​My legislative agenda is built exclusively around the core economic and operational needs of coastal District 5: reliable marine transportation, sustainable fisheries management, stable education funding tied to workforce needs, Coast Guard operational readiness, and lower energy costs through local control and renewables.​

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ALASKA MARINE HIGHWAY SYSTEM

For coastal Alaska communities,  the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) isn’t just a way to get from place to place — it’s a lifeline. It allows residents to access medical care, bring in vehicles and household goods, support local businesses, and helps military families relocate to Coast Guard units in our region. When ferry service is disrupted, entire communities feel the impact.

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One of my top priorities is securing a strong, reliable future for the AMHS.

• Tustumena Replacement Vessel (TRV): This project is essential to the long-term survival of ferry service in our region. I will advocate for its swift completion and work to protect the federal funding secured by Senator Murkowski — funding we cannot afford to lose.

• Consistent, Reliable Service: Our communities need dependable ferry access. I will push for enforcing fixed, published stable scheduling with and restored routes that meet local needs.

• Support for Ferry Workers: A strong AMHS depends on a skilled workforce. I’ll support investment in the people who keep the system running with local hiring preferences. 

• Maintenance: I'll advocate for the creation of maintenance contracts that keep AHMS system dollars in District 5 communities.

• Local Voices at the Table: I’ll fight for more transparency and for local communities to have a real say in the decisions that impact them.

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The AMHS is not a luxury. Instead, it’s essential infrastructure. In the State House, I’ll work to ensure it gets the attention and investment it deserves.​

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FISHERIES​

Commercial fishing is more than just a job in our district — it’s a way of life, a multigenerational tradition, and the backbone of our coastal economy.

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From independent vessel owners to deckhands, processors to support services, and from the smallest harbors to the largest shore-based plants, the fishing industry supports jobs and generates critical revenue for our local governments through fisheries business and landing taxes. These dollars help fund schools, infrastructure, emergency services, and other vital community needs.​

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Fishing supports not only livelihoods, but also our identity. As your future representative, I understand that the legislative body has limited opportunities to change the rules that our fisherman operate under. However, I will take advantage of each of the items that I will be able to influence:

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1) Selection and Confirmation of the Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Fish & Game

Naming this commissioner is crucial in determining the prioritization, health, and stability of Alaska's fisheries and coastal economies.  I will be on a first name basis with the commissioner to ensure that he/she is both aware of and values the needs of District 5.

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2) The Alaska Department of Fish & Game Budget

I will fight for a seat on the ADF&G budget sub-committee to protect the seafood industry and ensure adequate funding for this crucial department.  I will only accept fully staffed ADF&G offices, strategically located research vessels, and fully funded surveys.

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3) The Board of Fish Membership

This board is a state regulatory body and appointments to the board will be a top priority of mine.  My job is to advocate for District 5 and all of coastal Alaska to ensure that there is a fair and balanced process that appoints high-quality professionals. I will build a coalition in the legislature to ensure that coastal Alaska is represented in a way that allows good candidates to successfully make it through the legislative confirmation process.

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4) Legislation that Affects Fisheries

I will work hard to secure a spot on the Fisheries Committee and be committed to getting critical information to this committee about how their decisions affect fisherman across the state. I will bring District 5's needs to the legislature and make sure that they are heard. I will also be in strong support of State of Alaska dollars going to port infrastructure projects in District 5 and across the state. ​​​

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As we talk about fishing, it is also critical to note the important role that both sport fishing and subsistence fishing plays in the coastal Alaska way of life.  Both of these types of fishing are influenced by the four areas above and need to be protected. 

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EDUCATION

Education is a pillar of Alaska’s future and deserves stable, responsible funding. For too long, we've pitted the Permanent Fund Dividend against public education, and in the end, Alaskans lose when we fail to invest in both wisely.

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I believe every child in Alaska, no matter their ZIP code, deserves access to quality education, strong schools, and skilled teachers. That means fighting for reliable Base Student Allocation (BSA) increases and honoring commitments for school bond debt reimbursement so that local communities aren’t left holding the bill. In addition to building a strong K-12 school system, Alaska needs to prioritize funding for vocational programs in marine diesel, welding, fisheries technology, and maritime operations that directly support employers in Cordova, Kodiak, and Seward. These workforce development pathways will help keep our businesses running and keep Alaskans in Alaska.

 

In the legislature, I’ll be a strong, steady voice for long-term education investment because strong schools build strong communities, and that’s how we secure Alaska’s future. 

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US COAST GUARD ​

In District 5, the Coast Guard is more than a military presence — it’s a critical part of our maritime safety and community resilience. From life-saving search and rescue missions for our fishing fleet to maintaining access and readiness in the Arctic, their work protects lives, livelihoods, and our strategic future.

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I will always advocate for a strong Coast Guard presence in our region.  I will work with our federal delegation to secure federal appropriations for Air Station Kodiak hangar upgrades, family housing across the district, and improvement to the facilities at our forward-operating locations.  At the state level, I will endeavor to coordinate state matching funds and streamlined permitting for mooring basins that solidify Kodiak's strategic location as we support increased Arctic and Bering Sea operations. 

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ENERGY COST REDUCTION

In Alaska, energy isn’t optional — it is survival. From heat and electricity to communications and transportation, every part of daily life depends on having a stable and affordable energy supply.

 

Two communities in our district — Kodiak and Cordova — are leading the way with innovative, resilient energy systems. Their success shows what’s possible when we invest in infrastructure that works for rural Alaska.  These proven hydro/hybrid models should be expanded to population centers across the district through Power Cost Equalization enhancements, state-funded micro-grid grants, and accelerated permitting for community-owned wind, hydro, and battery projects. 

 

As your representative, I will work to:

• Target a measurable rate reduction in both residential and commercial rates within four years

• Help facilitate less fossil fuel dependence

• Increase energy availability from alternate sources

 

Whether it’s families heating their homes, businesses keeping the doors open, or schools staying online — energy is a foundation for opportunity. I’m committed to making sure every part of District 5 has the power it needs to thrive.

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