Kevin J. McCabe

Economy

We need less pandering politicians and more citizen-legislators who recognize the need to lift restrictions on people and businesses with plans and ideas to monetize our resources or construct projects that move Alaska forward. There are a number of projects on the horizon that have been discussed for years. Many of these have been shelved due to out-of-State activists and congressmen who think Alaska belongs to them. It is long past time to take our state back and to open Alaska to business for Alaskans. It is more important now, than ever, to put Alaskans back to work. Learn more

Education

I have serious concerns about our approach to education in Alaska and the way we are funding our schools. One looming issue that needs an urgent resolution is that our teachers do not have the ability to access their social security benefits. It seems that no other state with a defined benefit retirement (TERS) shuts down a retiring teachers social security benefits. Why does this happen in Alaska? This certainly needs discussion and, if possible, a fix from our legislature. Learn more

Environment / Energy

One barrier to Alaska’s statehood was that we did not have a large population to contribute much to the United States. What we did have was an abundance of diverse resources. From timber and gold, to zinc and oil, Alaska had a lot to offer. Since achieving statehood, however, it seems that all we have focused on is oil. Flying over the Spruce Bark Beetle Kill trees in South Central Alaska made me realize how a resource not harvested, such as the spruce trees, is not only a waste of money but can be a danger to Alaska. We need responsible and safe development of ALL our resources. As a representative I will work to find avenues to safely and responsibly develop our local resources to help Alaska become the State it was meant to be. Learn more

Government Reform

I believe fully in the founding fathers idea of citizen statesmen. I believe that lifetime politicians are an anathema to our form of government. If there is any discussion or bills on term limits in Alaska politics I will most certainly be part of that discussion. Learn more

Guns

I believe in the Second Amendment. I do not, however, believe it was enacted just for shooting sports or hunting. The second amendment, which is echoed in the Alaska Constitution, was enacted to counterbalance what our forefathers were afraid of – a tyrannical government intent on subjugating citizens to its will. I strongly support the right of all Alaskans to keep and bear arms and I will fight all legislation that limits that right in any way. Learn more

Infrastructure / Transportation

KGB road is the second most dangerous road in the State. The upgrade to this road has been a political pawn for decades, and this needs to stop. With the expansion of housing developments out past Vine Road, this upgrade is imperative. The lack of an effective and efficient means to get to Port Mack is also a major hang up to the development of that facility and of the Rail Spur that would serve it. The Port of Anchorage has significant problems, not the least of which is the periodic dredging required to keep it open. Port Mack needs no such dredging. It is time we open the doors to Port Mack. It is time to remove the politics from upgrading KGB Road, and simply serve the people. Learn more

Taxes / Budget

I believe there should be a spending cap and will support a bill to establish such and amendment in the state constitution. The fact is the legislature is not spending government money, they are spending your money. Yours and mine. Learn more

I believe in the historic and statutory payment of the PFD. The people of Alaska own the oil under our state and we currently give 85% of the royalties, gleaned from that oil, to the government for operating our state. I believe that ALL Alaskans deserve an equal share of our royalties. Currently the legislative attempt to steal the PFD is essentially a redistribution of wealth which takes part of ALL Alaskan’s Dividend and gives it to just a few Alaskan through special programs. I firmly believe that any change to the historic and statutory PFD formula should undergo a vote of the people of Alaska. It belongs to us – we should vote on it. Learn more

I believe the state should have a balanced budget and believe “We The People” should mandate this via a constitutional amendment. A family or household does not get to operate or survive at a deficit; eventually they have to pay back loans and credit cards. The State is no different. We need a predictable, affordable and sustainable budget and budget process. Each and every bill should have a cost analysis attached to it. We need to know the cost of legislation before we enact it. Oil is a fixed asset, not a revenue stream we need to have controls on our budget in place in anticipation of the time when oil will no longer be flowing. Learn more