Pete P. LaFrance, Democrat
State Representative, District 11
Why are you running for office?
I have always been fascinated with the political process – not the nonsensical bickering that seems to now define American politics, but the simple idea that together, through democracy, we can get things done and make the world a better place. To build bridges and schools and pipelines and roads. To ensure that a good idea and hard work are forever a path to success. To hold as sacred those God-given, innate human rights enshrined in our country's founding documents.
The biggest problem facing the state of Alaska is
Diversifying our economy and building a sustainable budget.
Describe three ways in which the state should try to grow and diversify Alaska's economy
1. Lower energy costs: the most cost effective approach with the broadest impact would be to invest in upgrades to the existing Railbelt electrical transmission system. Lower energy costs would encourage new business development.
2. Control state overspending to lessen the risk of future tax increases.
3. Strengthen the state's education system to ensure that Alaskan students grow up to become productive members of the Alaska economy.
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?
The legislature must reduce the current level of spending while prioritizing those state functions that are most essential. In addition, given the low revenues predicted for these next few years, the legislature must defer capital projects that are not critical. Recognizing, for example, that education is an essential state service that cannot be deferred, the legislature needs to tighten the budget belt in other lower priority areas.
What additional steps can the state take to promote construction of a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope?
A large diameter gas pipeline will only be built if there is a market for Alaskan natural gas. Therefore, the most valuable task for the state is soliciting and securing a long-term gas market. The most likely market is Asia and the state should be aggressively active in marketing our gas to Asia. Having strong market interests will provide Alaska with maximum flexibility for how a gasline deal is structured.
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?
MAPA, as opposed to ACES, was primarily designed to increase production within the currently producing fields. Therefore, MAPA's success will be indicated by increased production from these fields. Both ACES and MAPA encouraged exploration, which is also critical for future Alaska revenues. There are some exploration incentive credits that will soon expire and should be evaluated during the upcoming legislative session to determine if their exploration dates should be extended.
What additional steps can the state take to promote construction of a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope?
If the legislature can bring spending under control, then our current savings should be sufficient to carry us until we see new production either from existing fields or new discoveries. It is premature to discuss new income taxes or sales taxes or using the Permanent Fund for general fund expenditures.
Should the state subsidy program for films and reality television programs continue? Explain.
These tax credit programs could be valuable for promoting the image of Alaska in popular culture, and stimulating an Alaskan film industry. However, tighter controls must be put in place to ensure that these credit programs promote hiring of Alaskans and the expenditure of money in Alaska. Our tax credit programs should not reward paying the salaries of people who have never set foot in Alaska.
Taxation on oil and gas production in Alaska is ___ (Generally higher than it should be, About right; Generally lower than it should be, other):
The appropriate level of taxation to increase investment and production will be determined based on the industry's response to MAPA.
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 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?
The management of state agencies is a primary constitutional duty of the Governor. The legislature's role in such matters is limited. However, the problems identified should be carefully considered during the confirmation hearing for the next commissioner of the Department of Military and Veteran Affairs. In addition, given what is now known, legislative oversight committee hearings are necessary to publicly identify problems in the agency and recommend action.
What are Alaska's three biggest education challenges? What is your plan to address each of them?
1. Fix the funding. Schools need adequate, stable, equitable, and predictable funding.
2. Literacy rates. We need optional high quality pre-K for all Alaska children so every student arrives at Kindergarten ready to learn.
3. Family engagement. Informing parents of their role as partners in student learning, and the myriad of school choices already in the public school system.
What are your suggestions to increase accountability of public schools?
More transparency. All school districts should be required to use a consistent and easily understood method of publicly disclosing their budget. In addition, the Department of Education and Early Development must publicly present test scores and graduation rates in a way that shows annual tracking of performance trends.
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?
No. Public funds should not be spent on private or religious schools.
What are your plans for improving the quality of education offered through the University of Alaska system?
The UA system is an important component of the Alaska economy, and serves thousands of Alaska students well. The UA satellite campuses, such as Mat-Su College, are a vital part of the overall system. It will improve the UA system to strengthen and expand the offerings at these campuses and make them available to even more students.
Do you support or oppose expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act? Explain.
The increasing cost of health care in Alaska is one of the most dangerous threats to our economy. The experience in other states has demonstrated that expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act is very effective in bringing these spiraling costs under control. Partisan politics should not stand in the way of good policy. If the Governor refuses to expand Medicaid, he has a responsibility to provide an alternative solution. If not, the Legislature must act to protect Alaskans.
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?
Alaska's ability to influence federal decisions, and demand appropriate protections related to offshore activities, has been severely damaged by the demise of the Alaska Coastal Management Program. This creates vulnerability for Alaska's coastal communities and industries. The ACMP should be re-authorized to restore our full ability to influence federal decisions.
What is your assessment of Alaska's transportation system? What, if anything, would you change?
One of the threats to continued funding of necessary transportation projects is the huge project backlog at the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities. The legislature needs to exercise more oversight and control with regard to how DOTPF manages its transportation projects to ensure that they are completed on time.
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?
As indicated in previous responses, I strongly believe the Alaska Legislature must exercise more fiscal restraint. That applies to these mega-projects. During lean times such as these, the legislature needs to postpone large expenditures for projects that can be delayed.
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 am a Catholic and I would like to see as few abortions as possible in this state. Research tells us again and again that the actions that reliably reduces abortions, across all communities, is accurate information and access to family planning. If a responsible candidate truly wishes to see fewer abortions in our state, I think the conversation needs to shift from "Pro-Life" and "Pro-Choice" to an examination of what truly helps reduce abortions across the state.
When is it appropriate to appoint a non-Alaskan to a state board or commission?
I don't believe it is ever necessary to appoint a non-Alaskan to a state board or commission. Alaska has more than enough experienced and skilled people to fulfill our board and commission seats. If certain specialty information is needed, those boards and commissions are capable of contracting for or hiring consultants.
Are you satisfied with the process by which judges are selected and appointed in Alaska? Explain.
Yes. Alaska's judicial selection, appointment, and retention system is considered a model among the states.
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: 39
Occupation: Teacher
Current employer: Anchorage School District (08/2013)
Employment history:
VanderWeele Farm, Palmer AK: 06/1990 - 07/1993
Wilderness Nursery and Landscaping, Palmer AK: 06/1994 - 08/1997
Mckinleyville High School, Biology Teacher, CA: 08/2000 - 06/2004
American School of Pachuca, Science Teacher, Mexico: 08/2004 - 06/2006
Avalon School, Administrator/Teacher, MN: 08/2006 - 06/2008
International School of Luxembourg, ICT Manager, Luxembourg: 08/2008 - 07/2012
Mirror Lake Middle School, Technology Collaborator, AK: 08/2013 – Present
Previous public offices held: N/A
Previous unsuccessful runs for office: N/A
Postsecondary education:
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, BA Biology, 1994-1998
Humboldt State University, Teacher Certification, 1999-2000
Michigan State University, MA Education Administration, 2005-2006
Military service: N/A
Spouse's name: Robyn Schroeder
Children: N/A
Website: www.petelafrance.com