Q&A with Alaska Senate District D candidate Tuckerman Babcock

The Alaska Beacon asked Alaska’s legislative candidates to answer a 15-question survey about their positions on a variety of issues. Read all of their responses here. Answers have not been edited.

Tuckerman Babcock, Republican candidate from Soldotna

Yes/No questions

The Alaska Constitution allows legislators to call a constitutional convention at any time. Are you interested in calling a convention?

Yes

Would you be willing to join a coalition majority in which the opposite political party controls a majority of seats?

No

Should new public employees have access to a pension?

Yes

Should the state take over the federal permitting process that regulates construction in wetlands?

Yes

Should Juneteenth be a state holiday?

Yes

Open-ended questions

How should the state of Alaska set the amount of the Permanent Fund dividend each year?

Follow the law. It is not complicated! Traditional PFD statute works – perpetual and no threat to the corpus.

What’s the biggest need in your district, and how would you address it?

Jobs – support industry, tourism and harvesting resources

What policies and laws should Alaska follow with regard to abortion?

The Alaska State Supreme Court has made it clear they want abortion on demand, for any reason, apparently at any time; The Court has denied the People the power in Alaska to determine appropriate public policy on the issue of abortion.

How should the state reduce the threat of gun violence and mass shootings?

Vigorous and well-funded mental health facilities; discourage addictions to drug and alcohol; encourage families to raise their children with love and respect for their fellow human beings.

How much should a legislator’s faith or religion determine state law and policy?

What a prejudicial question. Why not ask “How much should a legislator’s lack of faith or religion determine state law and policy?” What we should care about is simply whether state law and policy is good for society, respects individual liberty and promotes the ideals of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.

What should the state do to improve retention of public employees, including teachers?

More choices; more freedom. Let good teachers teach and let bad teachers go. Less bureaucracy, clear legislative direction and policy and improve public employee salary schedules, health care options and vacation schedules. We need a better method for recognizing amazing public servants and a better method for letting rotten apples go.

What does an ideal state ferry system look like?

Look to the advice from the communities fortunate enough to be served – remember, not all seaside communities benefit currently. Keep an open mind on innovation and marine highway system employee ideas for improvement.

What, if any, changes does the state need to make to ensure voting is equitable and secure?

Random precinct hand counts; repeal rank choice voting; voter ID; absentee by request; investigate and punish fraud

What do you intend to do about the poor returns of salmon in the Yukon and Kuskokwim drainages, and what are the main causes of the problems?

Science provides the best guide. However, I think most Alaskans agree it is past time to get high seas trawler By-Catch under control.

What constitutional amendments, if any, do you support?

I trust the People to take the lead on that when (if) they vote for a Constitutional Convention.