Contributed by Monica Stein-Olson
I have internalized many lessons from my decades of work in the foreign service – some of the most important being diplomacy, compromise and negotiation. Thumbing through headlines peppered with terms like “Mugwamp Senator” and “Juneau Swamp” authored by local candidates and representatives, I am dismayed because this stance is indicative of the continued political division we will face if we fail to turn out in November. Just as disconcerting is the campaign sign destruction that recently occurred in my district. It is this discord that led to my decision to run as a Democratic candidate for State House in District 10.
I retired in Talkeetna after traveling the world on economic development missions for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). This work included collaboration with Ted Stevens on a Russia Far East project from 2000-2004. Steve and I returned to Alaska regularly with our three children until purchasing a home six years ago. Though we have had some amazing cultural experiences throughout my service career, we knew Alaska was home. Today, our three children, Hans (26), Hunter (24) and Tatiana (21) are pursuing their own professional careers. My husband and I own Black Beer Kennel with the addition of eight huskies, and dog sledding has become a favorite hobby.
The Mat-Su has been great to us. Of the many things we have enjoyed, the people and vast opportunities top my list. It is a place where one can attend a diverse research university while exploring the most beautiful scenery that nature has to offer. The land is bountiful, the entrepreneurial spirit is alive, and the indigenous pride is inspiring. It has been difficult to watch the things that make us unique slip away at the whim of an ideological gridlock. The problem lies in a well-recognized revenue shortfall that has manifested into an outward devaluation of public education, irresponsible deterioration of our state’s assets, and disregard for elders. While I am currently focused on economic recovery from the Coronavirus, we must remember that the pandemic has merely exacerbated an existing problem.
We have been told that large cuts are the only viable path to balancing the budget. Alaskans should be very leery of any candidate promising to give more with much less. Governor Dunleavy’s former Chief Economist, Ed King, has recently asserted that we can no longer ignore the revenue discussion. Anyone can make paper cuts while neglecting the consequences, such as shifting costs to local governments. Raising property taxes on a segment of the population contradicts the promise that cuts across the board will somehow lead to a fairer distribution of wealth. The reality is that large cuts alone impact all Alaskans – including small businesses through reduced commerce.
Economies function well with diverse revenues, industries, population, and education. From a fiscal standpoint, one can appreciate that our system of higher education is an economic driver for the state and not simply an overpriced commodity. Divestment harms business and robs future generations of the skills necessary to keep pace with technology. Inevitably and to our disadvantage, it could become more attractive to hire qualified, out-of-state workers. What Alaska really needs in this moment is the type of bold leadership that can remove barriers to temporary support for small businesses and families during the COVID-19 crisis so we can get back on track.
I was raised in a conservative military family which valued hard work and responsibility. Alaska is a state with a high population of active service members and veterans – also great contributors to our economy. We owe it to them to honor our word and provide the type of state they want to settle in: a place that offers ample opportunities for their children and access to the best care available. Our elected officials should focus on these issues and not the kind of punditry that has resulted in divisive headlines. My experience working under Democratic and Republican administrations is exactly the type of leadership Alaska needs.
