Sean Parnell in 2011 gubernatorial press release


On Free Trade: Strengthen business ties, promote international trade

More than ever, we need to grow Alaska's presence in the global economy to create more Alaskan opportunity.

This economic trade mission with energy and seafood officials in Europe next week will focus on increasing international trade in seafood and building on the state's global reputation as a leader in oil and gas production.

The trip is part of a larger state effort to promote international trade and attract foreign direct investment. 2011 exports may exceed 2010 exports by as much as 30%.

Source: 2011 gubernatorial press release #5953 Oct 29, 2011

On Environment: Natural resources are to be used; not locked up by feds

We are under an unprecedented assault by federal agencies and environmental groups to lock up Alaska's resources. I appreciate the Legislature strongly protecting Alaska's interests and promoting a future of economic growth.
Source: Alaska 2011 gubernatorial press release #5733 Oct 22, 2011

On Environment: Support timber industry by increasing land for logging

Adding land to the Southeast State Forest will allow the Division of Forestry to manage the land to increase long-term timber supply for local processors and wood energy needs. This will provide much-need jobs in the thinning, harvest and milling stages of logging.
Source: Alaska 2011 gubernatorial press release #5885 Oct 22, 2011

On Environment: Explore & extract rare earth elements in Alaska

We want to stress that with the right investment and regulatory climate, Alaska has the potential to become a fresh and stable source of rare earth elements. Earlier this year, I called for collaboration in funding a strategic assessment of rare earth elements so we can learn how Alaska can help meet America's needs. Advancing rare earth element exploration and production lessens our dependence on foreign supplies and helps diversify Alaska's economy.
Source: Alaska 2011 gubernatorial press release #5915 Oct 22, 2011

On Environment: Oil and gas production means jobs for Americans

Many thoughtful Americans are deeply troubled at what is now almost a $15 trillion federal debt. We are concerned about the future of our republic. And yet, the solution is right in front of us. We can regain our economic footing through producing more American energy. To boil it down to one simple truth: More American oil and gas production means jobs. And jobs translate into stable communities, vibrant states, and a strong nation.
Source: Alaska 2011 gubernatorial press release #5926 Oct 22, 2011

On Environment: Don't leave Alaska's oil buried in the ground

We have been pumping from the same fields for 30-plus years. With so much oil in the ground that you own, and that we count on for essential public services, I refuse to stand by and leave Alaskans' treasure buried in the ground.
Source: Alaska 2011 gubernatorial press release #5930 Oct 22, 2011

On Health Care: Federal healthcare overreaches into Americans' private lives

I am pleased U.S. District Judge Vinson recognized that the Congress reached beyond its constitutional authority into the lives and freedom of Americans. While I am concerned about rising health care costs, solutions have to be constitutional. Because the authority of Congress to enact the mandatory health insurance provisions has been ruled unconstitutional, I urge the federal government to suspend all efforts to implement these provisions until the U.S. Supreme Court decides the issue.
Source: Alaska 2011 gubernatorial press release #5638 Oct 22, 2011

On Health Care: Alaska does not want government mandates in health care

Supporters of government mandates in health care want Alaskans to conclude that if we don't take the federal money that somehow we are not moving forward with health care initiatives in this state. That is false. The federal government's 'one size fits all' health care mandates may have ended with the Florida court decision, but we will continue working to reshape our health care system to fit the unique needs of Alaskans.
Source: Alaska 2011 gubernatorial press release #5659 Oct 22, 2011

On Energy & Oil: Oil and gas production will lead to a stronger nation

The Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission provides a voice for domestic oil and gas production while ensuring protection of the environment.

Many Americans are deeply troubled at what is now almost a $15 trillion federal debt. The solution is righ in front of us. We can regain our economic footing through producing more American energy. To boil it down to one simple truth: More American oil and gas production means jobs. Jobs translate into stable communities, vibrant states, and a strong nation.

Source: 2011 gubernatorial press release #5926 Oct 17, 2011

On Energy & Oil: Open ANWR for development

Some of our nation's richest oil reserves exist along the coastal plain known as ANWR. It's accessible. It's extractable. And oil production and wildlife in ANWR are compatible. Oil from ANWR could help meet US demand for the next 25 years--or longer. Responsible development of ANWR would create hundreds of thousands of jobs across our nation, in virtually every state, because a secure supply of petroleum will create demand for goods and services, and lower the cost of doing business.
Source: 2011 gubernatorial press release #5899 Sep 21, 2011

On Foreign Policy: Preserve freedom; serve a cause larger than self

[Speech on September 11]: To our military and to every person who gets called out first in the face of disaster and tragedy: We say "thank you." It is up to us to make our lives count, because these thousands gave us their very lives, that incalculable gift. Like them, we renew our pledge to serve a cause larger than ourselves. To selflessly give all that is required, that freedom be preserved. For those whom we've lost, and for those who still serve us, we owe nothing less.
Source: 2011 gubernatorial press release #5888 Sep 11, 2011

On Tax Reform: Support the Cut, Cap, Balance Pledge

The pledge opposes any federal debt limit increase unless substantial spending cuts are made, federal spending caps are in place and a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution is passed.

Significant short term cuts, a statutory cap on spending and a strong balanced budget amendment will put our nation on a path to living within our means. If the balanced budget amendment is sent to the states, I will support it for ratification.

Source: 2011 gubernatorial press release #5840 Jul 7, 2011

On Environment: Continued desire to harvest timber

The new task force will focus on developing recommendations that will lead to new jobs in the timber industry.

The task force will focus on reasonable approaches and recommendations to grow jobs and foster economic development--particularly in traditional timber harvesting from federal, state, and private lands. While we will continue to pursue federal timber sales for traditional harvest, I look forward to receiving task force recommendations that will focus more on state efforts.

Source: 2011 gubernatorial press release #5772 May 5, 2011

On Health Care: One size fits all health care too restricting

Supporters of government mandates in health care want Alaskans to conclude that if we don't take the federal money that somehow we are not moving forward with health care initiatives in this state. That is false. The federal government's 'one size fits all' health care mandates may have ended with the Florida court decision (that the health care reform act is unconstitutional), but we will continue working to reshape our health care system to fit the unique needs of Alaskans.
Source: 2011 gubernatorial press release #5659 Feb 17, 2011

The above quotations are from 2011 gubernatorial press releases.
Click here for other excerpts from 2011 gubernatorial press releases.
Click here for other excerpts by Sean Parnell.
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Page last updated: Feb 13, 2019