Alaska’s Sound Succession Plan

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Contributed by Thomas “John” Nelson, Congressional Candidate of U.S House of Representatives
 
Alaska finds itself in a peculiar situation with our current U.S. House Representative. 

We have a sitting Congressman who is 85 years old, with 45 years of experience serving Alaska in Washington. The question is, “What is Alaska going to do about a succession plan and a transition strategy for our only U.S. House Representative in Congress?” 
 
Succession planning is a critical component for any large enterprise. It ensures the success of that business if a key position becomes unexpectedly vacant. Organizations of all sizes also focus on succession planning to ensure future leadership is in place before any crisis arises. Why should representing Alaskans in Washington be any different?   
 
It would be a sad day for all Alaskans, if Congressman Donald Young were to pass away in office (Heaven forbid), and it would be bad for business. Yet, sadly, nobody is talking about it. Let’s face it, none of us make it out of this world alive. Making plans today, to have peace of mind for tomorrow is not only important, but critical to the success of any enterprise. The business of representing all Alaskans in Washington is no different. At some point, there must be a changing of the guard. Why not change now, while we still have time? 
 
The Congressman has been the voice of Alaska in Congress for the past 45 years and has done an admirable job. Congressman Donald Young understands how to navigate the congressional hallways better than anybody else.  
 
Only he can impart this knowledge, wisdom and expertise to the next Congressman. It is my belief that this MUST HAPPEN BEFORE he passes on or becomes unable to. Mr. Young may outlive us all, but chances are pretty high that my children will outlive the Congressman, which is why we need to start planning for future generations of Alaskans now.   
 
I have heard people say, “We should have term limits.”, “He won’t give up his seat.”, “He wants to die in office.”, or worse yet, “I’ll put my name in the hat, after he’s gone.” Those answers beg the question, “Is this what is right for Alaskans?” It appears that the current plan is to replace him once he dies. This option is not a plan! 
 
We need to remember that this is not the Congressman's seat. This is Alaska’s one and only House of Representative seat, in Congress, in Washington! Alaska has no other experienced U.S. House Representative who is still living, except the Congressman. It would be irresponsible for Alaska to not take action now. 
 
Think about the enterprise or organizations you belong to like rotary or the chamber of commerce. They all have past-president positions for a reason! Past presidents, all have expertise, knowledge and wisdom that they transfer on to the next leadership team. These past leaders become advisors to the new leaders. Past members typically remain active and are available to provide guidance and impart their wisdom as an advisor long after they step down. But this is not the case with Alaska, we have only one U.S. House Representative who is still living.  
 
How will the current Congressman advise the next Congressman if he has not stepped down? How can he impart his wisdom if Alaska doesn’t “pass the mantle” to the next Congressman? This is a question for All Alaskans to decide upon. Does Alaska want the next Congressman to serve 45 years as well? If so, then how can they transfer their wisdom and experience to the next Congressman after they die in office too? We need a better strategy than this. 
 
As a financial advisor, I help my clients plan and prepare for the future. Whether in their personal legacy plans, or in their business succession plans, we work together to help clients build the future they envision for their loved ones until, and after, they’ve left this world.  
 
I am concerned as a financial advisor and planner, and that's why I'm asking some pretty tough questions. I'm emphasizing that we must ensure Alaska’s only congressional seat in Washington is secure for future generations. We must discuss how Alaska will be represented in Washington in the not-so-distant future, and we must take action on a plan. This is why I put my name on the ballot; to prepare for and protect my grandchildren and future generations of all Alaskans.   
 
Out of respect, I sent Congressman Don Young a letter, asking him to step down, fully endorse me and let me run in his place. Together we can win for Alaska. I have invited him to return to Congress with me as my mentor and teacher. Teaching me the safest routes through the swamp and introducing me to the best people he knows. This is a sound succession plan. 
   
I would take Uncle Don, who is Dean of the House, to Washington with me to help knock some sense into Washington. I cannot think of a better, more timeless gift that Uncle Don could give Alaska, than to transfer his 45 years of wisdom and experience to the next member of Congress, and for future generations of Alaskans. 
 
It is time for Alaska to implement the succession plan for all Alaskans. VOTE ON AUGUST 21st for Thomas “John” Nelson and Alaska’s Sound Succession Plan. For more information on the issues important to Alaskans and my solutions, visit my website www.JohnNelsonforAlaskans.com.
  
Respectfully, 
  
Thomas “John” Nelson
Congressional Candidate U.S House of Representatives