Let’s move Alaska forward

We all know that 80 percent. of success is showing up, which is why Mark Begich and I have tirelessly crisscrossed the state. From Kodiak to Kotzebue, from Nome to Ketchikan, Mark and I have loved every opportunity to participate in candidate forums, interviews with the press, and meet-and-greets with Alaska voters.

No matter where I go across the state, Alaskans are concerned about the direction we are going. They want safe communities, good schools, a sound fiscal plan and vision for the future. Now more than ever, we need to listen to Alaskans about what is happening in their communities and how we can pull together as a state.

One of the reasons Mark and I have done everything we can to make ourselves available to voters is that we're not afraid to explain our plans to them. We're not afraid to detail how we're going to protect your dividend for generations to come; we're not afraid to go over the specifics of how we're going to make our streets safe by putting more law enforcement on the streets, state prosecutors in the U.S. attorney's office, and supporting programs like wellness courts; we're not afraid to tell parents that we're going to stop pink-slipping their kids' favorite teachers by constitutionally guaranteeing funding to their schools — and that they'll never have to worry about their children being shipped off to regional boarding schools.

This election is about more than the next session or the next four years. It's about the next 10, 20 years and beyond. We can't get our state back on the right track with cheap slogans and empty promises. We don't have the luxury of figuring out our plan for public safety, education, or fiscal sustainability until after the election. The voters deserve a governor and lieutenant governor who can start doing the job on day one.

I started my career in rural economic development. Traveling across our state, I helped start a fish hatchery in Port Graham and a fur tannery in Shishmaref that are still operating today. I worked in the oil and gas industry managing Alyeska Pipeline's Alaska Native hire program, and I chaired the Alaska Job Training Council under Gov. Hickel. I have worked for Alaska Native Regional corporations and nonprofits. My entire career has been focused on developing Alaska's resources, both natural and human.

This election represents a clear choice. On the one hand, you can vote for Mark and I, who have a clear, detailed plan to put Alaska back on the right track and move our state forward into the brighter future we know is possible. On the other hand, you can vote for our opponent, who wants to take our state backward and whose fiscal plan consists essentially of reckless hope that oil prices will remain high and depleting the earnings reserve.

I do believe that 80 percent of success is showing up. I also believe that decisions are made by those who show up. That's why I'm asking Alaskans to go to the polls to vote early or on election day and support Mark and me, the only ticket with the leadership, vision, and experience to move our state forward.

Debra Call is running for lieutenant governor on the Democratic ticket alongside Mark Begich.

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