Q&A with Alaska U.S. House candidate Chris Bye

The Anchorage Daily News asked candidates for U.S. House running in the special primary election to answer a series of questions. Read all of their responses here.

CHRIS BYE*, Libertarian from Fairbanks

What in your background qualifies you to represent Alaskans in Congress?

I am a typical Alaskan, with Alaskans’ best interest at heart. No party elites to answer to.

Why are you running for U.S. Congress in Alaska?

We can no longer settle for the lesser of two evils. Both old parties have failed us in tremendous ways. If normal typical Alaskans do not step up, the failure will continue.

What would be your top priority if elected to Congress?

Pass the Balanced Budget Amendment. We are forcing future generations to pay for political activism. While we are forcing the future workforce to pay, we are denying opportunities to future Alaskans with regulations, restrictions and executive branch decrees. Also: expedite the turnover of 31 million acres of property that belongs to Alaskans from the federal government as part of the Statehood Act, an area roughly the size of New York state. This represents opportunity for all Alaskans of all walks.

What do you think should be done by the federal government to address mass shootings?

No centralized decision can be made to adequately address these horrific events. Another rule or regulation isn’t going to prevent this. We, the people, not the government, need to do a better job taking care of one another. When we see bullying, we cannot turn away. We need to address it head-on. We need to help folks struggling with depression and anger. Turning to the government will only exacerbate the issue. We should be asking: What societal issues are common to these events? What roles do parents play? Teachers? The community? Mental health professionals?

Do you support gun control legislation? If so, what kind of measures would you support? If not, why not?

No, a cookie cutter, one-size-fits-all draconian rule will not stop stupid, nor fix heinous. Any rules or regulations to be enacted should be made at the lowest local level, state and below.

*Note: Bye is one of several candidates who are also running in Alaska’s regular U.S. House primary election in August.