Dorothy J. Shockley, Democrat
State Senate, District C
Why are you running for office?
To strengthen our economy through job training, hiring Alaskans & producing our food projects.
Protect our hunting and fishing rights and resources.
Lower energy costs now.
The biggest problem facing the state of Alaska is: I am hearing high energy costs which affects transportation and food costs.
Describe three ways in which the state should try to grow and diversify Alaska's economy: By training and hiring Alaskans, 56% of all new hires on the North Slope are non residents.
Producing more of our food products; we import 95% of all our food.
Developing small local renewable energy projects like hydro, solar and biomass.
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?
Right now state spending is not sustainable. Cuts need to be made in both budgets. Our priorities need to be health and welfare of our citizens, education and transportation until we can balance our budgets. We need to set up endowments for education, transportation and energy so that we are making money for our operating costs.
What additional steps can the state take to promote construction of a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope? It is a very expensive project so we need to make sure it's sustainable and benefits the whole state.
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?
Yes, the bill needs to be amended so Alaska is getting it's fair share of it's oil revenue.
The state's savings is being depleted. How low should the savings go before you begin to seriously discuss implementing a widespread tax, such as as a sales or income tax, or reducing Permanent Fund Dividend checks to help pay for services?
We need to be discussing it now. We need to have a plan in place with policies now.
Should the state subsidy program for films and reality television programs continue? Explain.
Yes, I think it needs to be amended so that Alaska is getting it's fair share.
Taxation on oil and gas production in Alaska is ___ (Generally higher than it should be, About right; Generally lower than it should be, other):
It's to low right now, SB 21 needs to be amended
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):
We don't have an individual tax in AK right now
What are your specific plans to address the serious problems of leadership, morale and accountability within the Alaska National Guard?
It needs to have a non political over sight board. Policies and procedures for SA cases.
What are Alaska's three biggest education challenges? What is your plan to address each of them?
Teachers benefit and retirement package.
Teachers not adequately prepared especially in rural Alaska.
Not having proven curriculum and resources.
What are your suggestions to increase accountability of public schools?
The state needs to go back to the defined benefit package to attract and retain employees.
The Department of Ed and the University of Alaska need to work together and prepare an adequate number of teachers; develop and support proven curriculum, and build the most skilled and honored teaching force in the world.
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 I would not support a constitutional amendment. I believe we can create a highly competitive education system we just need to focus on the basics again.
What are your plans for improving the quality of education offered through the University of Alaska system?
The University and Dept. of Ed needs to work together to not only prepare an adequate number of teachers but highly qualified and skilled.
Do you support or oppose expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act? Explain.
I support expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. I believe we would save money and as a society it is our duty to provide adequate health care for all our citizens especially our elders and youth.
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 would have to study the current level of state regulations in order to make answer the first part of the question. I do know we are not adequately prepared to for a major oil spill.
What is your assessment of Alaska's transportation system? What, if anything, would you change?
We need transportation policies and to start an endowment so we have adequate funds to address our transportation issues, ground, air and water equally.
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 state can not afford all four projects. I would drop the Knik Arm Crossing, Susitna Watana Dam and one of the gas line projects.
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?
Abortion should only be done in a life and death situation. I would not push any legislation or change the status quo.
When is it appropriate to appoint a non-Alaskan to a state board or commission?
It is never appropriate to appoint a not resident to a state board or commission.
Are you satisfied with the process by which judges are selected and appointed in Alaska? Explain.
Yes, it's working and fair.
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?
Work with and partner with other agencies and organization to provide an adequate level of public safety for the whole state.
Bio
Age: 60
Occupation: Tribal Tech Specialist
Current employer: Intertribal Agriculture Council & Shockley Consulting
Employment history:
Shockley Consulting - April 2012 to present; Full Circle Village Connection previously
Intertribal Agriculture Council - Tribal Tech Specialist - July 2013 to present
Alaska State Legislature - Staff to Senator Albert Kookesh - Jan 2005 to May 2012
Council of Athabascan Tribal Governments/UAF/YFSD - Manager, Supervisor & Trainer - April 1998 to December 2004
Previous public offices held: N/A
Previous unsuccessful runs for office: House district 38 candidate, non partisan
Postsecondary education: Studied business, accounting, early childhood development, Alaska Native studies and rural development at UAF
Military service: n/a
Spouse's name: n/a
Children: Kristopher, Joseph, & Joy