Marty M. McGee, Democrat
State Representative, District 22
Why are you running for office?
I care deeply about Alaska and its people. As a third generation Alaskans I was raised with an idea of civic duty as an obligation of citizens. I want my children and later generations to have the same or better economic and social opportunities. I believe that this state is facing significant challenges and that I can contribute to dealing successfully with these challenges.
The biggest problem facing the state of Alaska is
Matching expenditure with revenue to create balanced budgets and provide needed services is the single biggest challenge. However, ensuring personal freedom, the authority of individual natural persons, and enfranchising all natural individuals is of equal concern. Establishing and reinforcing a cooperative relationship between State government, local government, native tribes is our biggest current governmental issue.
Describe three ways in which the state should try to grow and diversify Alaska's economy
1)All types of natural resource development should be encouraged by the review of regulatory an permitting processes. These processes need to be codified and streamlined so that applicants have a reasonable expectation of the process required, criteria, and the time to receive an answer.
2)Value added product development should be encouraged by joint marketing efforts and availability of raw materials.
3)Facilitate availability of capital by bond banking or loan guarantee programs.
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?
Spending should match revenue as soon as possible. A balanced budget is a sustainable budget. The majority of revenue should come from natural resource development. Income producing use of State owned real estate as well as forest products, fisheries, minerals and tourism should be encouraged as quickly as possible. Reducing planned capital expenditure is the first action to balance the budget. Strategic reduction to the operating budget is the second order of priority.
What additional steps can the state take to promote construction of a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope?
Independent petroleum producers will be an important part of Alaska's future. A pipeline law that allows fair access to independent producers will facilitate development and construction. Intelligent use of the State's ability to finance a part of the construction cost should enable construction, ensure the States interest and facilitate timely construction.
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?
When we see increases in exploration, development and capital investment in infrastructure we will know there has been a positive effect. If there is no measurable increases in revenue to the State the act will have failed. I would make no changes to the law in the upcoming legislative session. I would be patient for no more than two years to see a measurable positive result from this law.
What additional steps can the state take to promote construction of a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope?
Immediate action to reduce spending to match revenue should be taken. The reserve funds should not be reduced below their current levels. I do not support implementing a widespread tax or the reduction of the PFD to pay for services. I do support increasing revenue from income producing real estate and from expanded natural resource development and value added resource production.
Should the state subsidy program for films and reality television programs continue? Explain.
I do not support the subsidy for this program. If it can be shown that a short term continuation of this program will diversify the economy and result in a long term self supporting industry I would reconsider my position.
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):
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?
Individual members need to feel safe in raising complaints and receiving timely and fair responses. An independent investigator with subpoena powers needs to be established on a permanent basis. The legislature needs to take its responsibility for checks and balances seriously and exercise an oversight role. Prompt disciplinary action and accountability at all levels. One party control of the executive and legislative branches has lead to a rubber stamp situation.
What are Alaska's three biggest education challenges? What is your plan to address each of them?
1)Correct the result of multi-year flat funding and under-funding of operations.
2)Attract, replace, and retain good staff with adequate salaries and a good retirement program.
3) Establish three year forward looking funding sources with a revision of the base student allocation.
What are your suggestions to increase accountability of public schools?
Accountability is a relationship issue between each school system and the community that is served. Local school boards should work with their communities to set these expectations. The State Legislature has not been able to meet its task of managing State wide services and shows no capacity to micro manage local school districts. Our constitution establishes the expectation that State Government will support local governments not manage them.
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 will not support a constitutional amendment to allow public funds to be spent on private schools. A strong public school system is a foundation element of our society. I will strive to see that public schools are efficient and effective. I will not participate in the destruction of the public school system or encourage an exclusionary or elitist system of education. All children deserve a fair chance at the American dream.
What are your plans for improving the quality of education offered through the University of Alaska system?
We must identify the areas of education and research which provide the greatest impact on society and opportunity for excellence. The current system of programs is too broad and lacks focus. We should also focus on the success of the students. We need to attract and retain the best possible staff for the University.
Do you support or oppose expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act? Explain.
I support Medicaid expansion. Alaskans are in desperate need of assistance and them money will also support an important sector of our local economy. I believe that the Federal Government will honor its commitment to fund for three years. We need to use these three years to work on our health care delivery system so that the system is affordable and sustainable in the long term.
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 believe that the current situation is not adequate. We need to work with industry and the Federal Government to develop an adequate regulatory process and sufficient staffing and training to make the system work in a timely and efficient manner. We need to establish areas of authority and match authority with responsibility and ensure that we do not have duplication and redundancy in the regulatory process. We should have learned a great deal from the Exon Valdez oil spill response.
What is your assessment of Alaska's transportation system? What, if anything, would you change?
We have an adequate transportation system. However, continuing maintenance of the existing will be difficult with the funds currently available. We must stop spending on low volume transportation facilities. We should stop construction and planning on little used facilities. We do need to make additions expenditures on unsafe elements of well used facilities. We need to change the process we use for justification of expenditure or expansion of facilities.
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?
With the current level of revenue the State cannot afford all four projects. A balanced budget will probably allow funding for only one project. I believe that a single gas pipeline project should be the first priority. If funds allow we should try to preserve the investment we have made in the other projects with a small amount of continuing funding.
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?
We should stop playing politics with this issue. I believe in individual freedom and the right of a woman to make this decision. I strongly support family planning and will make every effort to help women get information and education to avoid unwanted pregnancy and medical treatment as needed. Affordable and accessible health care is an acute need much bigger issue than family planning and abortion. I will not restrict a woman's right to choose.
When is it appropriate to appoint a non-Alaskan to a state board or commission?
It is never appropriate to appoint a non-Alaskan to a state board or commission. The state has many talented and experienced people interested in good government. If outside expertise is needed it can come in the form of an advisory position.
Are you satisfied with the process by which judges are selected and appointed in Alaska? Explain.
The current process by which judges are selected works well and does not need to be changed. All other options appear to lead to politicized judges.
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 one of two constitutionally mandated obligations of state government. We are not meeting that obligation and need to expand the number of officers and the support for the existing system. More positions, more training academies, continuing training and better retirement programs. This should be a higher spending priority.
Bio
Age: 57
Occupation: Finance appraisal
Current employer: Self May 2013
Employment history:
Alaska Assessment Assistance-current
Municipality of Anchorage 1996 to May 2013
Erickson and Associates Appraisal 1987 to 1996
Previous public offices held: No elected position
Appointed Municipal Assessor
Appointed State Assessment Review Board
Previous unsuccessful runs for office: None
Postsecondary education:
Master of Science Real Estate UAA 1984
Bachelor of Business Administration (Real Estate) UAA 1982
Numerous courses in Real Estate Appraisal
International Association of Assessing Officers
Appraisal Institute
International Right of Way Association
Military service: None
Spouse's name: Darcel McGee
Children: Three
Website: N/A