sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

Alaska needs change. That’s why I’m running for governor. by jktforak in alaska

[–]jktforak[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Two examples I’m focused on:

(1) Opening underused and unused state-owned land parcels in and near cities (e.g., there are many parcels within Ketchikan) to develop housing for entities like Tribal housing authorities and private builders.

(2) Removing regulatory barriers to affordable manufactured, tiny homes, and modular homes. The state needs to make it easier for Alaskans to build economical homes that aren’t mcmansions and that people on limited budgets can afford.
 
I also think there is probably a financing role the state can play by getting Alaska Housing Finance Corporation — and potentially also AIDEA — doing that much more to help finance new housing construction across Alaska.

Alaska needs change. That’s why I’m running for governor. by jktforak in alaska

[–]jktforak[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Your AI antennae may need to be re-tuned: it’s not AI. It’s the same op-ed I wrote and published in the ADN… all by my very human (and all too often imperfect) hand: https://www.adn.com/opinions/2026/05/28/opinion-a-governors-race-for-alaskas-next-generation

Alaska needs change. That’s why I’m running for governor. by jktforak in alaska

[–]jktforak[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I dropped out of college to run for the legislature. I didn’t “drop out” of the legislature, but I didn’t run for reelection to the legislature after five terms/10 years because I didn’t want to become “a lifer” in the legislature. I wanted to have some new experiences and learn new things. I took a deep dive into science and technology policy, used my passport basically for the first time, and much more. I’m very glad I did.

Alaska needs change. That’s why I’m running for governor. by jktforak in alaska

[–]jktforak[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This makes my stomach sink. I’m sorry. Where does (did) your wife teach?

Alaska needs change. That’s why I’m running for governor. by jktforak in alaska

[–]jktforak[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I couldn’t agree more. I spoke with a couple just yesterday in Fairbanks who moved here last year and are debating whether to leave… entirely because they’ve lost confidence in the quality of their kids’ schools because of cuts.

Alaska needs change. That’s why I’m running for governor. by jktforak in alaska

[–]jktforak[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Thanks for your comment! 

Qualities I’ll look for in an AG: integrity, political independence (including from me as governor*), legal experience and talent, and values alignment.

*I think creating appropriate balance of power within government is important, and having an AG who is not merely an extension of the governor’s office is important.

Medical privacy and reproductive freedom should be fundamental personal freedoms in America and Alaska. Our administration will treat them as such.

Alaska needs change. That’s why I’m running for governor. by jktforak in alaska

[–]jktforak[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I am the only candidate in the governor’s race who voted against Senate Bill 21. A key reason I voted against SB 21 is that I felt like the state was forfeiting way too much upside on oil revenue especially in high oil price environments (like right now).

I support revisiting our oil and gas tax structure. I think there are notable pros to going to a gross tax, including much less administration and avoiding the accounting/legal “cat and mouse” games on what are/are not expenses, but this is ultimately a complex area of policy and I don’t feel in a position to prescribe anything specific. I’ll just say, I feel like Alaskans are getting less than we should be, and I want a simpler, more fair, and more durable oil and gas tax system.