The League of Conservation Voters sent me a questionnaire asking my positions on environmental issues.  Here are my answers.   As any real Alaskan knows, the economy of our state is based on resource extraction.  Mining, oil extraction, and natural gas development are crucial to our future, but we need to develop and extract them without destroying renewable resources such as our fishing industry.

As a former deckhand on a gillnetter and troller, cold storage worker, and fish buyer, I know that commercial fishing is more than a just a job for many Alaskans, it’s a way of life. I enjoyed the opportunity to meet with Alaskan fishermen, to debate fisheries issues, and to respond to fishermens’ concerns.

Tonight was incredible. The Anchorage Democrats held their District Caucus tonight and more than 5,000 people showed. It was one of the most diverse groups of that size ever in Alaska politics. I’ve been active in Alaska Democratic politics since I reached voting age in 1976 and I’ve never seen anything like it. It is confirmation that Alaska, like the rest of the country, wants change. Out with the status quo, and professional politicians, and in with candidates that know how to work and will work overtime to change our country. I’ve never been more proud to be a Democrat.
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I’m proud to be an Alaska Democrat. My family has deep roots in the Alaska Democratic Party that started before statehood. As a young boy, I got to know and work on campaigns of Democratic heroes like Bill Egan, Bob Bartlett, Ralph Rivers, Nick Begich and Ernest Gruening. These great Democrats moved Alaska forward with legislation that created the pipeline, settled land claims, and built and supported public education in Alaska. They made us proud to be Democrats.

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I had the pleasure of attending the Filipino community’s Maharlika celebration at the Egan Center on Saturday, October 27. The event featured incredible entertainment, friendly people, and great dancing. My two boys are part Filipino; it was a joy to celebrate the Filipino culture. I enjoyed seeing old friends and meeting new ones.

The Filipino community first established itself in Alaska in the late 1800s. Alaska is a better place because of Filipinos’ incredible work ethic, cultural pride, and strong commitment to family and community. Because of our close connection, as your Congressman, I pledge to strengthen international trade between the Philippines and Alaska. Below are some pictures from the event:

Beth and Mike Beardsley & Jake

Lou Peregrino & Jake

Dr. Iluminada Lim & Jake

Tony Malpaya & Jake

Jake, Lito Corre & Lito Cayabyab

Tony & Beth Malpaya, Sen. Hollis & Peggy French & Jake

Frank Javier, Lou Peregrino & Jake

Ely Chavez, Rowena Carillo & Jake

Local 71 Employees and retirees and Jake

Eddie Ducut & Jake

Boy Dawag & Jake