District O Friends and Neighbors:
I was raised to generously give my time and resources back to my community. I served honorably as Soldotna’s Mayor and recent service has been as your Senator. Most of you know about me, my family and our commitment to our Kenai Peninsula community for the past 30 years.
I am a proud conservative with a pragmatic approach to solving problems. Balance is the key. I support responsible development, yet I am unwilling to sacrifice our unique quality of life. I believe you can have both — a strong economy with good jobs, as well as healthy and sustainable fisheries. I often vote independently without compromising relationships. In other words, I always place people before politics.
I have demonstrated that District O Alaskans come first. I am always available. I address your concerns and it brings me great satisfaction when constituents thank me for listening. The ADN quoted me as being accountable to my constituents when I said, “I am a deckhand to the 40,000 skippers I represent in District O.” On Nov. 4, I am reapplying for my job representing District O in the Alaska Senate.
Past job performance is important. As a freshmen senator last session, we had a successful term leading and serving on two-thirds of the Senate’s important committees. As anyone on either side of the aisle will tell you, I energetically fight for the issues that are important to you. I was influential in passing critical legislation. I was also successful in defeating legislation that was bad for Alaskans.
District O constituents and I have served as a great team. You have actively shared your ideas and concerns and I have carried them through the process. My background in business, energy and fisheries served us well. We have accomplished much, but have more to do to ensure a path for the next generation.
I believe in an efficient, limited role of government related to education, transportation, reasonable regulation, sustainable fish/game, responsible development and quality services for those truly in need. Government should help Alaskans succeed without providing handouts for those simply unwilling to contribute.
Another critical employee attribute is an understanding of your supervisor’s expectations. Therefore, an important part of representing people is to know them, what concerns them and what they care about. I remain in contact with my constituents, including those in the most distant reaches of the district. My cell phone number is 398-6759. I often request and respond to your feedback on key issues.
My record is transparent and I can provide many references. For one, Mayor Wythe of Homer recently said, “Working with Senator Peter Micciche and his staff has been a pleasure. They provide valuable insights regarding legislation of interest to our area. Senator Micciche is committed to serving those he represents, regardless of location.”
There is a lot of work to do this legislative session. We must reduce spending to a responsible, sustainable level. Other key issues include evaluating large capital projects, establishing a long-term education plan, ensuring fishery and habitat sustainability, and working toward a long-term, statewide energy plan. Primary social issues include solving problems related to suicide, drug and alcohol abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault, and crime. A constructive discussion must also begin regarding a path forward to best deal with health care. I am up for those challenges and I will make a positive difference.
There is a bright future ahead and I would appreciate the opportunity to commit my energy toward working for you through your support next Tuesday. I would be honored, once again, to serve as your Senator.
