When I was invited me to submit an opinion piece, I was grateful. Being an “unknown underdog” and not a perfectly polished political professional, I wondered … where to start. Perhaps a short intro.
I am you neighbor, 20 plus years. I’m like most of you, not flamboyant, not a self-promoter, but with sincere concern for my neighbors and their children, and the direction the “STATE GOV’T” has been headed the last decade. You might say I’m an ordinary average guy who worked hard for 40 years actually building things to improve society and contributing to help others when possible, and finally making it to the retirement recliner.
I was just a wee lad (3rd grade) when President Kennedy was assassinated. During his inauguration he challenged us, “ask what you can do for your country,” As I matured I learned whether we like it or not, everything Government does affects us one way or another. And lately it hasn’t bee good at the Juneau level. That’s why I jumped out of the retirement recliner to enter this contest of ideas and efforts. To give people a choice, either the same-ol same-ol STATUS QUO, special interest, lobbyist, PAC dollars and “Partisan Gridlock” or an attempt to turn things in a positive direction, to get back to the Alaska that was full of promise and opportunity for you and your families. That’s why I put roots down here, how about you?
My campaign is based on Reality, Common Sense and Logic. New Ideas, solutions and an on time/under budget work ethic are required to save us from the same-ol same-ol. The other candidates will try to sell you the 20 year old spiel … there’s waste, fraud, abuse and duplication of services in Juneau and just as soon as you send me there (to the Gov’t Trough), I’ll find it and eliminate it line by line. Yeah-right, to the tune of 3.5 billion. They don’t want to “offend your vote” by speaking on ideas, diversification, taxes, cuts to their special interest contributors or much of anything. Most want to believe that the $110 a barrel “oil bubble fairy” will return. I have more faith in Alaskans, and believe they are realistic and know it’s time to re-toughen up and start change for the better, for the future. I’m reminded of the saying, How do you eat a large mammal? One bite at a time.
Because I’m Non-Partisan, I don’t pledge allegiance to a political party and their ideology, not a perennial candidate looking to enhance my well-being, and haven’t even run for Cat-catcher. It’s a fair question to ask me – How can we trust you, you’re not experienced. Well, I would say, after 61 years, like you I’ve had my share of tragedy, trials and tribulations in life to give me great experience. I am a Citizen Representative and will need “YOUR” input, ideas and involvement. We can see the Pro’s have failed us and just dug a “huge hole.” If I’m the worst representative ever you can recall me after the first 90-day session.
Other than the budget, I believe the three biggest issues facing our district are healthcare costs, the heroin epidemic and the health of the Kenai River. I need your help to be able to help us all. If you have questions, ideas or concerns please call me at 262-2570 or for more information go to my website OLDANL.org.
In closing this out let me say, I’m sincere, honest, 100% self-funded and got out of that retirement recliner because I couldn’t take it any more. What the special interests are doing to YOU, your families, our STATE and our futures is unacceptable. Please don’t surrender. Be involved, rally a friend, neighbor or co-worker and don’t surrender.
Thank you for your time, help and consideration.
