Jim Colver, Republican
State Representative, District 9
Why are you running for office?
I believe we need to make better decisions and grow Alaska so that future generations will share in the opportunities and prosperity that we have enjoyed. We are blessed with many resources but we need to do a better job of managing them.
I have the experience as an elected official and the professional background to make a difference. I operate a surveying business and have 14 years of experience in local government balancing budgets and solving problems.
The biggest problem facing the state of Alaska is
We need to help Alaskan families and businesses prosper. Government needs to get out of the way, roll back regulations and red tape. States like Wyoming have figured out how to thrive and grow their economies. Alaska has far greater potential- we need to do better.
Describe three ways in which the state should try to grow and diversify Alaska's economy
By encouraging development of our oil, gas, mineral, and timber resources.
By getting the government out of the way - we need to cut red tape and reduce excessive regulations so the private sector can thrive.
Helping communities reduce the high cost of energy. This will help diversify local economies and support small businesses create local jobs.
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?
I believe the legislature and governor need to work together to balance the state budget. A sustainable budget number is linked to the ever changing price of oil. I think all expenditures need to be scrutinized and justified.
What additional steps can the state take to promote construction of a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope?
Quit studying and start building. With the money spent on studies so far we could have nearly built a pipeline.
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 think the industry needs a stable tax environment, so we need to give it some time and see how it works. This will promote more investment, create jobs, and increase oil production.
What additional steps can the state take to promote construction of a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope?
The budget needs to be trimmed. It has grown immensely since oil prices soared. Medicare costs have tripled to $653 million. The state is over-regulating. We need to cut red tape and costly agency oversight. We need to say no to the federal programs that create future liabilities. We can do this, just as have been done many times over the past 30 years – reduce state spending when oil prices dip. I have 14 years of experience balancing budgets and reforming excessive regulations.
Should the state subsidy program for films and reality television programs continue? Explain.
The legislature needs to provide oversight to determine if the tax credits are providing economic benefits to Alaskan business and Alaskans. I think funding education and public safety is a higher priority than providing tax credits for reality shows. These are some of the decisions that need to be made to prioritize spending and tighten the state budget.
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?
Hold the Governor and the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs accountable. If crimes have been committed then the perpetrators must be arrested and tried.
What are Alaska's three biggest education challenges? What is your plan to address each of them?
Over-testing of students-- Does it increase student learning? If not, stop giving the test.
Unfunded state and federal mandates--Roll back mandates that do not increase student learning. Have policy setters spend time in a classroom.
Loss of local control of schools-
Don't legislate more mandates.
What are your suggestions to increase accountability of public schools?
As a former school board president I believe schools need more local control and fewer state and federal mandates. I will push for expansion of vo-tech education, charter schools, home schooling ,and supporting traditional schools as well. I believe the best pathway to learning is providing educational options for students and families.
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 support the constitutional amendment to fund non-public schools because we can't afford to grow the budget even more. If there were adequate resources available, and overwhelming support, I would reconsider this position. I do support family choice in public schools- home schooling, charter schools and traditional schools.
What are your plans for improving the quality of education offered through the University of Alaska system?
I believe we need to prioritize funding towards instruction. The University needs to streamlining and trim spending on non-educational activities. For instance the Fairbanks campus has 30 police officers.
Do you support or oppose expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act? Explain.
Oppose. We can't afford it. Medicare costs have tripled in the state budget from $279m to $693m. We have to find ways to trim the state budget. Initially the federal government will cover the cost, but that won't last. Unfunded mandates are budget busters.
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?
This is an issue I will have to learn more about. Most of the regulatory oversight offshore is provided by the federal government.
What is your assessment of Alaska's transportation system? What, if anything, would you change?
We need safer roads for our families. In District 9 and the Mat-Su Borough we have 3 of the most deadly roads in Alaska. I will work to prioritize funding to fix our most unsafe roads first. I have experience funding and building roads.
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 need to quit studying and start building. The state needs to prioritize the projects and get started on the highest priority projects that will bring needed energy relief, jobs and opportunities for 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?
I believe in protecting life of the unborn. I don't support using state funds. Protecting the life of the mother is critical.
When is it appropriate to appoint a non-Alaskan to a state board or commission?
Very infrequently and only when special expertise may be needed. I believe these type of board appointments should require a 2/3 vote by the legislature to confirm.
Are you satisfied with the process by which judges are selected and appointed in Alaska? Explain.
Yes. I think our constitution is well written.
The number of Alaska State Troopers and Village Public Safety Officers is ____ (More than necessary, about right, less than necessary):
About right
If you answered more or less, what specific steps would you take to achieve the right level?
Bio
Age: 56
Occupation: Registered Land Surveyor and small business owner
Current employer: Colver Surveying 1996- present
Employment history: Statewide construction and surveying, Ketchikan –Prudhoe Bay 1976-96
Previous public offices held: Assemblymember, Mat-Su Borough (MSB) 2009-currrent, Vice-Chair MSB Fish & Wildlife Commission 2009-2014, School Board Member MSB 2006-2009, School Board President , Deputy Mayor and Assemblymember MSB 2000-2006, Planning Commissioner MSB 1993-1999, Chairman MSB Road Advisory Board 1988-92
Previous unsuccessful runs for office: N/A
Postsecondary education: UAA, A.S. Surveying Technology 1982 ; UAA, Business Management, Law
Military service: N/A
Spouse's name: Marie-Louise
Children: Julia, Calum, Hannah
Website: Jimcolver.com