Alaska State House Candidate Forum At Chamber Luncheon

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Candidate Forum
State of Alaska State House Candidates

• Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins
• Steven Samuelson

Candidate Statements
Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins
I love Southeast Alaska and I love our region’s way of life. As a representative of Southeast Alaska, I love that my job description is to help make Southeast Alaska a better place. I can’t imagine a better job description. That’s why I’m running for re-election: I want to keep working to help make our wet and rainy, island-speckled, beautiful part of the world a better place.

For the nuts-and-bolts of policies and my platform, check out the issues page. To get a sense of who I am, let me share a few but important principles I believe in:

I believe in the politics of humility: good ideas are good ideas no matter where they come from, and good people are good people no matter what party they belong to.

I serve as an Alaskan, not as a Democrat or a Republican; I believe bipartisanship and civility are as important to our politics as salmon and oil are to our economy.

I believe in the power of good ideas. Good ideas (and good execution) are what makes the world a better place. While good ideas can be big, most good ideas are small or subtle. I see the Alaska Legislature as a forum to advance and realize good ideas.

I really, really like hard work.

And I love Southeast Alaska! (I guess I mentioned that already.)
I am grateful for your consideration and I would be more grateful yet for your support.

Steven Samuelson
My name is Steven Samuelson and I am a candidate for State House- with a goal to give you and our Southeast communities an effective voice in Juneau.

As a 5th generation lifelong Alaskan, I have lived and worked in Southeast alongside many of you, promoting growth through infrastructure development, energy projects, and diversification. Together, we can advocate for Transportation, Fishing, Industries, Tourism, Education, Social Services and the many other issues that face us today. But success can only happen if we have a Representative who has a "seat at the table" as part of the House Majority- I will be your Representative that can achieve that.

Together we can work to strengthen our economies while creating opportunities today and for our tomorrow. With ever-shrinking state and federal budgets, we need a Representative who can defend our region. I will be your Representative and be there for you.

I have worked in the private sector with success and have a well-rounded background in:
* Commercial Fisheries
* Tourism with Sitka based Allen Marine
* Retail management with Petersburg's Hammer & Wikan.
* Many local, Southeast non-profit boards and organizations.

Our District needs effective representation in the House Majority working with you and for you. I have the personal experience on the issues, and already have a working relationship with our elected Senator and members of the Majority caucus.

Like you, this campaign is committed to our District's growth and future. In order for our communities to have a voice and resources to make decisions, we need your help. I would be honored to have your vote during the Primary on August 19th and especially in the General Election this November.

Together, we can protect our infrastructure while promoting growth in a way that fits our communities. Please contact me and let me know the issues that concern you and how our District office can best serve you in Juneau. If you have time to help with the campaign or are willing to pass out literature or yard signs, that would be greatly appreciated. Financial support is welcome.

Thank you for your vote, your time and your contribution.