Alaska State House Candidate Forum At Chamber Luncheon
Weekly luncheons are held every Wednesday at noon. Enjoy great food, dynamic speakers, and exciting networking opportunities. Chamber luncheons are open to the public. Chamber members receive special member-only pricing.
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Speaker
- Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins
- Sheila Finkenbinder
Biography
Representative Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins represents Sitka and 21 other rural Southeast Alaska communities in the Alaska House of Representatives. At twenty-seven years old, he is the youngest member of the legislature. He cares deeply for rural Alaska and the issues its small communities face.
Jonathan was born and raised in Sitka, and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout while growing up. He attended Yale College for three years before leaving school early to run for the Alaska Legislature.
Representative Kreiss-Tomkins cares deeply for rural Alaska. Legislative focuses include growing Alaska’s fishing economy, sustainable rural economic development, growing Alaska’s knowledge economy, and celebrating and revitalizing Alaska Native culture and language. His 2014 legislation enshrining Alaska’s 20 Native languages as official languages of the State of Alaska attracted national attention. Jonathan was recognized by The Washington Post in 2014 as one of its "top 40 under 40" in American politics.
Outside politics, Jonathan has started several programs that bring young people and energy into Sitka. Together, these programs have brought over 200 people to volunteer, work, or live in Sitka, and have led the Yale Office of Career Strategy to identify Sitka as the number one worldwide destination for Yale undergrads seeking OCS summer opportunities, exceeding placements in cities such as London and San Francisco.
In addition to his work, he enjoys endurance running and outdoor adventure, and has won or placed in various trail races and ultramarathons across Alaska and Lower 48. In 2011, Jonathan and his climbing partner posted a first ascent of El Muertito (19,639 feet) in the Argentine-Chilean Andes, then the highest unclimbed peak in the Western Hemisphere, as well as helping settle a debate over the altitude of the world’s tallest volcano Ojos del Salado (22,615 feet). Jonathan also plays cello and double bass, and has twice toured through rural Alaska with a piano trio sponsored by a performing arts grant from the Rasmuson Foundation.
Sheila Finkenbinder:
I am running to bring greater representation in Juneau for our section of Southeast Alaska. District 35 needs a representative in Juneau who has a proven, long-term commitment towards job creation and economic development. Our residents and business owners need someone with maturity, experience and competence, having a seat at the table when major discussions and negotiations are conducted in Juneau.My becoming a member of the House Majority will mean greater influence and success in passing legislation that benefits Southeast Alaska.
I will be focused on:1) Encouraging economic growth in Southeast through intelligent management of our natural resources. 2) Transportation infrastructure, like reliable / sustainable ferry services and construction of needed roads, 3) Affordable energy options for our communities, and 4) Quality education for our future.
As a fiscal conservative, I will take a common sense and realistic approach towards helping to resolve the state's budget crisis.
I believe in the Rule of Law, the importance of due process, and the integrity of Alaska's Constitution, the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. I embrace Republican ideals of personal liberty and personal responsibility, and am a strong supporter of States' Rights.
I will be standing up to support our Southeast Alaska communities with Leadership, Experience and Integrity.
Presentation
Alaska State House Candidates will answer pre-written questions and take audience questions during the forum
Menu
Chicken Picatta, Mashed Potatoes, Veggies, Salad Bar
Date and Time
Wednesday Oct 26, 2016
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM AKDT
Luncheon will start promptly at 12:00 noon & end at 1:30 pm
Location
The Westmark Sitka Banquet Room
330 Seward Street
Sitka, AK 99835
Fees/Admission
$15 Full Meal (Members Only)
$18 Full Meal (Non-Member)
$5 Listening Fee (Includes Drinks)
Executive Lunch Upgrade
$20 Full Meal
$10 Listening Fee (Includes Drinks)
Pre-Paid Lunch Punch Cards
5% Discount Available For Members Only
$114 Eight (8) Pre-Paid Lunches
$228 Sixteen (16) Pre-Paid Lunches
Weekly Luncheons are open to the public. Chamber membership is not required to attend.
Contact Information
Sitka Chamber
(907) 747-8604
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