Letter to the editor: Why we need Ben Carpenter for State House

Why we need Ben Carpenter for State House

Captain Ben Carpenter has led troops in battle in Iraq and Afghanistan, showing that he can handle tense and demanding situations while thinking on his feet.

He has been married to his lovely wife Ameye for 23 years, showing he understands the concept of commitment and how to see things through. Together they have four great kids, and having met a few of them, I have to say I’m impressed with the product of their home life and the efforts that have obviously been consistently applied throughout their upbringing.

It’s no wonder the military has decorated Capt. Carpenter with so many medals!

If you’re going to do something, you may as well do it right, and he has a proven lifelong track record of just such a paradigm. He has the experience and age to know what his values are and what he wants to accomplish so that what he says, he means. He’s shown a long track record as a man of his word and of rock solid dependability.

Ben wants to repeal SB 91 and replace it with effective legislation. Instead of lowering the bar and just turning a blind eye when heinous acts are committed, he will punish wrongdoing and end the revolving door policy of our prisons. Ben says, “Three strikes and you’re out!”

Ben recognizes that state spending for government services cannot be funded in ever-increasing amounts and that taxpayers need relief. Instead of kicking the can down the road, he wants to address and problem head-on with innovative actions. He wants to balance the budget and keep taxes low. Instead of wanting new revenue streams, he realizes that we have a greater problem of governmental overspending that needs to be reeled in right away.

Political hobnobbers typically want to expand government in every way, but Ben wants to shrink the size and scope of government. He is opposed to any income tax, and wants to return the entire PFD to the people and protect the dividend with a Constitutional amendment.

Ben says, “We have a desperate need for ordinary citizens who possess common sense, a functioning moral compass, and an ability to solve problems to stand up and lead for a time, and then sit down.”

It’s time we replace the status quo with new perspectives, new commitment and a tenacious drive to return us to a balanced budget and a sensible government. Ben Carpenter has my support; can he count on yours?

— Dr. Greg Madden, Soldotna

More in Opinion

Rep. Sarah Vance, candidate for State House District 6, participates in a candidate forum hosted by the Peninsula Clarion and KBBI 890 AM at the Homer Public Library in Homer, Alaska, on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Point of View: Vance out of touch in plea to ‘make more babies’

In order to, as she states, “make more babies,” women have to be healthy and supported.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks during a press conference March 16, 2024, at the Alaska State Capitol in Juneau. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
Opinion: A budget that chooses the right policies and priorities

Alaska is a land of unmatched potential and opportunity. It always has… Continue reading

Gov. Mike Dunleavy explains details of his proposed state budget for next year during a press conference Dec. 12, 2014, at the Alaska State Capitol. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
Opinion: Governor fails at leadership in his proposed budget

It looks like he is sticking with the irresponsible approach

Former Gov. Frank Murkowski speaks on a range of subjects during an interview with the Juneau Empire in May 2019. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)
Opinion: A viable option: A railroad extension from the North Slope

It is very difficult for this former banker to contemplate amortizing an $11 billion project with over less than half a million Alaska ratepayers

Therese Lewandowski. (Photo provided)
Point of View: Inflation, hmmm

Before it’s too late and our history gets taken away from us, everyone should start studying it

A state plow truck clears snow from the Kenai Spur Highway on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022, in Kenai, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Opinion: Use of the brine shows disregard for our community

It is very frustrating that the salt brine is used on the Kenai Peninsula often when it is not needed

A cherished "jolly Santa head" ornament from the Baisden Christmas tree. (Photo provided)
Opinion: Reflections of holidays past

Our family tradition has been to put up our Christmas tree post-Thanksgiving giving a clear separation of the holidays

Screenshot. (https://dps.alaska.gov/ast/vpso/home)
Opinion: Strengthening Alaska’s public safety: Recent growth in the VPSO program

The number of VPSOs working in our remote communities has grown to 79

Soldotna City Council member Linda Farnsworth-Hutchings participates in the Peninsula Clarion and KDLL candidate forum series, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, at the Soldotna Public Library in Soldotna, Alaska. (Photo by Erin Thompson/Peninsula Clarion)
Opinion: I’m a Soldotna Republican and will vote No on 2

Open primaries and ranked choice voting offer a way to put power back into the hands of voters, where it belongs

Nick Begich III campaign materials sit on tables ahead of a May 16, 2022, GOP debate held in Juneau. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire file photo)
Opinion: North to a Brighter Future

The policies championed by the Biden/Harris Administration and their allies in Congress have made it harder for us to live the Alaskan way of life

Shrubs grow outside of the Kenai Courthouse on Monday, July 3, 2023, in Kenai, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
Opinion: Vote yes to retain Judge Zeman and all judges on your ballot

Alaska’s state judges should never be chosen or rejected based on partisan political agendas

A vintage Underwood typewriter sits on a table on Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022, at the Homer News in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)
Point of View: District 6 needs to return to representation before Vance

Since Vance’s election she has closely aligned herself with the far-right representatives from Mat-Su and Gov. Mike Dunleavy