Jerry G. McCune, Democrat
State Representative, District 32
Why are you running for office?
There are many serious challenges facing our district and the commercial fishing industry that is the backbone of coastal Alaska. It is crucial to have the most experienced and knowledgeable Representative as possible. I am running because I want to fight for cheaper power, better ferry service, better education, and to help shape the state into the future.
The biggest problem facing the state of Alaska is
Loss of revenue and deficit spending. Looking to the future it is critical that we expand our economy as much as possible and reduce our dependence on waning oil yields.
Describe three ways in which the state should try to grow and diversify Alaska's economy
1. We need to build a large volume LNG pipeline to reduce energy costs for Alaskans, and to supply growing demand in Asian markets.
2. Improve access to underdeveloped sustainable resources.
3. With reduced Arctic ice coverage our unique position presents us with economic opportunities to compete globally in trade and shipping routes.
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?
Both budgets are going to have to be tightened in order to reduce deficit spending. Alaska has a history of wasting huge piles of money on massive and risky projects like the Healy Clean Coal Project for example. Carefree spending needs to stop.
What additional steps can the state take to promote construction of a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope?
I support the state taking control of the development process and timeline. The resource is here, Alaskans need it, and there is a global market, so why should we continue to wait for the lease holders while they stall the project indefinitely? It is time to get things moving.
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?
SB21 proponents made a lot of lofty promises to Alaskans in order to get Proposition One passed. We need to keep a very close watch on production on the North Slope. The bottom line is that if SB21 does not get the results that we were promised then the legislature has a responsibility to come up with a better tax structure. We need to provide incentives to develop new oil fields, but at the same time ensure that us Alaskans receive our equitable share.
What additional steps can the state take to promote construction of a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope?
I believe that we can further develop our natural resources, and put in place a sustainable budget. I do not support any attempts to raid the PFD or establish statewide taxes.
Should the state subsidy program for films and reality television programs continue? Explain.
The pilot program was giving a much needed boost to our tourism industry, and our small business owners all across the state saw an uptick in tourism revenue. We need to diversify our economy, and that's what this program was all about. I would like to see the original pilot program revived.
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):
this question is too broad
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?
Our National Guard service members were subjected to sexual violence, and they did not receive the same amount of support and the justice that we would expect for our neighbors, our sisters, and our mothers. The chain of command must be held accountable. We have arguably the best law enforcement professionals in the country, and I support full involvement of the APD and state troopers in the investigative process and prosecution.
What are Alaska's three biggest education challenges? What is your plan to address each of them?
1. Sustainable and predictable funding. Right now our educators are left guessing what resources they will have to work with from year to year.
2. Attracting and supporting new educators. It is increasingly difficult to staff our schools in our smaller communities, so I support incentives to attract educators to rural Alaska.
3. Develop more career and technical education programs within mainstream education that lead directly into Alaskan jobs.
What are your suggestions to increase accountability of public schools?
We crippled our educators ability to teach to the standards that they personally hold themselves to, then as the quality our public education system decreased we began to blame the teachers. I believe that if we trust our teachers more, and provide them with the resources and support that they need to succeed, that we can improve the quality of our 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?
We can't afford to divert even more funds away from our public education system. I do not support this amendment.
What are your plans for improving the quality of education offered through the University of Alaska system?
Our Universities offer world class courses if you would like to get into the petroleum industry. I would like to see the same level of attention and quality education given to other Alaskan career fields as well, like our fishing industry.
Do you support or oppose expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act? Explain.
I support the expansion of Medicaid under the ACA. Refusing to do so was a mistake that was made for purely political reasons, and it hurt Alaskans. We need to put people before politics.
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?
The Exxon Valdez spill hit my home Prince William Sound especially hard, and it forced us to overhaul our oil spill laws. We need to hold the oil companies accountable for the promises they have made, and as a state we need to make sure they maintain all the equipment that will be required to respond to the next spill. I also support the regional citizen advisory council system.
What is your assessment of Alaska's transportation system? What, if anything, would you change?
For the foreseeable future, it is crucial that we maintain and support the marine highway system. Our coastal communities depend on it for survival. Maintaining the marine highway system and replacing the Tustumena is one of the top challenges facing my district.
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 absolutely can not afford to continue these four projects, it is that simple. I support the major gas line, but not the smaller gas line or the Knik Arm Crossing. I also can't support the Susitna-Watana dam unless we can be 100% sure that it will not negatively impact salmon runs. We can not trade one resource for another.
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?
Under ordinary circumstances I do not support using state or government funding for abortions. In extreme cases such as when a woman's life is in jeopardy, or in cases of rape or incest, I support the states constitutional responsibility to provide healthcare to these women.
When is it appropriate to appoint a non-Alaskan to a state board or commission?
Never. We need to appoint the best, most qualified people to our boards and commissions, and they are all Alaskan.
Are you satisfied with the process by which judges are selected and appointed in Alaska? Explain.
This is actually one area where Alaska has one of the best processes in place in the nation. While it is not perfect, we have much bigger issues and problems to focus our attention on right now.
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?
The needs of our bush communities have evolved, and we need to completely reevaluate and overhaul our current law enforcement programs. There are many complicated factors at work on this issue and it will take a lot of work, but we need to start looking at proposals and changes now. I support Bryce Edgmon's bill to give VPSO's access to firearms for personal defense. I also believe that it is time to empower local native governments to deal with smaller crimes on their own levels.
Bio
Age: 66
Occupation: Commercial Fishermen
Current employer: N/A
Employment history: Commercial Fisherman, 1958 - Present
Specialty Contractor (construction), 2004 - Present
Political Advocate, 1991 - Present
Previous public offices held: N/A
Previous unsuccessful runs for office: N/A
Postsecondary education: Graduated in 1966 Cordova High School, Ak
Military service: N/A
Spouse's name: Georgia Fariss
Children: Five Children
Website: http://jerrymccune.com/