I believe a woman's healthcare decision belongs with her, her healthcare providers, her faith and those she chooses to involve. The government should not differentiate one procedure from another based on political issues. I will be actively involved in any women's health issues introduced during the session.
When is it appropriate to appoint a non-Alaskan to a state board or commission?
I don't believe it is appropriate to appoint a non-Alaskan to a state board or commission. If we need additional advice or expertise, the commission can seek that information.
Are you satisfied with the process by which judges are selected and appointed in Alaska? Explain.
Yes. I believe justice is best served without politics getting involved. The current merit method leads to a transparent and consistent system. Having judges "run" for office would be frightening in this age of unlimited PAC funding.
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?
Recent tragedy in our villages highlights our lack of VSPOs. Our officers need back up. One VPSO in each village is not enough, while some villages have none. We need to fund for more troopers and assist communities if finding funding for police departments so the Troopers are not the only source of public safety. We also need to consider other means of protecting our citizens that empower communities and help prevent crime.
Bio
Age: 56
Occupation: Mediator, retired teacher
Current employer: None
Employment history:
University of Alaska, Communications adjunct 8/1997 - 6/2014
Anchorage School District 9/1987 - 6/2009
Kenai Peninsula School District 9/1984 - 6/1987
Doyon Universal Services 8/2012 - 1/2013
Susitna Girl Scout Council 8/1981 - 2/1983
Several concurrent part-time/temporary jobs .
Previous public offices held: None
Previous unsuccessful runs for office: None
Postsecondary education:
Master of Science, Negotiation and Dispute Resolution
Creighton University School of Law - 2013
Bachelor of Arts, Speech Communication,
University of Denver 1981
Alaska Teaching Certificate, UAA 1984
Military service: None
Spouse's name: Joe Stoltze
Children: one daughter
Website: www.gretchenforhouse.com