Forrest Dunbar just solidly took command of Alaska and Alaska's issues on APRN's Talk of Alaska. He articulately and forthrightly answered every question directed his way with nuanced, in-depth, detailed answers that left no doubt about where he stands on any issue.
It's apparent that Forrest Dunbar is a statesman worth supporting. An Alaskan or a Congressional colleague can agree or disagree with him on an issue and trust he will dialogue with him or her respectfully. He will listen and he will respond. And each person will leave better informed and willing to work cooperatively to tackle the problems facing Alaska and the nation in a cooperative way due to his influence and effective approach.
Below is my summary of what I heard. I put it in blockquotes, though it is my summary of what I heard.
You can listen for yourself here:
http://www.alaskapublic.org/...
Currently living in Anchorage but feels connected to State as a whole. Believe good ideas can come from either side of the aisle. Grew up in Cordova..elementary school and high school. Consider Cordova my home.
Expect millennials, like me, people ages 20 to 34, to break for the Unity ticket for Governor in Alaska..Walker/Mallott. Younger voters are tired of partisanship.
We are being outspent 3 or 4 to 1, but we have multiple times more Alaskan contributors to our campaign.
There is a problem with lack of law enforcement in many areas of Alaska. Should work with tribes to provide public safety. Even Anchorage needs more attention to public safety.
On land use issues, both state and federal, we need to have locals at table when considering projects in order to effectively talk through issues. Current state government not doing that. Another reason I support the Unity Ticket.
Need to modernize and upgrade AK's energy grid to help lower energy costs. Would initiate federal legislation to provide low-interest loans to folks in Fairbanks with wood stove air quality problems to upgrade to lower emission heating units, such as pellet stoves.
Am a strong supporter of subsistence rights, local food, and traditional lifestyle. I support rural subsistence preference. Also folks who leave rural areas to work in cities to earn cash should be able to return home and participate in fish camp.
Campaign finance reform is an important part of my campaign. Citizens United was a mistaken decision. Please read Justice Stevens dissent.
On drugs, shift away from this being a criminal issue to more emphasis on this being a public health issue. Educators, law enforcement, and health care need to work together on this problem. Supports the initiative to legalize marijuana in Alaska.
Serving in both Peace Corp & the National Guard, which I did, is not contradictory. Both are about public service & making the world a better place.
New energy technologies can make economic sense in outlying rural areas in Alaska. On ANWR, need to go slow with any oil development. I am from Cordova and I remember Exxon Valdez spill. Keep locals at the table. If oil is developed in the Arctic, it must be with effective spill response facilities in place, and in small stages to ensure Gwichin' and other food gathering lifestyles are not impacted.
If you want to support Forrest Dunbar in any way, do it. His website is here:
https://www.forrestforalaska.com/
Recent polls have this race now a toss-up with definite "can win" for Forrest Dunbar.