Kevin Meyer, Republican
State Senate, District M
Why are you running for office?
Alaska is a young state. We are still developing and growing as a State. I want to represent my district with the views, input and thoughts of my constituents. Their voice is important in deciding how we should develop our young state. I want Alaska to be a place where people want to live, raise a family, have good paying jobs, are safe, and are able to enjoy our great outdoors and quality of life.
The biggest problem facing the state of Alaska is
Our biggest problem facing the state today is we are overly dependent on one revenue source that funds our schools, public safety, healthcare, and roads and infrastructure. Oil production accounts for almost 90% of our general fund revenue. As oil production prospers or falters, so does our state economy.
Describe three ways in which the state should try to grow and diversify Alaska's economy
1.Increase oil production. There is still a lot of oil to be found and produced in Alaska.
2.Natural gas pipeline. We have large quantities of gas - discovered and undiscovered. As this new source of revenue is brought on-line, we will not be as dependent on oil.
3.Mining/ Tourism. We will need both of these in order to produce any significant revenue to the state. Mining can and does provide good paying year round jobs.
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 need to focus on reducing the state operating budget and ensure that we are funding constitutional priorities: education, public safety, health & welfare. The day-to-day operating budget is a year over year problem. The capital budget is generally one time funds that do not occur year after year. Since 2013, the capital budget has been reduced by $1.2 billion. We still have state assets that we have to maintain, roads that need repair and schools that need fixed.
What additional steps can the state take to promote construction of a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope?
I believe that the best thing that we can do is keep the momentum building that has been started under Governor Parnell's leadership. For the first time, we are a partner in this endeavor. We are engaged in a staged-gate approach that involves the Legislature and the public in making these decisions. We need to also focus on building and training the workforce that will be needed for this construction project.
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?
The tax structure will be deemed effective when we are able to see increased production from existing developments and new production as a result of exploration and development. I do not believe that any changes should be made in the upcoming session.We have already seen a marked up-tick in investment on the North Slope. What the Legislature and the public need is time to assess that the tax structure, which has already led to increased investment, will result in additional production of oil.
What additional steps can the state take to promote construction of a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope?
The first step in preserving our savings accounts is to wrestle control over the growth and size of the budget. The Legislature took some real first steps in doing this. We have reduced the annual payments to the unfunded liability of our retirement system, we have reduced the day-to-day operations of government, and we have dramatically reduced the capital budget.With leadership over budgetary challenges, it will be some time before we need to discuss implementing broad base taxes.
Should the state subsidy program for films and reality television programs continue? Explain.
Like all subsidy programs, the film tax credit program needs to be reviewed. The Legislature approves incentive programs and then rarely goes back to evaluate the overall success or failure of the program. We approved the passage of a bill that requires the legislature to review all of these tax credit programs and make a decision on whether it is good financial sense to continue them.
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):
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?
I think that there needs to be a comprehensive leadership reform within the Alaska National Guard.There needs to be an understanding of all protocols that are in place and if necessary, need to be overhauled.The report that was issued reviewing the Alaska National Guard is a starting point for this. The Legislature can get engaged by beginning the dialogue with the Governor and with the interim leadership on what changes need to be made to correct the issues found in the report.
What are Alaska's three biggest education challenges? What is your plan to address each of them?
1.Teacher recruitment/retention: This is primarily a local school district issue and a big challenge throughout Alaska. 2. Providing for every student's education needs: I think that the best approach is to ensure that parents have the opportunity to make the best choice for their child.3. Funding for education:I supported a comprehensive review of the formula that is used to determine funding. We need to use a formula that reflects the reality of educating a child in every area of our state.
What are your suggestions to increase accountability of public schools?
The accountability of our public education system is the responsibility of policy makers, the Governor, the State Board of Education, each school district superintendent, each school principal and every teacher in every classroom throughout the state.We haven't really had a discussion thus far on how to engage and involve all parties involved and responsible, but we should. Most believe that our schools fail because of insufficient funding. I don't believe that to be true.
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 support letting Alaskans vote on a constitutional amendment. In cases where a child's education needs cannot be met or their education growth cannot occur in a traditional classroom, such as special education, then yes, I support the opportunity for a parent to choose to have their child attend a private school in order to receive an education.
What are your plans for improving the quality of education offered through the University of Alaska system?
I haven't necessarily heard that there is an issue with the quality of education offered through the University of Alaska. What I have heard is in regards to availability of required classes and the ability of a student to complete a 4 year degree program in 4 years. There is a great demand on many of our programs offered through the University of Alaska, less demand on others. I think that we should focus on these high demand programs and ensure that we are able to accommodate the demand.
Do you support or oppose expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act? Explain.
At this time, I oppose the expansion of Medicaid. I think that we need a comprehensive understanding of what healthcare coverage and access to healthcare is available to those Alaskans not already covered by Medicaid or other insurance. There will be recommendations brought forward by the Medicaid group that will allow policy makers to see where the holes are in our system. If this includes expansion of Medicaid, we will have a better understanding of the population that needs to be served.
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 confident that the current level of state oversight is sufficient to prevent a major oil spill. I am also confident in our ability to respond to a major oil spill. I do believe that we have to remain vigilant in this regard and openly cautious as we proceed forward with offshore development, constantly reviewing regulations and ensuring that our waters, our resources, and our communities will not be negatively impacted by a spill.
What is your assessment of Alaska's transportation system? What, if anything, would you change?
We have a vast transportation system that is multi-modal, which in itself, presents challenges. Roads, bridges, ports, harbors, rail, and ferries. All systems designed to meet the unique geographic challenges of Alaska. All policy makers recognize that the health of our transportation system is vital for commerce in Alaska and for our residents.We share these responsibilities with the federal government as well as with local government entities.
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?
In regards to Susitna-Watana, I support the project, but believe that once we are able to finish the environmental studies, that this project should be side-lined until we have a clearer picture of a gas project moving forward. The Alaska LNG project is a stage-gate approached project, with another 2-3 years until a final investment decision will be made.If the Alaska LNG project does not move forward, pursuing a smaller diameter in-state natural gas pipeline is prudent.
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 believe that life is sacred and I believe that life begins at conception. I do not believe that is appropriate for government to pay for abortions. I supported the parental notification ballot initiative, as did a majority of voters in 2010. I will continue to stand with my pro-life colleagues in opposing government funds for abortions. There is very little we can do at the federal level, but at the State level, we can continue to fight this.
When is it appropriate to appoint a non-Alaskan to a state board or commission?
Qualified Alaskans should be considered for appointment to state boards. If the Governor sees fit to appoint an individual who does not live in Alaska, it should be for reasons that pertain to their professional experience and qualifications. I think that the Governor should be able to communicate to the Legislature, what steps were taken to fill the appointment with an Alaska resident and why a person's qualifications may supersede the need to fill an appointment with a non-Alaskan.
Are you satisfied with the process by which judges are selected and appointed in Alaska? Explain.
I am satisfied with the process by which judges are selected and appointed in Alaska.
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?
I think that we should also look at the challenges that villages and communities face in recruiting and retaining qualified VPSOs.
Bio
Age: 58
Occupation: Investment Recovery Coordinator
Current employer: ConocoPhillips Alaska
Employment history:
Purchasing Representative – ConocoPhillips Alaska (2000-2007)
Director of Administration Services – ARCO Alaska (1983-2000)
Previous public offices held:
Alaska State Senate (2008-Present)
Alaska State House of Representatives (2000-2008)
Anchorage Assembly (1993-2000)
Previous unsuccessful runs for office: None to date
Postsecondary education:
University of Nebraska (1974-1978) – B.S, Business Administration
University of New Mexico (1979-1980) – Masters Degree, Public Administration
Alaska Pacific University (1990-1992) – Masters Degree, Business Administration
Military service: N/A
Spouse's name: Marty Meyer
Children: Karly and Valentina
Website: www.senatormeyer.com