Laurie Hummel, Democrat
State Representative, District 15
Why are you running for office?
Alaska faces a critical time and our legislature is sending us the wrong direction with its deficit spending and lack of strategic thinking. We've got to set clear priorities, support them with laser focus, and end projects that don't work. The legislature should reflect the diversity of Alaska's people and professions, not be filled with career politicians. My passion for good governance and public service shows through thirty years of solid results in chaotic and volatile environments.
The biggest problem facing the state of Alaska is
We face unprecedented budget concerns that will shape Alaskans' quality of life for generations. Alaskan families deserve economic security. That means our government can't continue spending us into debt. We need good local jobs; a public education system that prepares well-rounded, competent graduates for those jobs; and safe, thriving communities. I will exercise fiscal restraint with the people's money, protecting our priorities while keeping state government the least intrusive it can be.
Describe three ways in which the state should try to grow and diversify Alaska's economy
1) Develop the Arctic, including areas opened by changing climate conditions, to build on our share of emerging resources. 2) Grow value-added industries to keep more of our natural resource benefits in-state. 3) Invest in alternative energies: make the University of Alaska a world leader in innovative research and support public/private partnerships and entrepreneurial activity, establishing Alaskan communities as micro networks to develop and test new sustainable approaches.
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?
We can't spend more than we have. More research should guide the amount, but recent ISER estimates place a sustainable budget around $5 billion. The operating budget supports our schools, health clinics, public safety, and community services. I support salary caps, but not cuts that reduce employees' ability to serve their fellow Alaskans. The capital budget has expensive studies for some huge projects that show little reliable benefit for most Alaskans, so we must take a hard look there.
What additional steps can the state take to promote construction of a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope?
I support a large volume pipeline that will improve the state's economy as well as lower our energy rates. The current project (SB 138) is moving forward, but we must ensure that the state retains its ownership stake and that our partners fulfill their construction obligations. We must shape pipeline agreements determined by fair competition, free markets, and a transparent process. "We the people" need to stay in the driver's seat.
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?
Unless we see immediate data showing drastic state income reduction under SB21, the upcoming session should not redesign MAPA. Although this tax structure may vastly reduce revenue, we should allow at least one more year to collect accurate data for assessing its impact through state revenues, industry investment, and employment levels. Changing the revenue structure again costs both government and businesses substantially, so we should make sure future changes are worth that outlay.
What additional steps can the state take to promote construction of a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope?
We can't wait for our losses to hit a magic threshold before making fiscally responsible decisions. The state needs to stop running up huge deficits now and target capital budget waste. A sensible resource tax structure will help sustain state services while protecting the PFD benefits on which so many Alaskan families depend. Smart choices – LNG pipeline, leverage of the opening Arctic Ocean passage, growing alternative energies – are essential to maintaining a robust long-term economy.
Should the state subsidy program for films and reality television programs continue? Explain.
Unless it can be proven to be revenue positive, or neutral, no. This subsidy seems to be sending state money Outside, not building local economies as the original program intended.
Taxation on oil and gas production in Alaska is ___ (Generally higher than it should be, About right; Generally lower than it should be, other):
Need time to gauge SB21 effects
Taxation on other industries in Alaska is ___ (Generally higher than it should be, About right; Generally lower than it should be, other):
Misaligned with their benefits
Taxation on individual citizens in Alaska is ___ (Generally higher than it should be, About right; Generally lower than it should be, other):
Right amount, but should be more diversified
What are your specific plans to address the serious problems of leadership, morale and accountability within the Alaska National Guard?
1) Hold legislative hearings with witnesses under oath
2) Appoint an independent special prosecutor for criminal actions not enforceable by the Guard's antiquated state UCMJ
3) Enact a viable UCMJ
4) Separate the Adjutant General and the Commissioner DMVA positions
5) Fill the existing military legislative liaison position
6) Commander-in-Chief must demand, receive, embrace unfettered access to Guard issues, taking a personal and active part in restoring a culture of transparency and trust
What are Alaska's three biggest education challenges? What is your plan to address each of them?
Wisely investing in public education improves Alaska's economic and social health. We need to improve student performance and graduation rates, reverse staff/faculty cuts to reach 2010 levels, and protect students from unfair loan rates. The BSA must keep pace with the cost of educating Alaskans and we must ensure that money reaches the classroom. We should also act to ensure affordable, quality technical and professional education with lower loan rates for those who stay in or return to Alaska.
What are your suggestions to increase accountability of public schools?
Workable policies to attract and retain transformative administrators and teachers, and terminate the few poor performers. Institute a well-designed, meaningful exit exam relevant to Alaska's diverse students. Consider a regents' exam system that certifies students' achievements in specific fields. Robust community and business involvement in our schools should give students a broader range of opportunities, connecting the classroom to the community and motivating students to succeed.
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?
Every young Alaskan deserves a solid start and the best way the state can deliver that is through high quality public education. I oppose a constitutional amendment specifically to allow resource cuts for public schools by redirecting them to private organizations unaccountable to the public. We should offer public choices that ensure all students and families have access to an educational program that meets their needs.
What are your plans for improving the quality of education offered through the University of Alaska system?
UA prepares graduates to fill Alaska's needs, keeps high performers in state, and returns $7 for every $1 of state research investment. We should recruit faculty committed to staying in Alaska, offer enough classes that students can finish programs in 4 years, make UA a national leader in alternative energy, expand local access programs through regional hubs and distance education, and pursue business partnerships, internships, and on-the-job training to guide students to long-term success.
Do you support or oppose expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act? Explain.
I support expanding Medicaid, which would reduce premium and health care costs across the board. Reducing these costs would ease the demand for public assistance. By rejecting the $1.1 billion in federal funding, Governor Parnell left Alaskans on the hook for expensive emergency services in lieu of preventative care and jeopardized our most vulnerable workers. Expanding Medicaid would also spur an increase in medical specialists, through greater economies of scale, lowering health care costs.
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?
Companies profiting from our resources have a moral and legal obligation to protect Alaska's workers and natural bounty. Our spill prevention and response programs used to collaborate with industry, federal regulators, local governments, and community representatives to ensure responsible stewardship without unduly burdening industry. We should return to balanced oversight that holds industry to Alaska's standards: specifically designed for the Arctic, by those who know the hazards best.
What is your assessment of Alaska's transportation system? What, if anything, would you change?
Alaska should prioritize maintenance of existing road, ferry, and air networks that connect communities and transport essential goods. Robust all-weather access is a public health and safety issue. The state should also explore better ways to deliver services to rural Alaska, such as telemedicine. Massive, poorly planned projects like the Knik Arm bridge and the mishandled Port of Anchorage renovations drain funds that should be used to keep Alaskans safe and make our way of life possible.
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 should continue to pursue the large-diameter gas line project (SB 138), but drop the redundant small-diameter project. The gas line should lower energy rates more effectively than the Susitna-Watana dam, and for a broader spectrum of Alaskans. KABATA has wasted millions of taxpayers' money on a plan that few support and that forecasters say may be economically viable someday, but not now. Cutting state spending on high risk projects means Alaska can invest in our real priorities.
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 women should control their own reproductive health. Medicaid expansion would cover contraception for all Alaskan women, giving them the tools they deserve to make healthy choices. The state's current policy limits Medicaid funding for abortion to special cases, including when the mother's life is in danger. I would support legislation to update the list of qualifying medical conditions to include severe psychiatric diseases, which are currently excluded from consideration.
When is it appropriate to appoint a non-Alaskan to a state board or commission?
Alaskans deserve a state government that reflects their interests. I would only consider a non-Alaskan appointment if subject matter expertise is clearly not available in state and the board cannot function without an expert member.
Are you satisfied with the process by which judges are selected and appointed in Alaska? Explain.
Alaska's judicial council system works well to ensure qualified judges that are not beholden to special interest groups. The judicial system should not be politicized.
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 an essential government service and we should give these programs the resources to protect Alaskans. We should be recruiting, training, and retaining officers who understand rural Alaska and can operate effectively across the state. Prevention is cheaper than paying the consequences of neglect'
Bio
Age: 54
Occupation: Small business owner and retired Army colonel
Current employer: Self-employed, CL-Homes
Employment history:
CL-Homes, owner, 2012-present
U.S. Army, retired at Colonel, 1982-2012
Senior Advisor, National Military Academy of Afghanistan: NATO Training Mission – Afghanistan: 2010 & 2011-2012
Academy Professor and Geography Program Director, Dept. of Geography & Environmental Engineering, US Military Academy (West Point): 2006-2010
West Point Fellow to US Army War College, Carlisle, PA: 2005-2006
Academy Professor, Dept. of Geography & Environmental Engineering, US Military Academy (West Point): 2003-2005
Director of Operations Intelligence and Chief, Joint Intelligence Support Element, Alaskan Command (Elmendorf): 1996-2000
Director of Operations, 102nd Military Intelligence Battalion, Republic of Korea: 1995-1996
Instructor; Assistant Professor, Dept. of Geography & Environmental Engineering, US Military Academy (West Point): 1991-1994
Company Commander; Intelligence Staff Officer; Human Resources Officer, 224th Military Intelligence Battalion (Aerial Exploitation), Hunter Army Airfield, GA: 1986-1989
Chief of Intelligence Plans and Production; Tactical Intelligence Officer; Communications Platoon Leader, 24th Infantry Division, Ft. Stewart, GA: 1983-1986
Previous public offices held: None
Previous unsuccessful runs for office: None
Postsecondary education:
Ph.D., Geography: University of Colorado (2002)
M.S.S., Strategy: U.S. Army War College (2006)
M.Ed., Educational Leadership: UAA (1999)
M.S., Geography: Penn State (1991)
B.S., U.S. Military Academy (1982)
Military service: Colonel, U.S. Army, active duty, 1982-2012; Military Intelligence
Spouse's name: Chad
Children: Kayleigh & Michael, two grandchildren
Website: http://hummelforstatehouse.com/