Politics

Clare Ross, candidate for Alaska State Senate District K, answers questions about the issues

Clare Ross, Democrat

State Semate, District K

Why are you running for office?

I'm running because I LOVE Alaska and I want to make it even better. I want to make sure our state invests in quality public education, that people who work hard are paid and treated fairly, and to make responsible decisions for our economy. I come to this as a public servant; Alaska has been very good to me and I want to make sure that others benefit from the same opportunities that I've experienced. I want to inspire people to get involved and serve their community.

The biggest problem facing the state of Alaska is

A lack of leadership and honesty among politicians who put their own interests ahead of the people, and who try to solve difficult problems using slogans. We are at a crossroads for our economy and way of life in Alaska and we need to engage ALL Alaskans in the solutions. Many people feel excluded from the political process and are tired of partisan bickering and egos. We need to get back to a legislature that puts Alaska's interests first and brings people together to solve problems.

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

1. Encourage new oil and gas exploration, recover more oil from legacy fields and develop the gas pipeline.

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2. Expand in fields where we have expertise and infrastructure. The Alaska Science and Technology Plan recommends developing new businesses that specialize in northern climates, like improved oil extraction techniques, energy efficiency and fisheries research.

3. Investigate the tax structure on industries besides oil and gas, which currently make up only 5% percent of state revenues.

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've had some of the largest budget deficits in our history and we need to get back to a more sustainable level of funding. A lot of our budget is non-discretionary: health care, education and pensions, so we can't avoid budget deficits altogether. However, that doesn't justify the reckless spending over the past few years. We can save a lot of money by cutting controversial and financially risky projects out of the capital budget to focus on ones that have community support and greater need.

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

I'm excited about the prospect of a gas pipeline and hopeful that we are on the right track; this is the closest we've ever come to making this reality. However, I am concerned that several key reports were not taken into account during the legislature's decision-making. They suggest that in the current agreement, Alaska takes on too much risk that could result in TransCanada's gain. I want to make sure that the state is very cautious about taking on risks that leave us financially vulnerable.

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 didn't support SB 21. I wanted the state to negotiate a better deal that gave the oil companies the incentives they need to expand, while also providing enough funding for the state to pay its bills. ACES needed modifications, but we went too far the other way and it has put the state's budget in jeopardy. However, the people have spoken and SB21 is the law. I'm hopeful that it will work the way supporters want it to and increase production and bring more revenue to the state.

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

We need to start this discussion now, because it's complicated and we need all Alaskans to be a part of the solution. Everyone has to pitch in: businesses, government, individuals. We can't expect the oil industry to pay high taxes, or public employees to take pay cuts, if we're not all willing to make concessions. However, I'm very reluctant to touch PFD checks, because many families, especially in rural Alaska, count on it to make ends meet. Our economy depends on that infusion every October.

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

The subsidy should not continue as currently written. Recent modifications resulted in the loss of motion pictures and we are now left with a groundswell of reality TV shows, which do not add to our economy and are a poor portrayal of Alaskans.

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):

Generally lower 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):

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About right

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

The Alaska National Guard is vital to our state and its members should be respected and protected. I'm extremely disappointed that so many good people had to work in such terrible conditions while the people who abused the system were promoted. We need to appoint leadership in the Guard who will restore morale and protect employees who speak up. We need a Governor who listens and will do the right thing, even if it's not politically convenient.

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

Our schools are suffering. We're losing about 1,000 positions statewide over a seven year period, we're cutting a successful Pre-K pilot program, and we're in non-compliance with special education, which could lead to the loss of millions in federal funds. In Anchorage, we didn't have summer school last year and we cut the graduation counselors who made a big difference. The state needs to forward-fund and inflation-proof education funding so schools have stability for their planning.

What are your suggestions to increase accountability of public schools?

Public schools should be accountable to the public, but it's wrong for standards to be set by politicians who have no background in academics or the science of youth brain development. Our schools are saddled with so much bureaucracy and testing that teachers now spend too much classroom time teaching kids how to take tests, instead of providing a good education. We need to invest in high quality educators and give them room to do their jobs.

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?

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No, I would not support this amendment. Public funds should go to public schools.

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

The University plays an essential role—providing quality education for our residents, preparing our future workforce, and conducting research and development on Arctic and Alaskan issues. I would like to expand research in science and technology, and advance economic development. The UA conducted $138 million worth of sponsored research in 2010-11, which generates over 2,000 jobs, attracts top talent, and improves our ability to keep our best and brightest in Alaska.

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

I support Medicaid expansion. The Federal government has committed to fund 100% for first the 3 years and 90% after that. This will deliver much-needed services to hard-working Alaskans and create thousands of new jobs in the health care industry. The people caught in this gap are our neighbors. We can invest in them and ensure they continue to participate in our economy, or we can abandon them to deal with medical issues that could result in bankruptcy or even premature death.

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 has strong environmental regulations and good systems in place for oil spill response in populated areas. I'm concerned that we don't have adequate infrastructure for response in remote areas where new development is occurring/will occur. With new shipping lanes opening up in the north, we need to work with the federal government to ensure that we are prepared for this changing landscape.

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

I'm concerned that too much money gets directed toward controversial and financially unrealistic mega-projects. As I go door-to-door, I hear from many of my neighbors who are concerned about unsafe and poorly maintained local roads. The mega projects drain resources from much-needed community projects, the ferry system and state highways.

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 waste too much on mega-projects, many of which are so controversial in the community they will likely never come to fruition. Yet we continue to throw millions of dollars at them each year. The major natural gas pipeline shows the most potential for future economic benefits for the state in terms of the number of jobs created and potential future tax stream, so cautious and responsible state investment in this project is warranted. I would not fund the other projects at this time.

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?

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I am pro choice. A woman's health care decisions should be between her and her doctor. Politicians with no medical background should not infringe on a doctor's ability to make decisions based on sound science. I'm also disappointed in recent attempts to limit birth control options. All women deserve affordable, accessible birth control and the majority of women use birth control at some point in their lives. I would not support legislation that limits women's health care options.

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. We have some of the best and brightest minds in the world here and should invest in local talent. There are other ways to tap expertise from outside of Alaska when needed. Recent attempts to put non-Alaskans on boards are just another way to silence the voice of Alaskans in important decisions.

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

Yes. We have one of the best judicial systems in the country and it is often held up as the gold standard. Our state's founders worked hard to create a system that is fair and relatively free of politics. I do not support altering this system to politicize the process.

The number of Alaska State Troopers and Village Public Safety Officers is ____ (More than necessary, about right, less than necessary):

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Less than necessary

If you answered more or less, what specific steps would you take to achieve the right level?

I support the Alaska Rural Justice Commission's recommendations, especially to increase the number of officers in villages, increase access to judicial services, and address the damaging affects of alcohol. We also need to use partnerships and collaboration and involve the communities in the process. Even if we had enough funding to provide extra officers, we have a big problem with retention rates, so we need creative solutions to support officers in these very difficult jobs.

Bio

Age: 36

Occupation: Development Director

Current employer: N/A

Employment history:

Anchorage Public Library, Development Director: Jan. 2008- June 2014 (stepped down to run for office)

Alaska Center for the Environment, Deputy Director: May 2002-Jan. 2008

Gray Line of Alaska (Seward): Summers 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000

USDA, Agricultural Research Station (Palmer), May 2000-April 2001

Cook Inlet Processing, Breeze Inn and Saltwater Safari Company (Seward): July 1999-May 2000

Previous public offices held: N/A

Previous unsuccessful runs for office: N/A

Postsecondary education: B.A. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Reed College, Portland, Oregon, 1999.

Military service: N/A

Spouse's name: Chad Ross

Children: N/A

Website: www.RossForAlaska.com

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