The Senate chambers are seen at the Alaska State Capitol on Friday, May 13, 2022, in Juneau, Alaska. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)
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.
Joe Wright, Republican candidate from Eagle River
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?
No
Open-ended questions
How should the state of Alaska set the amount of the Permanent Fund dividend each year?
Statutory based on original formula.
What’s the biggest need in your district, and how would you address it?
Infrastructure, Artillery Road and Highland interchange at the Glenn highway improvements.
What policies and laws should Alaska follow with regard to abortion?
Enact laws that make it easier to adopt children.
How should the state reduce the threat of gun violence and mass shootings?
Enforce existing laws, fund mental health programs
How much should a legislator’s faith or religion determine state law and policy?
Up to the individual legislator.
What should the state do to improve retention of public employees, including teachers?
Implement a merit based promotion and bonus system.
What does an ideal state ferry system look like?
Private/Public partnership
What, if any, changes does the state need to make to ensure voting is equitable and secure?
In person voting, absentee voting for military and those that request a ballot based on need.
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?
Stop factory ship trawling.
What constitutional amendments, if any, do you support?
Left answer blank
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