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.
Jim Matherly, Republican candidate from Fairbanks
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 Statute
What’s the biggest need in your district, and how would you address it?
Opoids and Homelessness. I will continue to work with the State to build stronger relationships between non-profit groups and health professionals to help those that are challenged.
What policies and laws should Alaska follow with regard to abortion?
Follow State Law or change State Law if not acceptable. I am a Pro-Life candidate.
How should the state reduce the threat of gun violence and mass shootings?
Enforce the laws that are already on the books in Alaska.
How much should a legislator’s faith or religion determine state law and policy?
It can help guide a Legislators decision, but should not the only factor considered.
What should the state do to improve retention of public employees, including teachers?
Offering fair wage and benefit packages.
What does an ideal state ferry system look like?
One good idea is to model our ferry system after the Alaska Railroad. It should be self sustaining with minimal subsidy. Corporations and not the Government can run it better.
What, if any, changes does the state need to make to ensure voting is equitable and secure?
The State should make every effort to “clean up” the voter rolls. This would eliminate people who don’t qualify if they’ve moved to another District or perhaps out of state.
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?
We should stop putting hatchery fish into the Pacific Ocean until we know that there is sufficient food for the Native wild stock.
What constitutional amendments, if any, do you support?
An amendment which address the codification of the PFD formula in the Constitution.
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