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.
LAUREL A. FOSTER, nonpartisan from Anchorage
What in your background qualifies you to represent Alaskans in Congress?
I’m an everyday, ordinary Alaskan taking this step to ensue change within our political environment. Our democracy is designed to give power to the people to ensue that change, which shouldn’t be determined by political affiliation or economic status. I’m confident my experience as a leader, advocate, and everyday Alaskan will bring a much-needed perspective that our government and leadership is lacking.
Why are you running for U.S. Congress in Alaska?
Representation in both racial diversity and demographics in Alaska’s government and leadership is important. The people hold a power they have lost sight of when it comes to holding our leaders and representatives accountable for the work that they do, or don’t do. We need to get back to our roots as a population that holds the power in how our government operates. The people have more a voice than they realize, and my purpose is very much focused on making them aware of that voice.
What would be your top priority if elected to Congress?
My top priorities are the needs of Alaska’s people. Our state is plagued by so many issues spanning from missing and murdered Indigenous people, lack of public safety in our rural communities, to the needs for oil and energy independence, and concerns of climate change. There is no one issue that stands above or below the other, as each has a different level of impact on different communities. The key is balancing these issues to address them efficiently to benefit of the people of Alaska.