Updated: October 16, 2022 Publication date: October 16, 2022
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As a businessman born and raised in Alaska, I have worked hard to build long-term relationships in the Alaska business community. By leveraging relationships and working together, you can react more agilely to changing market conditions and emerge stronger as an organization. I have watched with concern as our nation's politics become increasingly entrenched in rhetoric and less emphasis on efforts to support economic growth, employment, and other issues that affect people's lives every day. Ta.
I brag to my friends in the Lower 48 that what makes Alaska strong is first and foremost that we are Alaskans. Political parties come second. Our capital has not experienced stagnation. And we cannot allow this partisan stalemate to invade Alaska politics. Fortunately, most of our state's legislators are competent and are moving our state forward. One example is my Congressman and state senate candidate, Kelly Merrick.
Kelly Merrick represents common sense leadership. As I've watched Congress over the past several years, I understand the strength of cooperation and communication, and I appreciate the elected officials who put aside partisan squabbles. Alaska is characterized by a bipartisan House majority, and Representative Kelly Merrick is a member of that coalition. She co-chairs the House Finance Committee, a powerful committee in the Legislature, and uses her position to invest in projects of state and national importance while benefiting her Eagle River district. brought. For example, she guaranteed that the state of Alaska would match dollars to obtain available federal funds for strategic investments like the Port of Alaska. From the state's perspective, this is just common sense. Use state money to pool available federal funds to make Alaska and its residents safer.
Every year, Congress debates whether and where to spend more money. Through bipartisan leadership from people who want what's best for Alaska, Congress was able to keep the budget in check and fund critical services without raising taxes. Businesses need this type of fiscal policy and stability to attract more investment and grow Alaska. At the same time, we need adequate funding for our school and university systems to ensure a qualified and prepared workforce. These actions score no points on the political side, only for Alaska and its residents.
We understand that individuals get elected by labeling themselves as Republican, Democratic, or independent candidates, but once elected and accepting the responsibility of representing us, we must first label ourselves as Alaskans. I have to think that there is. Lawmakers must work with each other as a collaborative group to find common ground while keeping the interests of their constituents in mind.
Kelly Merrick works with everyone to advance the needs of our state and our constituents. Let's keep Alaska on a stable fiscal path by providing predictable funding for essential services enshrined in the Alaska Constitution without additional taxes. This election season, support candidates who advocate good policy, productive partnerships, and understand that decisions made now will impact Alaskans for years to come.
john sims He is the president of Enstar Natural Gas Company. He lives in Eagle River. .
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