Contributed by Pamela Goode
Allow me to introduce myself. I am Pam Goode, an outspoken fighter for the liberties of the people of Alaska. I volunteer full-time and overtime to do what I can to protect and restore our freedoms and my husband is right beside me taking the same stand. My journey began in 2010 helping other candidates, then becoming involved in the Republican Party, followed by running for office and holding elected officials accountable. We also do our best to keep fellow Alaskans informed. Many don't know that. I'm now running for office to give District 9 voters an opportunity to elect a strong, well informed and outspoken House Representative.
Since 2014, I've been speaking out and holding legislators accountable for the lack of protection of the permanent fund dividend (PFD) before it was cut and taken from Alaskans. I've been closely watching the legislators who have consistently voted for over spending, unsustainable budgets and poor fiscal policy that have led to the continued raid on the PFD and the onset of income taxes.
Alaskans need to know this did not have to happen. The governor and legislators were forewarned in 2011 to stop overspending and growing the scope and size of government because oil prices were going to drop. They were presented with a long-term sustainable budget plan. They did not listen, and that same behavior continues today. The budget increased last year on top of a $1 billion bond package to pay off cash credits to oil companies while the PFD continues to be cut, and the discussion of an income tax continues. This is fiscal negligence and caused by those we elect and keep re-electing.
Incumbents need to go. Check their voting records and if they voted for unsustainable budgets and the $1 billion bond package that is also constitutionally questionable, do not reward them with another chance to do more damage. Bring in new leadership! Both my opponents say they will protect the PFD but have voted contrary to fiscally responsibility. You cannot have it both ways!
Where is the outrage? In 2016, the Senate passed SB128. This was the permanent cut and cap of the PFD. While this bill was in the House Finance Committee trying to make its way to the House floor for a final vote. It was killed by 1 vote. One Vote: 5 Yes and 6 No! That is how close Alaskans came to permanently losing their full PFD. Governor Walker then vetoed almost half of the PFD since SB128 failed. The legislators could have stopped this veto. Fact is, they didn't even try!
PFD cuts continued. For the past two years, the PFD was taken by the legislators, now incumbents. Where were the strong voices, filibusters on the Floor and breaking news reports from those legislators who said they opposed it? Alaskan families and the future of our state are being negatively affected and we hear nothing to reflect this offense. Nothing.
SB91, what a tragedy. This is still not fixed. An ounce of common sense knew this was a bad bill. I called it rat poison on a talk show after it was passed. An omnibus bill traditionally has hidden bad things in it that can be detrimental. When it comes to public safety, that risk is not to be taken. Where was the vocal leadership to have this repealed? There wasn't any.
Enough! I'm a forward thinker, long term planner and believe in measurable goal attainment. I foresaw this slow SB91 and PFD trainwreck that the people are now having to endure. Incumbents did this and those opposed indirectly contributed by staying comfortably silent or soft spoken. Again, where was the outrage, the filibusters and the leadership to turn this around?
Change comes from voter action! The trajectory needs to change. The authority and responsibility to make that happen lies in the hands of Alaskans. Incumbents have failed, now it's time for the voters to express their outrage at the ballot box. Out with incumbents and in with new leadership that will stop the fiscal insanity proven to be detrimental to the Alaska overall economy, Alaskan families and all future generations of Alaskans.
I am Pam Goode and gratefully ask for your vote. No one will work harder to keep you informed, preserve your way of life and protect the high levels of personal freedom that can only be found in Alaska! I'm Goode2Go and ready to work for you! Vote Goode for House on August 21st Republican Primary.
Website: www.goodeforalaska.com, Facebook: www.facebook.com/goodeforalaska/, Email: pam@goodforalaska.com. Call 907-251-1528.
Paid for by Fiscally Conservative Alaskans for Pam Goode | PO Box 1544 Delta Junction, AK 99737