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Legislature The Juneau Empire’s Guide to the 2020 Alaska State

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JAN 21, 2020

JUNEAU EMPIRE’S 2020 LEGISLATIVE GUIDE

PFD issue front and center of new legislative session

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Some lawmakers think a change in the formula could happen this year

By Peter Segall Juneau Empire When Gov. Mike Dunleavy released his proposed budget in December, he said he intended to allocate a Permanent Fund Dividend of $3,170.

“We’re going to honor the law,” Dunleavy said at the press conference announcing his budget. “The (PFD) still has its calculation in statute.”

But, as the legislative session gears up to start Tuesday, that could change.

“We are focused on solving that formula,” Senate President Cathy Giessel, R-Anchorage, told the crowd at the Resource Development Council on Jan. 9, “amending that 40-yearold law that has been driving our budget.”

Giessel said her goal was to grow the Permanent Fund to $100 billion. As of Nov. 30, the fund is worth $65.7 billion, according to the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation website.

“That would mean we would not have to depend on the price of a bar-

rel of oil, or even have to talk about an income tax,” she said. “We would be able to fund government off the earnings of that account.”

Giessel said the current PFD formula, in place since 1986, was not sustainable and was damaging to the state’s future revenue. Spending money out of the Permanent Fund to pay large dividends was preventing the fund from growing to a level where state services could be paid for on interest alone, Giessel argued.

The current formula “is based on the number of eligible Alaskan applicants in a dividend year and half of the statutory net income averaged over the five most recent fiscal years,” according to the PFD Division.

Some legislators think reducing the amount allocated by the formula can be done relatively soon after the session starts. What they might change it to is an open question.

“We might make a change to the PFD formula. I can see the leadership in both the House and Senate agreeing

to that,” said House Minority Leader Lance Pruitt, R-Anchorage. “That might make it so there’s not as much pressure on the budget.”

Amending the formula would allow the Legislature to move past the debate over how much to allocate for the PFD. During last year’s budget debate and special session, the Legislature was gridlocked over the PFD issue which stymied legislation on other issues.

The 2019 dividends were $1,606 after a contentious legislative session, which ended in a final state budget of $650 million. When Dunleavy signed the 2020 budget, he accused legislators of not following the law.

“Too many in the Legislature now treat the PFD as a political football, arbitrarily setting its amount rather than following the statutory formula Alaskans know and trust,” Dunleavy said in August.

Pruitt said constituents across the political spectrum in his district say they want to see a formula change for

the PFD. But with that change, Pruitt said, his constituents also want reassurance the Legislature wasn’t going to increase government spending.

Pruitt said many of his constituents expressed the opinion that “the dividend is less of a sign of, ‘Do I get this money,’ than ‘I don’t trust you to spend it.’”

In 2016, former Gov. Bill Walker was the first governor to tap into the dividend amount to pay for state services after oil prices fell in 2015.

Walker used his veto power to reduce the amount paid in the dividend, an action that was ultimately upheld in court.

In his campaign and as governor, Dunleavy has promised to pay full dividends and supplemental payments for the amount taken out of PFDs in past years.

Dunleavy said in an email last week that any change to the formula should be put before voters in the form of a constitutional amendment.

‘A responsible dividend’

Lawmakers who spoke to the Empire were cautiously optimistic this year’s session would be a much more productive one. Last year, lawmakers had difficulty forming a majority and electing a House speaker, delaying the start of session.

But the coalition formed last year has held strong, according to Rep. Chuck Kopp, an Anchorage Republican.

“The House should be very stable like it was last year,” Kopp said, echoing his colleagues who’ve said resolving the PFD issue was front and center of the new session.

“The No. 1 thing we have to address is a responsible dividend that’s sustainable over the years,” Kopp said.

“I think we’re making real progress over last year to get the dividend question answered.”

Any change to the formula has to get past not just the Legislature, but the governor’s potential veto as well.

Tim Bradner is a former lobbyist and writer covering Alaska politics. In an interview, he told the Empire there’s been discussion of changing the formula before.

“Two or three years ago, the last time there was a lot of teeth gnashing at this, they got hung up with trying to rewrite the formula,” Bradner said.

“That kept them in session. We’ve seen this before, and who knows if it’s going to go anywhere.”

Alaska’s Legislature needs 45 votes to override a governor’s veto, something which the Legislature failed to achieve during the summer’s special session.

Bradner isn’t sure enough lawmakers can be convinced to make a change.

“You have to look at the Mat-Su delegation,” Bradner said. “Mat-Su constituents are very hot to have the PFD formula (remain). The delegation have been very firm in their support of the existing statute.”

• Contact reporter Peter Segall at 523-2228 or psegall@juneauempire.com.

TABLE OF CONTENTS PFD issue front and center of new legislative session.. ...............................3

House Biographies.....................................................................................11-21

Senate Biographies.........................................................................................5-9

Without state payments, how will cities repay school bonds?............... 22

Map of Downtown Juneau............................................................................. 10

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JUNEAU EMPIRE’S 2020 LEGISLATIVE GUIDE

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Photography Michael Penn Compiled by Emily Russo Miller

JUNEAU EMPIRE’S 2020 LEGISLATIVE GUIDE

JAN 21, 2020

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SENATORS

SENATE MINORITY LEADER SEN. TOM BEGICH

Native Justice Center 2000-2002; Anchorage Youth Development Coalition; Bartlett Democratic Club; NAACP; Alaska AFSCME Retirees, Chapter 52; American Federation of Musicians, Local 1000 AFL-CIO

SEN. JOHN COGHILL

SEN. CLICK BISHOP

D-Anchorage — District J 888-330-3704 Email: Senator.Tom.Begich@ akleg.gov Session contact: Room 11, State Capitol Building, Juneau, AK 99801, phone 465-3704, fax 465-2529 Personal: Born 1960 in Anchorage; 58-year Alaska resident. Married (Sarah Sledge); lived in Juneau in 1985 and 1997-2000, otherwise in Anchorage Occupation: Strategic consultant and musician Education: B.A. Bard College (History) 1982; A.A. University of Alaska Anchorage (History) 1983; philosophy, politics and economics (PPE) coursework at University of Oxford, 1989-1990 Political and government: Past chairman and 22-year member of the Alaska Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee; Alaska Community Justice Coordinator 1997-2000; Anchorage Disproportionate Minority Contact Committee 2005-2011; Secondary Education Curriculum Committee 1993-1994 Business and professional: International Brotherhood of Electrical Works #1547; Owner of Alaska Research Associates/TRG 1983-1999; CW Communications 1999-present; Director of the Nick Begich Scholarship Intern Fund 1993-present; Government Affairs, Coalition for Education Equity 2010-2016; Director of Reclaiming Futures Anchorage 2006-2009; Villages Services Director of Cook Inlet Tribal Council 2002-2005; Restorative Justice Director of the Alaska

R-Fairbanks — District C 800-336-7383 Email: Senator.Click.Bishop@ akleg.gov Session contact: Room 121, State Capitol, Juneau, AK 99801, phone 465-2327 Personal: Born July 25, 1957 in Mexico, Missouri; married (Darlene); two children; four grandchildren; Alaska resident since 1959 Political and government: Commissioner, Labor and Workforce Development (2006-12), administrator and coordinator; board member, State Job Training Coordinating Council Business and professional: Alaska Operating Engineers/ Employers Training Trust; board member, Alaska Works Partnership Inc.; member, University of Alaska Fairbanks Tanana Campus Advisory Board; member, Operating Engineers Union Local No. 302; Alaska AFLCIO Thomas Cashen Award for lifetime training (2008); Pacific Northwest Apprenticeship Education Conference Excellence in Apprenticeship Award for Outstanding Partner (2010) Committees: Finance, Resources, Labor & Commerce, Budget & Audit, Community & Regional Affairs, Permanent Fund Working Group, Village Public Safety Officer Working Group

R-North Pole — District B 877-465-3719 Email: Senator.John.Coghill@ akleg.gov Session contact: Room 103, State Capitol, Juneau, AK 99801, phone 465-3719 Occupation: Property management Personal: Born Aug. 15, 1950, in Fairbanks; married (Luann); three children; seven grandchildren Education: Nenana Public School (1968) Political and government: Chairman, District 18 Republican Party of Alaska; former chairman, District 32 Republican Party of Alaska; delegate, Republican National Convention (1996) Business and professional: Small business owner; private school teacher; pastor’s assistant; concrete cutter; U.S. Air Force staff sergeant, five years service Committees: Chair, Rules; Chair, Railbelt Electric System; member, State Affairs, Resources, Health & Social Services

SEN. MIA COSTELLO

R-Anchorage — District K 800-773-4968 Email: Senator.Mia.Costello@ akleg.gov Session contact: Room 119, State Capitol, Room 504, Juneau, AK 99801, phone 465-4968 Occupation: Legislator, former high school teacher Personal: Born Jan. 11 in

Anchorage; married (Andrew); two boys Education: Harvard University, B.A. Government; University of Alaska Southeast, M.A. Teaching Political and government: Member, Judiciary Committee 2015-2018; chair, Labor & Commerce Committee 20172018; co-chair, Armed Services Committee 2017-2018; member, Task Force on Civics Education 2017-2018; chair, Labor & Commerce 2015-2016; vice chair, Resources Committee 20152016; member, Administration Regulation Review, Task Force on Civics Education 2015-2016; member, House Finance Committee 2011-2015; Governor’s Communications Office; Legislative Aide; Intern Coordinator for former U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens Business and professional: Teacher, Anchorage and Juneau School Districts; Public Relations Executive; Coach, NineStar Education and Employment Services Committees: Vice chair, Labor & Commerce; co-chair, Legislative Pilots Caucus; co chair, Innovation Caucus; member, Joint Armed Services, Legislative Council, Education, Community & Regional Affairs, Children’s Caucus

SENATE PRESIDENT SEN. CATHY GIESSEL

R-Anchorage — District N 800-892-4843 Email: Senator.Cathy.Giessel@ akleg.gov Session contact: Room 111, State Capitol, Juneau, AK 99801, phone 465-4843, fax 465-3871 Occupation: Registered nurse and advanced nurse practitioner Personal: Married (Richard); three children; six grandchildren

Education: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, B.S. Nursing; University of Alaska Anchorage, M.S. Nursing Political and government: Past chair, Senate Resources Committee; past chair, Senate Arctic Policy Business and professional: Member, Resources Development Council; member, Alaska Miners Association; member, Alaska Industry Support Alliance; member, Alaska Chamber of Commerce; Pioneers of Alaska; member, National Rifle Association; member, American Academy of Nurse Practitioners; member, Alaska Nurse Practitioner Association

SEN. ELVI GRAY-JACKSON

D-Anchorage — District 1 800-331-4930 Email: Senator.Elvi.GrayJackson@akleg.gov Session contact: Room 417, State Capitol, Juneau, AK 99801, phone 465-4930 Personal: Born in Newark, New Jersey; 37-year Alaska resident Occupation: Retired Education: Barringer High; Fashion Institute of Technology; University of Alaska Anchorage, Associate of the Arts Political and government: Anchorage Assembly (20082017) Business and professional: Anchorage Assembly’s Budget and Legislative Services Office, former director, senior budget analyst and administrative assistant; Public Transit Department, former executive secretary; National League of Cities, Board of Directors and Finance/Investment Advisory Committee (2012-2016)

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JUNEAU EMPIRE’S 2020 LEGISLATIVE GUIDE

JAN 21, 2020

SENATE MAJORITY LEADER SEN. LYMAN HOFFMAN

CHAMBER MBER U A E N U J R HA GREATE & ALASK A C E C R E M M O OF C

u to Welcome yoapital City!

Alaska’s C The Greater Juneau Chamber of Commerce & Alaska Chamber invite you to attend our weekly “Business Roundtable” luncheons during the legislative session. The first Roundtable will be Thursday, January 30th at Centennial Hall as part of the Alaska Chamber “Fly In”.

For the rest of the legislative session, luncheons will be every Thursday at the Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall, 320 W Willoughby, Juneau, Alaska

D-Bethel — District S 866-465-4453 Email: Senator.Lyman.Hoffman@ akleg.gov Session contact: Room 508, State Capitol, Juneau, AK 99801, phone 465-4453, fax 465-4523 Occupation: Fisherman and businessman Personal: Born Feb. 13, 1950, in Bethel; married (Lillian); two children; three grandchildren Education: University of Alaska Fairbanks, Business Administration Political and government: Alaska State Senate 1991-92, 1995-present; Alaska House of Representatives 1986-90, 1993-94 Business and professional: Deputy Director, YukonKuskokwim Health Corporation; owner, Bethel Drilling & Welding: owner, Golden Eagle Unlimited; Finance Committee Member, Orutsararmiut Native Council; member, Lower Kuskokwim Development Corporation; interest in mining operation Kisarelik Unlimited; shareholder, Blue Sky Estates

SEN. SHELLEY HUGHES

Canton, Ohio; Married (Roger); four children; seven grandchildren; Alaska resident since 1976 Education: Cuyahoga Community College, A.A. (1985); University of Alaska, B.A. English (2002) Political and government: Legislative Aide for Rep. Gatto, Alaska State Legislature (20032005); founder/past president, Alaska All Academies Association; past vice president, Mat-Su Republican Women; Valley Republican Women.

Business and professional: Palmer/Wasilla Chambers; Mat-Su Business Alliance; Commonwealth North; Resource Development Council; Alaska Outdoor Council; Palmer Lions; Mat-Su Health Foundation; Government Affairs Director, Alaska Primary Care Association (2005-11); Special Projects Volunteer Director, Crossroads Community Church, Palmer (1995-2005); Contract Academic Instructor, Mat-Su PreTrial Facility, Palmer Correctional Center (1998-2003); Summer Theatre Conservatory Director, LCCP/Haines; VPA/Wasilla (1999, 2000, 2003); Substitute Teacher, Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District (1995-97); Fort Yukon School District Resource Center Assistant (1987-88); Data Coordinator/Secretary, Phillips Alcoholism Treatment Center, Bethel, Alaska (1985-86); KYUK Newscaster, Volunteer, Bethel, Alaska (1985-87); Teacher, Mount Bethel Christian School, Hoonah, Alaska (1976-81); Proud Stay-atHome Mother of four (1980-2003) Committees: Transportation, Judiciary

SEN. SCOTT KAWASAKI

Programs are focused on current business issues and activities of the Alaska Legislature

Doors open at 11:30 a.m.

Program begins at noon and adjourns promptly at 1:00 p.m.

Chamber Members $20 • Nonmembers $25

For information contact the Juneau Chamber of Commerce 907-463-3488 • info@juneauchamber.com Please RSVP at www.juneauchamber.com

R-Palmer — District F 800-565-3743 Email: Senator.Shelley.Hughes@ akleg.gov Session contact: Room 30, State Capitol, Juneau, AK 99801, phone 465-3743 Occupation: Project consultant, legislator Personal: Born January 1958 in

D-Fairbanks — District A 866-465-3466 Email: Senator.Scott.Kawasaki@ akleg.gov Session contact: Room 7, State

JUNEAU EMPIRE’S 2020 LEGISLATIVE GUIDE

JAN 21, 2020

Capitol, Juneau, AK 99801, phone 465-3466 Occupation: Senior patient representative at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital Personal: Born March 20, 1975, in Tokyo, Japan; Alaska resident since 1980 Education: University of Alaska Fairbanks, B.S. Biomedicine Political and government: Former council member, Fairbanks City Council; former legislative aide; representative, House District 1 Business and professional: Member, Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce; member, American Council of Young Political Leaders; fellow, German Marshall Memorial Foundation; member, Council on U.S./Italy Relations

SEN. JESSE KIEHL

D-Juneau — District Q 855-465-4947 Email: Senator.jesse.kiehl@akleg. gov Session contact: Room 419, State Capitol, Juneau, AK 99801, phone 465-4947, fax 465-2108 Personal: Born Anchorage; Alaska resident since birth; married (Karen Allen); two children Occupation: Legislator Education: Diploma, Steller Secondary School, BA, Politics & Theatre, Whitman College Political and government: Staff to Sen. Dennis Egan (2009-2018); Juneau Assembly member (20112019); Juneau Human Rights Commission; Juneau Board of Equalization; Staff to Sen. Kim Elton (2000-2009); Executive Secretary, Alaska Board of Education & Early Development (1999-2000); Intern, Gov. Tony Knowles, 1997; Intern, U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens, 1996 Business and professional: University of Alaska Southeast Campus Council, 2015-2019; board member, Alaska Municipal League,

2014-2019; customer service, Gray Line of Alaska, Summers 1994-1995; Bristol Bay Crewman, Summers 1991-1993 Committees: Judiciary, Resources, Transportation

SEN. PETER MICCICHE

R-Kenai — District O 800-964-5733 Email: Senator.Peter.Micciche@ akleg.gov Session contact: Room 504, State Capitol, Juneau, AK 99801, phone 465-2828, fax 465-4779 Occupation: Alaska State Senate – District O; commercial salmon fisherman (drift gillnet) – Permit/Vessel Owner since 1994; superintendent, Integrated Projects – ConocoPhillips Kenai LNG Personal: Alaska resident since 1982; married (Erin); four daughters Education: University of Alaska, A.A; Alaska Pacific University, B.A. Business Management, summa cum laude Political and government: Senator, District O - Kenai Peninsula (2013–present); Soldotna City Council (2007-08); Soldotna mayor (2008-2013); Alaska State Senate (2013-current); Kenai River Special Management Area Board; National Fire Protection Association Standards Council (LNG); USCG Area Maritime Security Committee; management board. USCG Cook Inlet Harbor Safety Committee; Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District Board; AK Regional Suicide Prevention Team; Alaska Partnership for Infrastructure Protection; vice chair, Kenai Peninsula Local Emergency Planning Committee; Kenai Peninsula Fish Habitat Partnership Steering Team; Cook Inlet Spill Prevention and Response Board of Directors

Business and professional: Commercial salmon drift gillnet fisherman (1994-present); Natural gas/LNG positions from roustabout to superintendent (1982-present); small Businessman of a restaurant, snow plowing, commercial painting and residential rentals (1983-present); member, Sons of the American Legion; member, Alaska SeaLife Center Board of Directors; member, Soldotna Rotary; member, NRA; board of directors, Boys and Girls Clubs; member, Soldotna, Kenai, Seward, Funny River and Cooper Landing chambers of commerce

SEN. DONNY OLSON

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800-597-3707 Email: Senator.Donny.Olson@ akleg.gov Session contact: Room 514, State Capitol, Juneau, AK 99801, phone 465-3707, fax 907-465-4821 Occupation: Doctor, pilot, reindeer herder and businessman Personal: Born June 18, 1953 in Nome; married (Willow); six children Education: Airline Transport Pilot License; commercial license; airplane and helicopter licenses; Airframe & Power Plant Mechanics License; Inspector’s Authorization; University of Minnesota Duluth, B.A. Chemistry; Oral Roberts School of Medicine, Doctor of Medicine; Cambridge University, England; Seattle Pacific College; University of Alaska Fairbanks; University of Colorado School of Law Political and government: Alaska State Senator 2000-present; Alaska State Medical Board 1994-2000

D-Golovin — District T

www.juneauchoice.com • juneauchoice@gmail.com Juneau Pro-Choice Coalition on Facebook

SEN. LORA REINBOLD

R- Eagle River – District G 800-770-3822 Email: Senator.Lora.Reinbold@ akleg.gov Session contact: Room 427, State Capitol, Juneau, AK 99801, phone 465-3822, fax 465-3756 Occupation: Health care industry professional, education professional and community advocate Personal: Born in Fairbanks; married (Eric); two children; 47year Alaska resident Education: Oral Roberts University, Tulsa, Oklahoma, B.S. Business Administration Political and government: Past chair of the Armed Services Committee (Joint); House

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Administrative Regulatory Review Committee chair; Labor and Commerce Committee vice chair; Labor and Commerce Committee vice chair; Education Committee vice chair; Health and Social Services Committee member; Regional and Community Affairs Committee member; Military and Veterans Affairs Committee member; Chugiak-Eagle River Parks and Recreation Board of Supervisors; South Fork Community Council vice president; Eagle River Trails Committee chair; past member of Judiciary, Ethics, Regional Community Affairs and Rules committees Business and professional: District manager, Bristol-Meyers Squibb Anchorage; assistant business office manager, Trinity Medical Center; operations manager, Medical Park Family Care; substitute teacher, Anchorage School District Committees: Labor & Commerce

JUNEAU EMPIRE’S 2020 LEGISLATIVE GUIDE

SEN. JOSH REVAK

R–Anchorage — District 25 Email: Senator.Josh.Revak@akleg. gov Session contact: Room 125, State Capitol, Juneau, AK 99801, phone 465-3879 Personal: Age 39, born Two Harbors, Minnesota; married (Marta); two children; 10-year Alaska resident Occupation: Recent Veteran and Military Advisor to U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan Education: Alaska Pacific University, MBA candidate with academic honors, business administration and management Political and government:

Alaska House of Representatives, 2018-2019; Military and Veterans Liaison, U.S. Rep. Don Young; Battle Tank Crew Member, U.S. Army Business and professional: Joined military immediately after 9/11; served six years in the U.S. Army on a battle tank, with two deployments to Iraq; received the Purple Heart Medal (among many other Army honors) for wounds received in combat

SEN. MIKE SHOWER

R-Wasilla – District E 877-465-6601 Email: Senator.Mike.Shower@ akleg.gov Session contact: Room 510, State

JAN 21, 2020

Capitol, Juneau AK, 99801, phone 465-6600 Personal: Age 50, born in Bradenton, Florida; married (Michelle); 26-year Alaska resident Occupation: FedEx pilot; U.S. Air Force, retired Education: U.S. Air Force Academy, bachelor’s degree; Touro University, master’s degree in business Political and government: Operations Officer; Squadron Commander; Ben Carson presidential run Alaska coordinator Business and professional: 24year veteran, fighter pilot (F-15C, F-22); U.S. Air Force Weapons School (Top Gun) Instructor; combat veteran with one confirmed Mig29 shoot down and two Distinguished Flying Crosses; Board of Directors advisor; iNK Digital Networking Inc.; Special projects manager AK Supply Committees: Chair, State Affairs; co-chair, Joint Armed Services; chair, Military & Veterans Affairs

(Financial subcommittee); chair, Corrections (Financial subcommittee); member, Public Safety (Financial subcommittee); member, Judiciary; member, Transportation; member, Village Public Safety Officer Working Group; member, Senate Railbelt Electric System

SEN. BERT STEDMAN

R-Sitka — District R 877-463-3873 Email: Senator.Bert.Stedman@ akleg.gov Session contact: Room 518, State Capitol, Juneau, AK 99801, phone 465-3873, fax 465-3922 Interim contact: Phone 225-8088,

JAN 21, 2020

fax 225-0713 Occupation: Financial services, owner of Pioneer Capital Management Personal: Born March 6, 1956, in Anchorage; married (Lureen); one daughter Education: University of Oregon, B.S. business administration and finance Political and government: Alaska State Senate 2003-present; deputy mayor and assemblyman, City and Borough of Sitka Assembly Business and professional: Member, Sitka and Ketchikan chambers of commerce; Elks Lodge; Masonic Lodge; Shrine Club; Scottish Rite; Sons of Norway; National Rifle Association Committees: Co-chair of Senate Finance Committee

SEN. GARY STEVENS

R-Kodiak — District P 800-821-4925 Email: Senator.Gary.Stevens@ akleg.gov Session contact: Room 429, State Capitol, Room 429 Juneau, AK 99801, phone 465-4925, fax 4653715 Occupation: Retired professor, University of Alaska

JUNEAU EMPIRE’S 2020 LEGISLATIVE GUIDE

Personal: Born Aug. 21, 1941, in McMinnville, Ore; married (Rita); three children; two grandchildren; Alaska resident since 1970 Education: Bachelor of Arts, Linfield College; Master of Fine Arts, University of Oregon; Ph.D. University of Oregon; postgraduate work at Harvard Kennedy School of Government Political and government: Member, Alaska State Senate 2003-present; commissioner, Education Commission of States; commissioner, Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education; member, Alaska House of Representatives 2000-03; former mayor, Kodiak Island Borough and City of Kodiak; former president, Kodiak Island Borough School District; president of the Senate 2009-2012; chairman, 100year celebration of the Alaska Legislature 2012-2014, chairman, Advisory Task Force on Higher Education and Career Readiness 2010; former chairman, Senate Rules Committee 2008; former Senate Majority Leader 2005-2008; immediate past national chairman, Council of State Governments; chairman, CSG International Committee Business and professional: Past district governor, Rotary International; U.S. Army intelligence officer, Army Commendation Medal Committees: Chair, Senate Education; Chair, Legislative Council; member, Labor & Commerce

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SEN. NATASHA VON IMHOF

SEN. BILL WIELECHOWSKI

SEN. DAVID WILSON

R-Anchorage — District L 866-365-2995 Email: Senator.Natasha. vonImhof@akleg.gov Session contact: Room 516, State Capitol Building, Juneau, AK 99801, phone 465-2995, fax (none) Occupation: Financial Analyst Personal: Born 1970 in Anchorage; married (Rudi) for 20-plus years; children Liesel and Nicolas; fourthgeneration Alaskan Education: Bartlett High School, 1988; B.S., Harvard College, 1992; Master of Business Administration, University of Washington, 2007 Political and government: Anchorage School Board, 20122015; Alaska Senator since 2017 Business and professional: Financial Analyst at Latash Investments 2002-present; Rasmuson Foundation board, 2005-present; Atwood Foundation board, 2010-present; Anchorage South Rotary, 1999-2007 Committees: Co-chair Finance Committee

D-Anchorage — District H 800-550-2435 Email: Senator.Bill.Wielechowski@ akleg.gov Session contact: Room 9, State Capitol, Juneau, AK 99801, phone 465-2435, fax 465-6615 Occupation: Attorney Personal: Born Dec. 7, 1967; married (Laura); one child Education: Seton Hall University, B.S. Business Management, Finance; Seton Hall University, J.D. Political and government: Legislator (2007-present); member, mayoral Transition Team (2003); chair; Creekside Town Center Committee (2001-06); member, Anchorage School District Budget Review Team (2003); chair, Alaska Workers’ Compensation Board (1999-2004); member, Anchorage Planning and Zoning Commission (2004-06); board, former president and vice president, Northeast Community Council (2004-06) Business and professional: Alaska Department of Labor & Workforce Development, hearing officer (2003-04) and acting chief of adjudications (1999-2004)

R-Wasilla — District D 800-862-3878 Email: Senator.David.Wilson@ akleg.gov Session contact: Room 115, State Capitol, Juneau, AK 99801, phone 465-3878 Occupation: Legislator Personal: Born and raised in California; 19-year Alaska resident; married to Aleta Education: Alaska Pacific University 2004 (A.A. education, B.A. psychology) and 2008 (MBA in Health Service Administration) Political and government: Wasilla City Council, 2012-2016; Mat-Su Borough Ethics Board, 20092015, including stint as chairman; Mat-Su Borough Transportation Advisory Board 2016 Business and professional: Alaska Family Services domestic violence and sexual assault program director, 2011-2016; Primary Care Association 20082011; Southcentral Foundation 2006-2008; NorthStar 2003-2006 Committees: Health & Social Services

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JUNEAU EMPIRE’S 2020 LEGISLATIVE GUIDE

JAN 21, 2020

Downtown Juneau Map of

Legend

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1 2

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1. State Capitol 2. City Museum 3. Legislative Affairs Bldg.

4. Thomas B. Stewart Bldg.

(Masonic Temple) 5. Dimond Courthouse 6. Health & Human Services 7. Court Plaza Bldg.

(Spam Can) 8. Governor’s House 9. Andrew Hope Bldg.

(ANB Hall) O 10. State Office Building 11. State Library, Archives, and Museum 12. Centennial Hall 13. Sealaska Building 14. City library and parking garage

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JUNEAU EMPIRE’S 2020 LEGISLATIVE GUIDE

JAN 21, 2020

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REPRESENTATIVES

REP. BEN CARPENTER

REP. MATT CLAMAN

R-Nikiski — District 29 800-469-3779 Email: Representative.ben. carpenter@akleg.gov Session contact: Room 400, State Capitol, Juneau, AK 99801, phone 465-3779 Occupation: Businessman and peony farmer Personal: Born in Omak, Washington where his family owned an apple orchard; Alaska resident since 1985 when family moved in Alaska Education: Bachelor’s degree from Weber State University Political and government: Retired from the U.S. Army (AKARNG) in 2018 with 21 years of combined military service (U.S. Air Force and Army, Active and Reserve/National Guard); three tours of duty in Iraq and one tour of duty in Afghanistan with the U.S. Army.

Business and professional: Project Manager at Epperheimer, Inc. (Industrial painting and sandblasting); co-owner of Cook Inlet Gardens, Inc. (family commercial peony farm); president of Alaska Peony Market Cooperative (farm co-op specializing in marketing peony cut-flowers); board member and vice president/treasurer of The Compass (501.c.3 nonprofit youth outreach); member of the John Maxwell Team (leadership development)

D-Anchorage — District 21 888-465-4919 Email: Representative.Matt.

Claman@akleg.gov Session contact: Room 118, State Capitol, Juneau, AK 99801, phone 465-4919, fax 465-2137 Personal: Born in Boston, Massachusetts; married (Lisa Rieger); two children; Alaska resident since 1988 Occupation: Attorney, Wilderness Guide Education: University of Texas School of Law (JD, 1987); Colorado College (BA History, 1981); National Outdoor Leadership School (1979) Political and government: Acting Mayor, Municipality of Anchorage (2009); Assembly Member, Municipality of Anchorage (20072010), Chair (2008); Board of Governors, Alaska Bar Association (2002-2008), President (20072008); Heritage Land Bank Advisory Commission (2005-2007), Chair (2006-2007) Business and professional: General Counsel, A-1 Timber Consultants (2018-present); Counsel to the Firm, Lane Powell (1995-96, 2007-2017); Owner, Claman Law Firm (1992-1993; 1996-2006); Attorney, Preston Gates & Ellis (1993-1994); Law Clerk, Federal District Judge Harry Lee Hudspeth (1987-1988) Committees: Judiciary

REP. HARRIET DRUMMOND

D-Anchorage — District 18 800-922-3875 Email: Representative.Harriet.

Drummond@akleg.gov Session contact: Room 108, State Capitol, Juneau, AK 99801, phone 465-3875, fax 465-4588 Occupation: Owner, Drummond Design Personal: Born in New York, NY; married (Elstun Lauesen); three children (Rachel, Jenny and Alex); Alaska resident since 1976 Education: Bronx High School of Science; Cornell University, B.S. design and environmental analysis; University of Alaska Anchorage, graduate work in public administration Political and government: Anchorage Municipal Assembly (2008-2013); Anchorage School Board (1994-2003); former chair, North Star Community Council and Federation of Community Councils Business and professional: Graphic designer Committees: Co-chair, Community & Regional Affairs; cochair, Education

of Oxford graduate fellowship 2009 (Jurisprudence); John Jay Institute graduate fellowship 2010 (American institutions and statesmanship) Military Service: U.S. Army and Army Reserve, 1999-2011, Captain Political and government: Firefighter/EMT; Alaska Fire Investigator technician; Military Police Officer; Military Chief of Police (Provost Marshal); Military Court Martial panel member; Military judge (summary court martial); Court-appointed special advocate for child abuse/ neglect; Amateur Radio Operator (KL2HZ); Alaska Peace Officers Association Business and professional: Entrepreneur; Lincoln Fellow, Claremont Institute for Statesmanship and Political Philosophy; Alaska Disaster Medical Assistance Team; State of Alaska, Emergency Management Specialist; Chugiak Fire Department public information officer; National Eagle Scout Association; Military Police Regimental Association; American Legion; VFW

REP. DAVID EASTMAN

SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE REP. BRYCE EDGMON

R-Wasilla — District 10 800-468-2186 Email: Representative.David.

Eastman@akleg.gov Session contact: Room 422, State Capitol, Juneau, AK 99801, phone 465-2186, fax 465-3818 Occupation: Firefighter/EMT Personal: Age 36, born in Redwood City, California, has lived in Alaska 14 years in Eagle River and the Mat-Su; married (Jennifer); two children: Felicity and Danielle Education: Calvary Chapel High School ISP 1999; U.S. Military Academy West Point 2003 (B.S. Law); Biola University 2008 (M.A. Apologetics); University

D-Dillingham — District 37 800-898-4451 Email: Representative.Bryce.

Edgmon@akleg.gov Session contact: Room 208, State Capitol, Juneau, AK 99801, phone 465-4451, fax 465-3445 Occupation: Legislator Personal: Born May 3, 1961, in Dillingham; married (Melody); three children Education: University of Alaska Anchorage, B.S. Business Administration Political and government: Former chair, City of Dillingham Planning Commission; Pacific

States Marine Fisheries Commission Business and professional: Board chairman, Choggiung LTD.; former board member, Southwest Alaska Vocational Education Center; Former COO, Bristol Bay Economic Development Corporation, State CDQ Program Manager

REP. ZACK FIELDS

D-Anchorage — District 20 888-465-2647 Email: Representative.Zack.

Fields@akleg.gov Session contact: Room 114, State Capitol, Juneau, AK 99801, phone 465-2647 Personal: Born Charlottesville, Virginia; Alaska resident since 2012 Occupation: Union Organizer Education: B.A., Economics from the University of Virginia Political and government: Congressional aide; local government aide; Special Assistant/Workforce Development Coordinator to the Labor Commissioner; Communications, Alaska Democratic Party; Governor’s Fellow.

Committees: Co-chair, State Affairs

REP. NEAL FOSTER

D-Nome — District 39 800-478-3789 Email: Representative.Neal.

Foster@akleg.gov Session contact: Room 505, State Capitol, Juneau, AK 99801, phone 465-3789, fax 465-3242

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Personal: Born Nome; Alaska resident since 1972 Occupation: Investor Education: Stanford University (Bachelor of Arts in Political Science), University of Alaska Anchorage (Bachelor of Business Finance), Oxford University (Study Abroad Jurisprudence) Political and government: Alaska State Legislator, Nome City Council, Alaska Workforce Investment Board Business and professional: Corporate Director Sitnasuak Native Corp.; Corporate Director Bering Strait Native Corp.; Corporate Director Siu Alaska; Foster Properties; President Bonanza Fuel; Vice-President Sitnasuak Native Corp.

Committees: Co-chair, Finance

JUNEAU EMPIRE’S 2020 LEGISLATIVE GUIDE

REP. MEL GILLIS

of Indian Affairs, the National Guard, construction, labor leader, registered big-game hunting guide since 1974, established Sandy River Lodge on the Alaska Peninsula

REP. SARA HANNAN R-Anchorage — District 25 Email: Representative.Mel.Gillis@ akleg.gov Session contact: Room 110, State Capitol, Juneau, AK 99801, phone 465-4931 Personal: Born in Texas. Has lived in Alaska for more than five decades and has lived in House District 25 for more than 30 years Occupation: Hunting guide Business and professional: Previously worked for Bureau

D-Juneau — District 33 866-465-4766 Email: Representative.Sara.

Hannan@akleg.gov Session contact: Room 432, State Capitol, Juneau, AK 99801

JAN 21, 2020

Interim contact: PO Box 240752, Douglas AK 99824 Personal: Age 59, born in Richland, Washington; married (Mark Stopha) Occupation: High school teacher, retired Education: West Anchorage High School; University of Alaska Fairbanks, Bachelor of Education Political and government: Member, University of Alaska Board of Regents (1982-1984) Business and professional: Currrent business, Alaska Wild Salmon, Co-owner of Alaska Wild Salmon; National Education Association Alaska Board of Directors; Juneau Education Association Executive Board; Teacher of English in Vladivostok, Russia; Instructor at Mt. Edgecumbe High School

Committees: Co-chair, Community & Regional Affairs; member, Arctic Policy, Economic Development & Tourism, Co-chair, Community & Regional Affairs; chair, Arctic Policy, Economic Development & Tourism; Member, Resources; member, Labor & Commerce; Alternate–Select Committee on Legislative Ethics.

JAN 21, 2020

REP. GRIER HOPKINS

D-Fairbanks — District 4 800-928-4457 Email: Representative.Grier.

Hopkins@akleg.gov Session contact: Room 409, State Capitol, Juneau, AK 99801, phone 465-4457 Occupation: UniServ Director for NEA-Alaska Personal: Age 36, born in Fairbanks, 33-year Alaska resident Education: West Valley High School (2002); University of Washington (2006) Business and professional: Worked as a legislative aide for six years Committees: Energy

REP. SHARON JACKSON

Rep. Sharon Jackson R-Eagle River — District 13 877-465-3783 Email: Representative.sharon. jackson@akleg.gov Session contact: Room 428, State Capitol, Juneau, AK 99801, phone 465-3783 Occupation: Lawmaker Personal: Born and raised in Philadelphia, Alaska resident since 1983, married to Jim Porch, a Vietnam veteran Education: Charter College Business and professional: former, U.S. Army; enrolled in Charter College to become Certified Electronic Technician; National Federal of Independent Business; National Write Your Congressman; former constituent liaison for U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan; former vice president of the Midnight Sun Republican Women

JUNEAU EMPIRE’S 2020 LEGISLATIVE GUIDE

Club; Assistant Secretary to the Alaska Republican Party, and has served two terms as the Bonus Vote for District 13 representative; 2016 delegate for (now) President Donald Trump at the Republican National Convention; founder and president, Republican Women of Anchorage club; commissioner, Anchorage Public Safety Advisory Committee; assistant director, Opinion Leader Outreach for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints’ Alaska Public Affairs Committee.

REP. DELENA JOHNSON

R-Palmer — District 11 866-465-4958 Email: Representative.Delena.

Johnson@akleg.gov Session contact: Room 405, State Capitol, Juneau, AK 99801, phone 465-4958, fax 465-2381 Occupation: Business owner and Palmer Mayor Personal: Age 53, born in Portland, 50-year Alaska resident; married (Steve for 36 years); five children: Sven, Signe, Jasmin, Kiersten and Stefan; lived in Talkeetna, Wasilla and Palmer Education: Su-Valley High (1981); University of Alaska Anchorage (1983); Mat-Su College (1987, AAS Electronic Technology); University of Alaska Anchorage (1991, B.A. Mathematics) Political and government: Palmer Mayor; president, board of the Palmer Museum of History and Arts, Mat-Su Marijuana Board, elected president of the Alaska Conference of Mayors; National Rifle Association; Eagle River Chamber of Commerce; Mat-Su Republican Women’s Club; Valley Republican Women’s Club Business and professional: President, Ethos LLC (1984-present); Property Development (1984-present); Commercial and Residential Rental Property (1985-present); Part Owner, Hot Air and Associates;

Mat-Su Business Alliance; Pioneers of Alaska; Palmer Lions Club; lifelong member of Palmer Museum of History and Arts

REP. JENNIFER JOHNSTON

R-Anchorage — District 28 800-478-4950 Email: Representative.Jennifer.

Johnston@akleg.gov Session contact: Room 511, State Capitol, Juneau, AK 99801, phone 465-4949, fax 465-4979 Occupation: Retired Personal: Age 65, born in St.

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Johnsbury, Vermont, 43-year Alaska resident; lived in Fairbanks 1976-1988 and Anchorage 1988-present; married (Allan R. Johnston); children Lauchlin, Ross and Merrick Education: Danville High School, Vassar College, University of Vermont Political and government: Municipality of Anchorage Assembly Member (2008-2016); past president and board member of the Alaska Municipal League; past chair and board member of Chugach State Park Advisory Committee; past chair and board member of Anchorage Center for Families; board member of Education Matters and ARISE Business and professional: Founding Member of 49th State Angel Fund Network; Outdoor Education – CITC and Migrant

Education; Owner/Operator of Alaska Gourmet Adventures; Expedition Manager of Mount Vaughan Antarctic Expedition; Issue Advocacy Manager for Alaska Support Industry Alliance; Legislative Aide; Owner/Operator of Cripple Creek Resort Committees: Co-chair, Finance; vice chair, Rules

REP. ANDY JOSEPHSON

D-Anchorage – District 17 800-465-4939 Email: Representative.Andy.

- 2019 Juneau Empire Reader’s Choice Awards

New s Addres

124 Seward Street

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JUNEAU EMPIRE’S 2020 LEGISLATIVE GUIDE

JAN 21, 2020

Josephson@akleg.gov Session contact: Room 502, State Capitol, Juneau, AK 99801, phone 465-4939, fax 465-2418 Occupation: Attorney; school teacher Personal: Born in Anchorage; married (Donna) Education: Whitman College, B.A. History (1986); University of Alaska Anchorage, M.A. Teaching (1992); Penn State Dickinson School of Law, J.D. (1997) Political and government: Municipal Zoning Board of Examiners and Appeals (20052006); Municipal Planning and Zoning Commission (2006-2008); Alaska House of Representatives (2013-present) Business and professional: Internship, Sen. Ted Stevens; Legislative Aide, 17th and 23rd Alaska Legislatures; public school teacher, Kuspuk School District, Kalskag; superior court judicial law clerk, 4th and 3rd Judicial Districts, Fairbanks and Kenai; Assistant District Attorney, Kotzebue (1999-2001); Associate Attorney, Law Offices of Dan Allan & Associates (2003-2008) and Law Offices of G.R. Eschbacher, (2008-2012); Adjunct Instructor of Constitutional Law, University of Alaska, Anchorage (2003-2008) Committees: Finance, Legislative Budget & Audit

REP. GARY KNOPP

R-Kenai — District 30 800-463-2693 Email: Representative.Gary.

Knopp@akleg.gov Session contact: Room 410, State Capitol, Juneau, AK 99801, phone 465-2693, fax 465-3835 Occupation: General contractor Personal: Age 62, born in Whitefish, Montana, 40-year Alaska resident; lived in Anchorage 1979-1980, Sterling 1980-1995, and Kenai 1995-present; married (Helen) Education: Flathead High School; college courses at Flathead Valley Community College, Kenai Peninsula College, University of Alaska Fairbanks Political and government: Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly (2006-2012 and 2015-2016); Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly president (2010-2012); Alaska Municipal League board of directors (2010-2011 and 20152016); Kenai Peninsula Borough Board of Equalization (2010-2017)

REP. CHUCK KOPP

R-Anchorage — District 24 866-465-4993 Email: Representative.Chuck.

Kopp@akleg.gov Session contact: Room 216, State Capitol, Juneau, AK 99801, phone 465-4993, fax 465-3872 Occupation: Department of Public Safety retiree Personal: Married (Trish); children Chuck, Holly, Paul; 52 years old, lifelong Alaskan; born in Anchorage

JUNEAU EMPIRE’S 2020 LEGISLATIVE GUIDE

JAN 21, 2020

Education: Cook Inlet Academy 1979-1983; University of Alaska Anchorage 1983-1987 (B.A. Justice); FBI National Academy 1996; Graduate course in public administration, UAS 1999 Political and government: Public safety transition team for Gov. Sarah Palin (2006); Alaska Police Standards Council 2003-2007; Alaska Judicial Council 2007-2008; Alaska Peace Officers Association 1993-2015 Business and professional: Reserve officer, Anchorage Police Department (1986-1989); Police officer in Kenai and Bristol Bay Borough (1989-2009); Kenai chief of police (2002-2008); Acting Kenai City Manager (2005-2006); Alaska Legislature staffer (2009-2016); LeeShore Center member 20022008; Kenai Peninsula Community Care Center member 1995-2002 Committees: Rules

REP. JONATHAN KREISSTOMKINS

D-Sitka – District 35 888-461-3732 Email: Representative.Jonathan.

Kreiss-Tomkins@akleg.gov Session contact: Room 411, State Capitol, Juneau, AK 99801, phone 465-3732, fax 465-2652 Occupation: Program administrator Personal: Born in 1989 in Sitka Education: Sitka High School (graduated 2007); Yale College (attended 2008-2012) Political and government: Alaska Legislature (2013-present) Business and professional: Freelance writer; program administrator; entrepreneur Committees: Co-chair, State Affairs

REP. BART LEBON

R-Fairbanks — District 1 877-665-3709 Email: Representative.bart.lebon@ akleg.gov Session contact: Room 418, State Capitol, Juneau, AK 99801, phone 465-3709 Personal: Married (Mary); two children; four grandchildren Occupation: Retired banker and former executive vice president at Mt. McKinley Bank Education: Bachelor’s in Business Administration, University of Alaska Fairbanks (1975) Political and government: Fairbanks North Star Borough School Board, three years as board president (1998-2004) Business and professional: Board member, Downtown Association (10-plus years); Finance Committee member, Fairbanks Economic Development Corp. (10 years); past president and member, Interior Community Health Center; Community Advisory Board member, Alaska Airlines (20 years); past Fairbanks Chapter President (1998-2002) and state president (2002-2004) of Air Force Association (20 years)

REP. GABRIELLE LEDOUX

R-Anchorage — District 15 800-689-4998 Email: Representative.Gabrielle.

LeDoux@akleg.gov Session contact: Room 13, State Capitol, Juneau, AK 99801, phone 465-4998, fax 465-4419 Occupation: Attorney (inactive)

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JUNEAU EMPIRE’S 2020 LEGISLATIVE GUIDE

JAN 21, 2020

Personal: Born March 24, 1948, in Baltimore; widowed; two children; Alaska resident since 1978 Education: University of Southern California (1966-1968); University of California, Berkeley (1968-1970); University of California, Berkeley, School of Law (1970-73) Political and government: Alaska State Representative (2013–present); Alaska State Representative (2005–2009); borough Mayor, Kodiak Island Borough (2001–04); board member, Kodiak Electric Association (1995–2000); board member, Northeast Community Council (2010–2013); board member, Alaska Municipal League (2003–04)

REP. JOHN LINCOLN

D-Kotzebue — District 40 888-288-3473 Email: Representative.John.

Lincoln@akleg.gov Session contact: Room 102, State Capitol, Juneau, AK 99801, phone 465-3473 Personal: Age 38, born in Kotzebue; has lived there entire life and is where he and Molly are raising their daughter Occupation: Vice President of Lands, NANA Regional Corporation Education: Kotzebue High School, Valedictorian; Stanford University, B.A. in Science, Technology and Society Political and government: Vice Mayor, City of Kotzebue (19992000); Tribal Council Member, Native Village of Kotzebue (20142018) Business and professional: Board member, Alaska Federation of Natives (2014-2016); Chair, Maniilaq Association (2014-2017); Network Specialist, Maniilaq Association (2004-2014); owner, Northern Consulting (2000-2004) Committees: Co-chair, Resources

REP. KELLY MERRICK

R-Eagle River — District 14 800-861-5688 Email: Representative.Kelly.

Merrick@akleg.gov Session contact: Room 500, State Capitol, Juneau, AK 99801, phone 465-3777 Personal: Lifelong Alaskan, born in Juneau; married with three children Occupation: Legislator Education: Juneau-Douglas High School; Gonzaga University, Bachelor of Business Administration, Concentration Finance, Cum Laude Political and government: Legislative Staff to Senate President; District Aide to Congressman Don Young; Alaska Republican Districts 13 & 14 District Committee Business and professional: Eagle River Chamber of Commerce; National Rifle Association; Homestead Elementary PTA; ASD School Volunteer; Eagle River Panthers Volunteer; Alaska Blue Devils Volunteer Committees: Finance

REP. MARK NEUMAN

R-Big Lake — District 8 800-505-2678 Email: Representative.Mark.

Neuman@akleg.gov Session contact: Room 434, State Capitol, Juneau, AK 99801, phone 465-2679, fax 465-4822 Occupation: Small business owner Personal: Born Aug. 12, 1959, in Rice Lake, Wisc.; married (Adel); two children; Alaska resident since

JUNEAU EMPIRE’S 2020 LEGISLATIVE GUIDE

JAN 21, 2020

1981 Education: Mat-Su College, HVAC certificate (1988-1989) Political and government: House of Representatives (2005-present); National Conference of State Legislatures, Western Conference Committee Member; NCSL Agriculture, Environment & Energy Committee member; National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses, National Executive Committee Business and professional: Owner/operator, Heirloom Wood Crafters

REP. DAN ORTIZ

I-Ketchikan - District 36 800-686-3824 Email: Representative.Daniel.

Ortiz@akleg.gov Session contact: Room 513, State Capitol, Juneau, AK 99801, phone 465-3824, fax 465-3175 Interim contact: 1900 First Avenue, Suite 310, Ketchikan, AK 99901 Personal: Born in Ottawa, Illinois; has lived in Ketchikan since 1969 Occupation: Public school teacher; principal, cross country and debate coach Education: Ketchikan High School (1976); Seattle Pacific University, B.A. (1981); University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, M.S. in Teaching (1997) Business and professional: VFW Teacher of the Year; American Legion Teacher of Year 2013; Junior Achievement leader; negotiator and professional rights and responsibilities mediator for Ketchikan Education Association Committees: Finance, Tribal Affairs, Children’s Caucus.

Chair, Finance Subcommittees for Department of Education, Department of Environmental Conservation and Department of Fish and Game

MINORITY LEADER

REP. LANCE PRUITT

R-Anchorage — District 27 888-478-3438 Email: Representative.Lance.

Pruitt@akleg.gov Session contact: Room 404, State Capitol, Juneau, AK 99801, phone 465-3438 Personal: Born Aug. 18, 1981, in Anchorage; married (Mary Ann); two children Education: University of Alaska Anchorage, B.A. History (2003); Kaplan University, Masters of Business Administration (2009) Political and government: Alaska State house of Representatives (2010-present) Business and professional: Former general manager, Sears Logistics; small business owner; former service manager, FedEx Ground; NANA slope worker; member, National Rifle Association, Western Legislative Academy Graduate, CSG Henry Toll Fellow, Aspen Rodel Fellow, Washington Post Top 40 under 40

REP. SARA RASMUSSEN

R-Anchorage — District 22 866-465-3892 Email: Representative.Sara.

Rasmussen@akleg.gov Session contact: Room 430, State Capitol, Juneau, AK 99801, phone 465-3892 Personal: Born in Anchorage; fifth-generation Alaskan. Married (Alex); two children Occupation: Residential Appraiser Education: DHS Graduate; University of Alaska Anchorage, 2008-2009; Columbia College,

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2009-2014; Appraisal Institute 2012-2014 Political and government: Cochair, Anchorage Caucus; co-chair, Children’s Caucus. Sand Lake Community Council Secretary (2017-2018) Committees: Resources; Transportation; Arctic Policy, Economic Development & Tourism

REP. GEORGE RAUSCHER

R-Sutton — District 9 888-465-4859 Email: Representative.George.

Rauscher@akleg.gov Session contact: Room 426, State Capitol, Juneau, AK 99801, phone 465-4859 Occupation: Maintenance Personal: Age 60, lived in Alaska 39 years, always in Sutton; married to Elizabeth; four children: Morgan, Ashley, Mary and Emily Interests: Hunting, fishing, skiing Education: Vocational school graduate 1975 (architectural drafting); high school graduate 1992 (Mat Valley Community College); Mat Valley Community College 1989-2013; UAA 1994-1999; UAF Construction Management 2008-2013 Political and government: Sutton Community Council; Alpine 31 Road Service Advisory Board; MatSu Road Service Advisory Board; Alpine Civic Club; Jonesville/ Slipper Lake Action Committee Business and professional: Business owner, civil inspector

JUNEAU EMPIRE’S 2020 LEGISLATIVE GUIDE

REP. LADDIE SHAW

REP. IVY SPOHNHOLZ

R-Anchorage — District 26 866-465-4945 Email: Representative.laddie. shaw@akleg.gov Session contact: Room 112, State Capitol, Juneau, AK 99801, phone 465-4945 Personal: Alaska resident for 38 years; married (Linda); interests include hiking, paragliding, rock climbing, riding Harley motorcycle, touring state in motorhome Occupation: Retired, military (1993). Nine years active duty with the U.S. Navy SEALs, eight years with the SEAL Reserve component, and seven years with the Alaska Army National Guard (Airborne).

Retired, State of Alaska employee of 20 years Education: Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Alaska Southeast in 1996; Bachelor’s in Recreation Administration from San Diego State University in 1979; AAS in Aviation Administration/ Professional Piloting from the University of Alaska in 1987 Political and government: Former state director of Veterans Affairs (1999); former director of Police Standards Council (1993); former Alaska State Trooper Academy Instructor (1988); former Emergency Response Specialist with Department of Public Safety (1983) Business and professional: Vietnam Veterans of America; UDT/SEAL Association; Mountaineering Club of Alaska; Nordic Ski Association; Resource Development Council; HALO - Home and Land Owners Organization; A ​ rctic Air Walkers Paragliding Club Committees: Military & Veterans’ Affairs, State Affairs, Judiciary

D-Anchorage — District 16 866-465-4940 Email: Representative.Ivy. Spohnholz@akleg.gov Session contact: Room 421, State Capitol, Juneau, AK 99801, phone 465-4940, fax 465-3766 Occupation: Not-for-profit management Personal: Born 1973 in Nebesna; Alaska resident 1973-1991, 1999-present; lived in Nebesna and Anchorage; married (Troy Bowler); three children: Iris, Kim and Maya; foster parent Education: Steller Secondary, West High School and SAVE II, General Education Diploma, 1991; University of Washington (1997, B.A. Political Science) and (2014, Masters of Public Administration) Political and government: Foster Kids First; Alaska Women’s Lobby; Alaska House of Representatives Business and professional: The Salvation Army, director of development; University of Alaska Anchorage, lead development officer; Abused Women’s Aid in Crisis; Alaska Children’s Trust; YWCA Alaska; The Foraker Group; Association of Fundraising Professionals; Tanaina Child Development Center Committees: Chair, Labor & Commerce; vice chair, Health & Social Services; vice chair, Energy

REP. ANDI STORY

D-Juneau — District 34 800-968-6744 Email: Representative.Andi.Story@ akleg.gov

JAN 21, 2020

Session and interim contact: Room 403, State Capitol, Juneau, AK 99801; phone, 465-4766 Personal: Age 60, born in Olivia, Minnesota; married (Mike); three children (Ellen, Mallory and Ryan); Alaska resident from 1982-86, 1990-present Occupation: Homemaker, elected official Education: Detroit Lakes, MN HS (1977); Moorhead State University, Bachelors of Social Work, 1982); San Diego State University, Masters of Social Work (1990) Political and government: Juneau Board of Education, 20032018; Alaska College of Education External Advisory Committee Business and professional: Family counselor and educator; Catholic Community Services (1983-1986/1992-1995); Big Brothers/Big Sisters (1983-1984) Committees: Co-chair, Education

MAJORITY WHIP REP. LOUISE STUTES

R-Kodiak — District 32 800-865-2487 Email: Representative.Louise.

Stutes@akleg.gov Session contact: Room 406, State Capitol, Juneau, AK 99801, phone 465-2487, fax 465-4956 Occupation: Retired business owner Personal: Has lived in Kodiak for 36 years; married (Stormy); four children Education: Queen Anne High School; Shoreline Community College; NW Medical College; University of Alaska Kodiak Political and government: Past member, Kodiak Island Borough Assembly; past member, Kodiak Borough Fisheries Advisory Group; past member, Kodiak Borough and City of Kodiak Fisheries Work Group Business and professional: Past owner, Village Bar; member,

Alaska Cabaret, Hotel, Restaurant and Retailers Association board; president, Kodiak CHARR; past president, Kodiak Chapter of Pioneers of Alaska; member of D.A.R. Committees: Chair, Transportation; chair, Special Committee on fisheries; vice chair, Legislative Council; member, Rules; Judiciary; Labor & Commerce; and House Selective committee on Legislative Ethics

REP. COLLEEN SULLIVANLEONARD

R-Wasilla — District 7 800-782-4833 Email: Representative.Colleen.

Sullivan-Leonard@akleg.gov Session contact: Room 420, State Capitol, Juneau, AK 99801, phone 465-4833, fax 465-4586 Occupation: Public servant Personal: Fourth-generation Alaskan. Born in Fairbanks, 60-year Alaska resident, lived in Anchorage from 1959-1996, Wasilla from 1996 to present; married (Ted), seven kids: Matt, Adam, Molly, Nathan, Kristal, Briget and Jared Education: West Anchorage High School (1977); University of Alaska Anchorage, business management and human resources Political and government: Alaska House of Representatives 2017-2018, 2019-present; Wasilla Planning Commission 1999-2000, 2005-2008; Wasilla City Council 2001-2003, 20102016; Alaska Municipal League Board and Vice President 20102014; Alaska Juvenile Justice Advisory Commission 2010-2016; Governor’s Mat-Su Regional Director 2006-2009; State of Alaska — Alaska’s 50th Statehood Commission, Project Coordinator 2007-2009; Alaska State Legislature staffer, 2003-2004 Business and professional: CSLeonard & Associates —

JAN 21, 2020

JUNEAU EMPIRE’S 2020 LEGISLATIVE GUIDE

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Research and Accounting services 2010-2014; Mat-Su Regional Medical Center, Home Health, and Human Resources 19992001; Providence Alaska Medical Center, Health Unit Coordinator 1987-1999; Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce board 2001-2003, 2011-2015; National Rifle Association, Alaska Outdoor Council, Mat-Su Republican Women’s Club, NCOIL, ALEC Committees: Finance

REP. DAVID TALERICO

R-Healy — District 6 800-491-4527 Email: Representative.David.

Talerico@akleg.gov Session contact: Room 104, State Capitol, Juneau, AK 99801, phone 465-4527 Occupation: Miner, heavy equipment operator Personal: Has lived in Healy for 50 years; married (Peggy); two children; seven grandchildren Education: Tri-Valley High School (1974) Political and government: Denali Borough mayor (2002-2012); Denali Borough assemblyman (2001-2002, 2014); Upper Railbelt School Board member (19761977); legislative chief of staff; former Alaska Municipal League board member and president; former Alaska Safety Advisory Council member Business and professional: Human resource and safety director; mine supervisor; small business owner and operator Committees: Resources, Labor & Commerce, Transportation, Tribal Affairs

JUNEAU EMPIRE’S 2020 LEGISLATIVE GUIDE

REP. GERAN TARR

D-Anchorage – District 19 800-303-2455 Email: Representative.Geran.Tarr@ akleg.gov Session contact: Room 128, State Capitol, Juneau, AK 99801, phone 465-3424, fax 465-3793 Occupation: Adjunct faculty at the University of Alaska Anchorage Personal: Born in Akron, Ohio; Alaska resident since 1998 Education: Ohio University, B.S. Botany, Environmental Studies and Women’s Studies; University of Alaska Anchorage, Master of Public Administration Political and government: Former president Airport Heights Community Council; Chair/ Commissioner, Anchorage Women’s Commission Business and professional: UAA Biology Department, adjunct faculty since 1999; Senator Johnny Ellis, former Chief of Staff; Anchorage Farmer’s Market founding board member; American Council of Young Political Leaders delegate Committees: Co-chair, Resources; Co-chair, Armed Services

MAJORITY LEADER REP. STEVE THOMPSON

R-Fairbanks — District 2 866-465-3004 Email: Representative.Steve.

Thompson@akleg.gov Session contact: Room 204, State Capitol, Juneau, AK 99801, phone 465-3004 Occupation: Legislator Personal: Born in Cottage

Grove, Oregon in 1944; married (Kathleen); five children; 10 grandchildren; Alaska resident since 1965 Education: Oregon Technical Institute (1962-1963); Southern Oregon College (1963-1965) Political and government: Former member, Fairbanks North Star Borough School District Budget Review Committee; former member, Alaska State Workers Compensation Board; Mayor, City of Fairbanks (2001-2007); member, Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce; member, National Rifle Association Business and professional: Past president/CEO, M&O Auto Parts and Equipment, Inc.; U.S. Army, Sergeant

REP. CATHY TILTON

R-Chugiak — District 12 800-342-2199 Email: Representative.Cathy.

Tilton@akleg.gov Session contact: Room 415, State Capitol, Juneau, AK 99801, phone 465-2199 Occupation: Real estate investor/ businesswoman Personal: Born Aug. 28, 1962; three children Education: Service High School, Alaska Business College, University of Alaska Anchorage Political and government: Legislative staff, Legislative Council (2011-2012); legislative staff, House Finance Committee (20132014) Business and professional: Former Special Assistant to the Mayor of Wasilla; business owner; past president of the Alaska Motor Mushers Club

JAN 21, 2020

REP. CHRIS TUCK

Education: Three associate degrees from Kenai Peninsula College: associate in small business administration,accounting and biblical studies with a minor in missions.

Committees:

REP. TAMMIE WILSON D-Anchorage — District 23 866-465-2095 Email: Representative.Chris.Tuck@ akleg.gov Session contact: Room 24, State Capitol, Juneau, AK 99801, phone 465-2095 Occupation: Business representative Personal: Born in Taft, California; two children; Alaskan resident since 1972 Education: Dimond High School; Alaska Joint Electrical Apprenticeship Training Trust; National Training Institute; University of Tennessee Political and government: Treasurer and board member, Anchorage School District; member, Education and Workforce Advisory Committee Business and professional: Board of Directors, Alaska Joint Electrical Apprenticeship Training Trust; Board of Directors, Alaska Process Industry Careers Consortium; Board of Directors, Putting Alaska’s Resources to Work Committees: Legislative Budget & Audit

REP. SARAH VANCE

R- North Pole, R-Fairbanks — District 3 800-860-4797 Email: Representative.Tammie.

Wilson@akleg.gov Session contact: Room 412, State Capitol, Juneau, AK 99801, phone 465-4797 Personal: married (Robert); four children; one grandson Education: Illinois State University, B.S. Education Political and government: Member, Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly, Coordinated Transportation Committee; chairwoman, Golden Valley Electric Association District 3; GVEA Membership Advisory Committee Business and professional: Former owner/operator, Antique and Collectible Store; former vice president and board member, Love Inc. Committees:

REP. ADAM WOOL

R-Homer — District 31 800-665-2689 Email: Representative.Sarah.

Vance@akleg.gov Session contact: Room 424, State Capitol, Juneau, AK 99801, phone 465-2689 Personal: Born in Texas; Alaska resident since age 10 Occupation: Legislator

D-Fairbanks — District 5 866-465-4976 Email: Representative.Adam.

Wool@akleg.gov Session contact: Room 501, State Capitol, Room 420, Juneau, AK 99801, phone 465-4976

JAN 21, 2020

Occupation: Legislator Personal: Has lived in Alaska 35 years; married (Kate); two children Education: University of Alaska Fairbanks; Massachusetts Institute of Technology, technology and policy program Business and professional: Cofounder, Hot Licks Homemade Ice Cream; founder, The Marlin Bar; founder and owner, The Blue Loon Committees: Labor & Commerce; co-chair, Transportation

REP. TIFFANY ZULKOSKY

D-Bethel — District 38 800-323-4942 Email: Representative.Tiffany.

JUNEAU EMPIRE’S 2020 LEGISLATIVE GUIDE

Zulkosky@akleg.gov Session contact: Room 416, State Capitol, Juneau, AK 99801, phone 465-4942 Personal: Age 35, born and raised in Bethel; Yup’ik and Polish, she is the daughter of Joe Hinz of Kipnuk and Patricia Zulkosky of Baudette, Minnesota and Bethel Occupation: Vice President of Communications, YukonKuskokwim Health Corporation Education: High School Diploma, Bethel Regional High School (1998-2002); Bachelor’s in Organizational Communication, Northwest University (2002-2006); Master’s in Public Administration, University of Alaska Southeast (2013-2015) Political and government: Council Member, Bethel City Council (2007-2008) Mayor, Bethel City Council (2008-2009) Business and professional: Rural Director, U.S. Sen. Mark Begich (2009-2011); Executive

Director, Nuvista Light & Electric Cooperative (2013-2015) Committees: Tribal Affairs; cochair, Health & Social Services

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Without state payments, how will cities repay school bonds?

Higher taxes, most likely With no state support for repayments, municipalities will have to dig deep

By Peter Segall Juneau Empire Without the state reimbursing the 70% of school construction bonds it has in the past, the City and Borough of Juneau could see toward higher property taxes.

“It marches us towards a higher tax footprint,” City Manager Rorie Watt told the Empire. “It feels like our savings account has been raided.”

Under previous policy, the state would reimburse local municipalities for up to 70% of school construction debt. But under Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s 2020 budget, that program was suspended, leaving the burden of debt on cities and boroughs.

Going forward, Watt said, that means Juneau will eventually see higher property taxes and what he called a “minimalist approach to school maintenance.”

The good news is Juneau has the money to pay for it; the problem is the Assembly is preparing an ordinance to fund it out of the reserves, according to Watt. Last year, CBJ paid $3.5 million, and this year will most likely pay $3.1 million, Watt said, substantially

shifting the cost from the state to the city.

Around the state, the Department of Education and Early Development oversees about 1,100 buildings, according to Tim Mearing, facilities manager.

“It’s not only classrooms,” Mearing said. “Support facilities, maintenance shops, storage, print shops that are eligible for state aid.”

The bond reimbursement program ended in 2015 and is set to re-open on July 1, according to Elwin Blackwell, school finance manager at DEED. However, the Legislature could extend the closure, Blackwell said.

DEED is still reimbursing municipalities for bonds but at a decreased level.

“The governor vetoed about half of that money,” Blackwell said of the funds used to pay back the bonds. “The amount of reimbursement from one year to the next is a little less.”

Blackwell said the program had been mostly fully funded for the past 30 years, with some exceptions in years when the state was in financial trouble.

“You saw it last year, and I expect you’ll see it again this year,”

said Sen. Jesse Kiehl, D-Juneau. “Most lawmakers believe the state should live up to its commitment.”

It’s too soon to say whether that will happen, Kiehl said.

There’s a possibility the program could reopen in July with the state providing 50% of funding, said Mearing.

Some money is available for school improvement projects, Mearing said, but not much. Last year, approximately $7 million was available, which resulted in only one major maintenance grant, according to Mearing.

All school districts across the state bear the same percentage of reductions, Blackwell said, and no schools are receiving priority.

While Juneau does have money to pay for the reimbursement in the short term, it will affect the city’s operations in the long run, Watt said.

“All money is connected. In the end, sooner or later, this will affect our tax rates,” Watt said. “(With) diminished reserve balances, all the other problems and needs of the community have less funding.”

• Contact reporter Peter Segall at 523-2228 or psegall@juneauempire.com.

JAN 21, 2020

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JUNEAU EMPIRE’S 2020 LEGISLATIVE GUIDE

JAN 21, 2020