Politics

Lynn Gattis , candidate for Alaska State Representative District 7, answers questions about the issues

Lynn Gattis, Republican

State Representative, District 7

Why are you running for office?

As an Alaskan, I can no longer sit back and not participate in making the same opportunities that I had.

The biggest problem facing the state of Alaska is

The difficulty in getting our resources out of the ground. While we struggle with permitting, geographics, weather and the Federal Gov't. Pushing back

against folks that don't seem to understand that it is possible to responsibly mine our resources.

Describe three ways in which the state should try to grow and diversify Alaska's economy

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The state certainly could try to pave the way for private industry to participate in "value added" industries which could be off shoots from our larger mining/extraction operations.

Niche markets to "feed our selves" recognizing how far from the "lower 48" we are geographically

Working on getting cheap energy that allows businesses to operate less expensively and making it economically viable to operate

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 agree with the ISER/Goldsmith report. I think you look at each budget and look at "needs" vs "wants. One must keep in mind, that projects that are needed to continue making money, should be funded so that they can make money. I think you have to look at the complete picture. I think across the board cutting is not wise, but in bureaucracy,efficiency can always be found

What additional steps can the state take to promote construction of a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope?

not sure at this time

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?

by looking at steady growth of companies the believe that Alaska is stable and will stay the course for those who invest in this state

What additional steps can the state take to promote construction of a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope?

I am not sure at this time

Should the state subsidy program for films and reality television programs continue? Explain.

I think that if the state plans to subsidize something forever, than it should be in perpetuity. As I understand it, the state participated in jump starting this industry. The state should stop when "times up" and allow the industry to stand on its own feet

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

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Taxation on individual citizens in Alaska is ___ (Generally higher than it should be, About right; Generally lower than it should be, other):

no income tax

What are your specific plans to address the serious problems of leadership, morale and accountability within the Alaska National Guard?

I don't know enough about the issue, nor the hierarchy or the culture of "National Guards" nation wide. Clearly there is a problem and I suspect it is nation wide

What are Alaska's three biggest education challenges? What is your plan to address each of them?

Certainly the rising cost of health care is a challenge. I had a bill last session to look at "pooling"the teachers into the state insurance programs

Kids getting out of school that are not college bound without the skills to get a job in the trades.

What are your suggestions to increase accountability of public schools?

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Develop new systems and techniques partnering with the private sector in areas where quite frankly, the government just cant react quickly due to its largess and bureaucracy.

Using technology to customize learning, freeing up time between teachers and students.

Using students to help other students and really using technology to help deliver apps and virtual opportunities.

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?

Yes I would. Of course, we would be able to look at what we would support and then as stated above, use the best out there, whether or not it was from private or public sector

What are your plans for improving the quality of education offered through the University of Alaska system?

First of all, make sure all classes are transferable into any UAA system. That needs to happen YESTERDAY!

Do you support or oppose expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act? Explain.

I oppose it at this time until we as Alaskans see what we are on the hook for.

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?

I do think it is adequate.

What is your assessment of Alaska's transportation system? What, if anything, would you change?

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Certainly we have not been able to keep up with growing communities. The Mat-Su has been busting at the seams and there seems little slowing down. We absolutely need to figure out a way to fast forward projects when needed. We in the Mat-Su CANNOT wait another 20 years!

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?

I think we cannot afford not to. We are long past studying these projects. As each year goes by, it costs much more. We need to build our future

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 in abortion. I don't think the government should ever pay for this procedure. With that being said, I think that women need more options whether to stop pregnancies or help with the opportunities available other than abortion.

I would participate with saving the unborn, via legislation

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When is it appropriate to appoint a non-Alaskan to a state board or commission?

When Alaska does not have the expertise that another state or country has

Are you satisfied with the process by which judges are selected and appointed in Alaska? Explain.

no comment

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?

this is very complicated. To be a family member in a small community and have to be in charge, is tough. There are so many areas with no police protection.

Bio

Age: 57

Occupation: N/A

Current employer: Self

Employment history:

Gattis Aircraft, Inc. Gattis Investments & Gattis Farms 9/83-Present

Alaska State Legislator 1/2013 - Present

Northern Air Cargo - Sales Mgr 1987-1992

Flying Tiger Lines - Sales Mgr 9/83 - 9/1987

Kodiak Western Airlines - Area Mgr 6/79 - 9/1983

Bowden Realtors 2/77-6/1979

Stanley Thompson Co. 6/1975 - 2/1977

Previous public offices held: Mat-Su School Board Oct. 2011 -Jan 2013

Previous unsuccessful runs for office: None

Postsecondary education: UAA Aviation Tech & Business Admin

Military service: None

Spouse's name: Richard (Rick)

Children: Ryan & Robin

Website: LynnGattis.Com

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