Written by Andrew Guy, Bob Shefchik, Doug Tansey, Gary Dixon, Heidi Draigas, Joel Hall, Joey Merrick, Matt Singer
Updated: 1 hour ago, Published: 1 hour ago
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Alaskans are known for being down-to-earth, hard-working, and friendly.
We are also known for our independent spirit. When the rest of this country zigs (in politics, lifestyle, fashion, etc.), we often zig. We regularly overcome obstacles and accomplish amazing feats. The Iditarod is a great example.
Although they may not admit it, most Alaskans take pride in these recognitions. We know these characteristics are essential to success in our state's exceptional but unforgiving weather and terrain.
Most importantly, we are acutely aware that there is little we can achieve here without working together. Every day, Alaskans plow for one another, share the benefits of a successful harvest with their communities, and do everything they can to care for strangers in the face of earthquakes, floods, and snowstorms. . That's who we are.
Sadly, with every election, these qualities seem to be missing from our nation's leaders. Active debate among members is healthy, but elected officials often want to retreat to their partisan margins and are more concerned about “giving the other side a win” than finding solutions to the problems they face. Too many. While that may be the situation outside, it doesn't have to be the way we do things in Alaska.
That's why we're part of the Alaska Jobs Coalition.
Our group is a diverse collection of Democrats, Republicans, and independents from across Alaska who are not partisan in their politics, but equally pragmatic, hard-working, and committed to what's best for our state. We join in the common belief that we need political representation that matters.
Alaska Jobs Coalition is not affiliated with any candidate or campaign. Rather, we are focused on promoting a strong and resilient economy and holding our leaders accountable for growing Alaska jobs and strengthening Alaska's economic infrastructure. We are not interested in divisive social issues that distract from our goal of creating more jobs for Alaskans. We are here to build our state for the long-term benefit of all Alaskans.
We have seen many recent actions by Alaska's leaders that encourage us.
Communities across Alaska are benefiting from the bipartisan Federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, largely due to Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s involvement in direct negotiations with the White House, which ultimately resulted in the state led to billions of dollars of investment in critical infrastructure. These projects are now “on the road,” as they say in the construction industry, creating jobs and developing the infrastructure needed to build modern Alaska.
Similarly, Representative Mary Peltola has consistently prioritized Alaska jobs in her votes supporting domestic energy production. Mary's work with the White House helped win approval for ConocoPhillips' Willow oil project on the North Slope, even as the administration competes with oil and gas projects elsewhere in Alaska. As a result, ConocoPhillips has committed to spending more than $7.5 billion on building Willow over the next five years. The company estimates the jobs will support approximately 2,500 high-wage construction jobs.
Alaska's economy is growing, and so is the Alaska Jobs Coalition. We call on all Alaskans to join us in promoting political representation and action that puts Alaska's economy above partisan rivalry.
Andrew Guy, Bob Shefchik, Doug Tansey, Gary Dixon, Heidi Drygas, Joel Hall, Joey Merrick, and former ex-officio commissioner Matt Singer are directors of the Alaska Employment Coalition. For more information about the group, visit www.alaskajobscoalition.org.
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