Q&A with Alaska Senate District E candidate Roselynn Cacy

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.

Roselynn Cacy, Democratic candidate from Anchorage

Yes/No questions

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

No

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

Did not answer

Should new public employees have access to a pension?

Yes

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

No

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?

Go back to the original 5-year rolling average. Keep Alaskans interested in the budget.

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

Economic Development that protects our environment and encourages our children to stay or come back. I believe that a good educational system that tackles of the challenges we have, involves our students, and provides solutions for our state is a start. We can meet our healthcare needs, improve our transportation network, and assist our businesses in creating great, responsible jobs if we work together.

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

Abide by the Alaska Constitution

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

There should be a serious comprehensive study as should be done for every major problem.

All stakeholders should come up with suggestions, backing up why their ideas would help. Individual communities, schools and others should have input on their own protection.

Meanwhile, each individual should be respected, listened to and have the benefit of healthcare for their pain and distress. Special help should be available for those who lose their jobs, get suspended from school, or are in danger of losing their families or homes.

More attention needs to be given to the inspiring things that we do than our faults.

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

Church and State should be separate. A person’s faith should give them the strength to do what is right themselves, yet respect the rights of others with different beliefs.

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

Start with defined benefits and healthcare.

What does an ideal state ferry system look like?

The ferry system was envisioned to be part of the National Highway System to enable travel throughout Alaska.

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

Encourage more public participation in counting votes and in voting. The changes are occurring so fast, the state needs to slow down and make sure that everyone understands all of the changes, whether or not they use the internet.

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?

I lived on the Yukon when the salmon still came up the River: I value the input of the people living there who shared their salmon for centuries. I don’t what the main causes are, but they could include the over-fishing in the ocean, problems along the river, pollution, increase in temperature, and nuclear testing in the nearby area.

What constitutional amendments, if any, do you support?

I support the right to have amendments, but value the Constitution that Alaska has at this time.