Tom on the Issues

The Budget.

Our politicians continue to spend as though Alaska is in the middle of an oil boom. We aren’t.

We need to get serious about permanent budget reductions, or we risk creating an Alaska no one can afford to live in.

I believe in a narrow definition of “essential services” and while many budget items have merit, not all can have priority.

Education.

Our children deserve a great education that competes with the education produced in other states. I believe this is best achieved by moving money out of Administration and into the classroom so that teachers have more resources at their disposal.

Resource Development.

Without robust development of Alaska’s abundant resources - oil, natural gas, fisheries, timber, metals, and more - Alaska has an opportunity to return to the days of fiscal solvency. Of course, we need to reduce spending, too.

I do not support new oil taxes. Such a change would end profitability and force producers out of the state, taking Alaskan jobs and investment dollars with them.

Life.

I’m pro-life and I won’t be ashamed to admit it. We have a responsibility, as Alaskans, to take care of those who cannot take care of themselves.

I support commonsense restrictions that protect women’s health and babies’ lives.

Criminal Justice.

My opponent was the architect of SB 91. While I believe in second chances for people who made a mistake, I do not believe in giving criminals second chances to commit crimes.

Even if the cost of keeping people safe is high, it’s one of government’s core responsibilities.

Relaxed penalties mean higher recidivism. We need people to recover and contribute to society.

Taxes.

As your next State Representative, I will oppose new taxes. We haven’t yet reached a point where we can trust government to spend responsibly, and the last thing the people need to do is fork over more money.