Pete B. Higgins, Republican
State Representative, District 5
Why are you running for office?
I would like to see Alaska's Federal Lands transferred back to the State as promised at Statehood. I would like to see access to those lands for public use. I feel strongly that interior residents need affordable energy. Job creation is always a priority. I ran on that platform two years ago and while we accomplished much, there is more to do.
The biggest problem facing the state of Alaska is
Definitely declining oil prices. It's good that SB21 was not overturned. We sit in a better position with SB21 than we currently would at these prices under ACES. We need continue to work with industry to find solutions to increase oil production and in turn increase revenue.
Describe three ways in which the state should try to grow and diversify Alaska's economy
We need to look towards the Northwest Passage. There are opportunities for jobs if we build ports and infrastructure that will accommodate the shipping industry.
We have an opportunity to build server farms for data collection with the new fiber optics that are currently being brought to the state of Alaska.
The use of drones is an up and coming industry that is exploring opportunities in Alaska for research and development. We need to encourage this congressionally mandated development.
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 shouldn't spend more than we take in. If cuts need to be made, it should come from the operating budget. I believe this State is top heavy in administrative departments. We need to keep our standard of care for health and social services at optimal levels. We need to put as much money as we can into capital projects because that is what puts the men and women of Alaska to work.
What additional steps can the state take to promote construction of a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope?
We should make the bureaucracy of the permitting process streamlined so that the project can be moved forward as quickly as possible.
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 do not think that any changes should be made to SB21 during the upcoming session. It needs time to work. So far it seems to be doing what it was designed to do and that news is encouraging.
What additional steps can the state take to promote construction of a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope?
I do not advocate touching the PFD fund and I would discourage anyone from either party from bringing that legislation forward. I do not believe that we should implement a sales or income tax. I believe we have options for increased revenue (mentioned above) and we need smart investments and fiscal responsibility.
Should the state subsidy program for films and reality television programs continue? Explain.
I believe we should continue this program. It is a new industry for the state and it takes time to build. We have had several companies come after the implementation and I would like to see it continue.
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):
Generally higher than it should be
Taxation on individual citizens in Alaska is ___ (Generally higher than it should be, About right; Generally lower than it should be, other):
Generally higher than it should be
What are your specific plans to address the serious problems of leadership, morale and accountability within the Alaska National Guard?
I believe the Governor has already addressed the issue by cleaning house at the top end and I support that action. As a former member of the AK ANG I would like to see that a standard of excellent is obtained and maintained. I would like to see Legislative approval given to the Governors selections for Adjutant General.
What are Alaska's three biggest education challenges? What is your plan to address each of them?
Technology- We need updated technology available to students. I'd like to see them have access to innovative learning options that are available by using tablets and online resources. I believe this will also help teachers help students on an individual level.
Preparing students for college or the workplace- I'd like to see more technical career development programs in high schools.
Budgets- I support forward funding so that administrators know what to expect from year to year.
What are your suggestions to increase accountability of public schools?
I understand that we are all concerned about our public schools. Two years ago the State implemented the School Performance Index. It has shown some interesting trends, one being that we need to work a little harder in the lower grades (K-4). I would like to give our teachers a chance to respond to this rating system before taking a knee-jerk reaction and making drastic changes.
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 would support a constitutional amendment that would change our funding policies for our educational system. I would not support state funding for religious curriculum. I do support parents having a choice where to educate their children and believe that funding should follow them.
What are your plans for improving the quality of education offered through the University of Alaska system?
I would like to continue to work collaboratively with other colleges and universities that will provide programs to Alaskan students, such as the OTD (Occupational Therapy Doctorate) program with Creighton University. These agreements bring a high standard of educational opportunities to our state. I am currently working on a pipeline to dental school for Alaskan students using this same type of agreement.
Do you support or oppose expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act? Explain.
I oppose expanding medicaid expansion. It will cost the state an additional 90 million dollars the first year and it will grow to 250 million dollars annually within five years. The State of Alaska has the best Medicaid and Medicare services of any state in the union. We simply do not have the volume of people in our state to make medicaid expansion revenue neutral.
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 am not confident that we will never have an accident offshore. I can never guarantee that an accident will not happen. Nor will adding more bureaucracy, regulation and oversight from federal or state agencies provide a guarantee from accidents. I am confident that the State agencies involved are working at optimal levels to ensure that our lands and waters are protected.
What is your assessment of Alaska's transportation system? What, if anything, would you change?
I believe that our current transportation system in Alaska is laking infrastructure. We need to create a transportation fund so that we can take the revenue that it generates and apply it to the needs of our state. It would be especially nice if Sally Jewell (Secretary of the Interior) would stay out of our way when we need to build our road to King Cove... maybe she should "just get over it!"
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?
The Alaska LNG line to tidewater needs to continue to move forward. I have never been a proponent for the Alaska Stand Alone Pipe Line, as the tariff would be too costly. We need the Knik Arm Crossing as it will open up land and tax revenue for the state. It will also help bring down the cost of energy and food transportation to the interior. We should continue to work toward the Susitna-Wantana dam. When it is completed it will flatline our electric energy costs in the state.
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?
As a pro-life individual, I would only support state funding for medically necessary abortions when that pregnancy places significant threats to a woman's life or serious jeopardy to her health. Other instances would include pregnancy resulting from rape or incest.
When is it appropriate to appoint a non-Alaskan to a state board or commission?
When the circumstances arise that we have no qualified individual in the state that can meet the need.
Are you satisfied with the process by which judges are selected and appointed in Alaska? Explain.
No. I believe that we need to put more public citizens on the judicial council that recommends the selection of judges to the Governor. Currently there are only three public citizens, three attorneys appointed by the bar association, and the Chief Justice of the Alaska Supreme Court who sit on the council. I believe that public input should have more weight in the selection process.
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?
Due to the size of the state, our Troopers and Village Public Safety Officers have unique challenges. During the last Legislative session HB199 was passed and signed into law to help with VPSO training and protection. I support continual evaluation of these departments until we feel the need has been met sufficiently.
Bio
Age: 57
Occupation: Dentist/Miner
Current employer: Self Employed
Employment history:
1976: Welders Helper Trans Alaska Pipeline, Painter.
1976-1995 Family Business- Ace Plastering Painting and Drywall
(part time-continual)
1984-1987: Airplane Mechanic
(Air North, Friendship Air, Mark Air)
1987-1999: The Alaska Air National Guard (Weekender)
1988-1995: Alaska Air National Guard Full Time Crew-Chief
168th AREFG
1992-1995: Student UAF
1995-1999: Student Creighton Dental School)
Dec 1999-May 2000 Contract Dentist for Rodriguez, Sulkosky and Adams in Fairbanks.
June 2000-Present: Owner Four Corners Dental Group (Fairbanks, Anchorage and Wasilla Offices. Sold Fairbanks location in 2013)
2012-Present: Owner PDNG LLC, Placer Mining
2013-Present: State of Alaska, Legislator
Previous public offices held:
2012-Present: Alaska State House of Representatives, District 5.
2008-2009 District 8 Vice-Chair and Chair.
2008-10-12-14: Republican Convention State Delegate
2008 and 2012 RNC National Delegate
Previous unsuccessful runs for office: 2010 State Senate
Postsecondary education:
1979 Hutchison Career Development Center-Licensed A&P Mechanic
1992-1995 UAF, undergraduate credits
1995-1999 Creighton Dental School, Omaha NE
Military service: 1987-1999 Alaska Air National Guard 186th AREFG Crew Chief SSGT.
Spouse's name: Christine
Children: 5
Website: HigginsAlaska.com