Our state and our community face numerous challenges. For the sake of our families and neighbors, we must face them head-on. When we do, I know we will find more opportunities for growth and new reasons for hope.
From the beginning, I have been dismissed as being a political outsider. I am. I consider that an asset.
I have spent my adult life working in Alaska. I have worked in tourism, for human services, for student government, for Fish & Game, and now for the Juneau School District. I am not answerable to a political clique or any special interests. I don’t come from a political dynasty. I’m a person who cares about our home. I know that I can represent you with integrity and good judgment. I will always advocate for all our people and our capital community and I am willing to work with you and with leaders from around the state to pass a fair and sustainable fiscal plan.
We must secure a fair share of our resource wealth for ourselves and our posterity. The state constitution demands that the Legislature do no less. We must act as responsible stewards of the land for future generations. We must also look at areas for our economy to continue growing. That means investing in education, supporting new businesses and making sure that our people can thrive. We should protect and educate our children. We should honor our obligations to our elders and our veterans. We should adapt to our new challenges and prepare for the changes that are in store for our economy.
Statewide we are facing an epidemic of abuse and addiction. Juneau has suffered a massive increase in property crime because of the drug problem. Treatment programs in Europe, California, Florida and Oregon are already showing excellent results in helping people get clean and stay clean. We have to invest in in-patient treatment. My opponent’s caucus has cut the ounce of prevention AND the pound of cure.
Statewide we have an unparalleled budget crunch. Yet, from 2009 to 2015, Anchorage gained state jobs. Juneau lost 172 from 2014-15. My opponent’s caucus seems to believe that they can cut their way out of the crisis. I am not willing to sacrifice our town for their misplaced priorities. The next Legislature will look different. Many of the past majority members have already lost their seats. Many more are facing strong challengers. It’s misleading to the voter to claim to know who will be in the majority and what leadership roles they might hold.
Our budget crisis has two main causes. First is that we are not getting a fair share of our oil. If we were getting our historic one-third share we would be about $3 billion closer to closing the fiscal gap, even at current prices. That’s before considering nearly $1 billion in tax incentives we will be paying to the oil industry next year. Second is that my opponent’s caucus has irresponsibly spent our surpluses on pork barrel projects such as the $37 million Legislative Information Office in Anchorage, which was ruled illegal. Fortunately, we can fix the oil tax structure and we can allocate our money more wisely for long-term growth instead of our current boom/bust model.
We are also on the front lines of climate change. That threatens our fisheries and many coastal communities. However, we also have opportunities: research, tourism, agriculture, healthcare, knowledge-based businesses, and trans-Arctic shipping are all areas for growth. Entrepreneurs can help us find a path forward towards a diverse and robust state economy. The Legislature can help.
I’m Justin Parish, and I am not a career politician. I am a lifelong Alaskan with deep roots in our community. I know I can fairly represent you and the needs of our community. Please trust me with your vote Nov. 8.
• Justin Parish is a Juneau resident and candidate for the House District 34 seat.
