The Republican Party primary election for Senate District P will take place Tuesday, Aug. 18. District P covers Cordova, Kodiak Island, Homer, Anchor Point, Kasilof, Ninilchik, Yakutat, Seldovia and Tyonek. The election will pit 17-year incumbent Sen. Gary Stevens against challenger John Cox.
Gary Stevens
Incumbent
Job: Previously, tenured professor of History and Humanities at the University of Alaska; seafood processing company general manager; Army Intelligence Officer, First Lieutenant, Army Commendation Medal.
Public service: City mayor; borough mayor; school board president; Rotary Club District Governor of Alaska, Yukon Territory and Russia East of the Urals; Alaska Historical Society president; Alaska Humanities Forum board member.
Highest education: Doctor of Philosophy, Ph.D. University of Oregon.
What do you see as the most pressing issue facing Alaskans right now?
Alaska’s most pressing issue is to make sure our revenues equal our expenditures. Oil revenues are down from 90 percent of our budget in 2010 to 17 percent today. The rate of return on the Permanent Fund is low, around 2 percent this year. We are facing a crisis to fund government and deliver a reasonable PFD. In the recent past we have successfully stopped efforts to pass an income tax. It is now time for frank discussions on how to reduce the budget further, provide needed services, increase revenues, and deliver a PFD. None of this will be easy. You deserve the real facts, honestly, not simple bumper sticker slogans. I will listen to your suggestions and am ready to make the tough decisions needed.
How well do you think the Alaska Legislature is currently serving the needs of citizens?
I believe we are serving the needs of citizens now. We will keep demanding departments do more with less and we will protect the key services the public wants. We have a strong educational system in K-12 and the university. We need to provide Alaskans every opportunity for education and career development. Protecting the Permanent Fund is crucial. We cannot allow it to be irreparably damaged during the tough times we are now in. When people are hurting so much, we will assist with a higher PFD but the suggestion to put $2 billion into the dividend is unrealistic. The Earnings Reserve Account is now down to a little over $5 billion and our savings in the Constitutional Budget Reserve are of limited help. Our choices are difficult. Our options are few. It will be a challenge to balance the budget.
Are Alaska’s current anti-coronavirus measures adequate?
Our current anti-coronavirus measures are more than adequate. We have supported the governor by providing him access to federal funds. Alaska has been very lucky so far, but we cannot let our guard down. We need to listen to the experts here in our state, the commissioner of Health and Human Services and [Alaska Chief Medical Officer] Dr. Anne Zink. I am concerned at the time it is taking to send out aid to Alaska’s small businesses. We need to get better at that. The Department of Education is providing the assistance local school districts need on their decisions to open schools this fall.
What sets you apart from Mr. Cox?
What sets me apart from my opponent is my years of experience in local and state government as city mayor, borough mayor and school board president. I know our community’s problems and have worked hard to ensure they get the support needed from the state. Experience counts, proven, steady and calm. During my time in the legislature I have always served in the majority caucus, ensuring that my district benefits from my being at the table. Ten of those years have been in leadership positions: Senate president, majority leader, rules chair, legislative council chair, and chair of education.
What do you do to relax?
I relax by reading both history and mysteries, as well as paint, write and spend time with my grandchildren.
