State of Alaska Archives: on Technology
Cean Stevens:
Connect communities with road systems; system is inadequate
Q: What is your assessment of Alaska's transportation system? What, if anything, would you change?A: It's inadequate. We haven't built any major transportation systems in Alaska in over 30 years.
Currently, we are fighting the federal government on the Izenbek road, which simply connects two communities. Alaska is the only state in the union which is not allowed to connect communities with road systems.
Source: Alaska Dispatch News on 2016 Alaska Senate race
Oct 29, 2014
Joe Miller:
Not economic to move capital from Juneau, but ok to do so
On the fate of Juneau, the candidates were asked if they would publicly state their opinion about moving the capital of Alaska out of Southeast."The state government supports it and therefore I do," Miller replied. "Even if you were to evaluate it on
purely economic grounds, the studies at least that I've reviewed suggest it would not be economic to move the capital."
McAdams chose slightly stronger words in his response. "Let me be clear: over my dead body," he said.
Miller said he "absolutely" supports the building of a road out of Juneau, but then turned the argument towards regulatory burdens, indicating that the federal government was the main roadblock to the project.
McAdams said that improving transportation in Southeast is imperative, and that funding needs to be secured for any projects that arise. "I'm a big marine highway transportation guy," he said.
Source: Capital City Weekly coverage of 2010 Alaska Senate debate
Sep 22, 2010
Joe Miller:
NSA recording digital cell phone calls is turnkey tyranny
We now have documentation that our government was involved in the surveillance of our phone calls. Clandestine agencies have admitted to metadata gathering. You know, there are NSA whistleblowers who have suggested that in fact most digital cell phone
calls are recorded. You've got all sorts of aggressive action taking place at the federal level which is really, I think, a violation of what the founders intended with the Fourth Amendment--unreasonable search and seizure.
And I agree with what some have said, that this is essentially turnkey tyranny. That you've got a government with now so much information that's gathered unconstitutionally, that it does pose a threat to freedom.
The expanse of the federal government in ways that the founders didn't intend--intruding on states' rights--another area that gives me great cause for concern.
Source: Salon.com 2014 CPAC interview on 2014 Alaska Senate race
Mar 10, 2014
Lisa Murkowski:
Alaska is perfect for developing cold weather technology
Our tough climate makes us the perfect location for developing cold weather technology that can be exported around the world.
The United States is an Arctic nation because of Alaska. We should not only be the center of U.S. research on the Arctic, we should also be world leaders in the area. As your senior representative in Washington,
I will continue to work to bring more federal research opportunities on the Arctic and maritime policy to Alaska.
The opening of the Arctic also holds great promise for resource development and scientific research, which is why I've been actively working to highlight the importance of the Arctic in the eyes of Washington, D.C.
Source: Vote-USA.org on 2011 Alaska Senate incumbents
Jan 1, 2011
Mead Treadwell:
Made millions from high-tech camera on Google Street View
Lt. Gov. Mead Treadwell appears to land on top of the four major candidates for Senate when it comes to reported personal wealth. His assets ranged from $3.4 million to $7.7 million. Meanwhile, his debt ranges from $580,000 to $1.2 million.Two of
Treadwell's biggest assets are a rental property in Anchorage and his home in Anchorage, each valued between $500,000 and $1 million. Treadwell, who calls himself a high-tech entrepreneur and says he launched the company that introduced the camera used
by Google Street View, also has a large stake in the stock market.
Treadwell reported earning $99,000 as the state's lieutenant governor in 2012. He also earned deferred income of about $45,000 from Venture Ad Astra, a company specializing in
location and imaging technology he founded in Anchorage.
He reported having between $500,000 and $1 million in a Morgan Stanley money market account, as well as the same amount in a Wells Fargo savings account.
Source: Alaska Dispatch on 2014 Alaska Senate race
Feb 25, 2014
Mike Chenault:
Priority in budget for renewable energy infrastructure
We are proud of the investments the Legislature has made for the 2009 fiscal year. Operating and capital budgets are expressions of policy and priorities. The final budgets show our commitment to saving the surplus, minimizing growth to the operating
budget, supporting communities and investing in infrastructure. The cost of energy is the most critical issue facing our state. A renewable energy fund was established to make resources available for investment in renewable energy infrastructure.
Source: Anchorage Daily News on 2018 Alaska Gubernatorial race
Sep 29, 2016
Mike Dunleavy:
Put infrastructure funds into maintenance, not just building
Q: What is your assessment of Alaska's transportation system? What, if anything, would you change? DUNLEAVY:
More attention needs to be given to the maintenance and operations of our roads and airports and not just in the capital outlays for the construction phase of such Infrastructure.
Source: Anchorage Daily News on 2018 Alaska gubernatorial race
Jul 8, 2016
Sarah Palin:
Supports $130M in research investment in U. Alaska
Research is a huge part of how a University can help pay its own way. The University of Alaska is currently leveraging federal dollars for research to the tune of $1 in state funds for every
$7 in federal funds. The $130 million received annually in research dollars is an investment in our students and our U of A system.
Source: Palin-Parnell campaign booklet: New Energy for Alaska
Nov 3, 2006
Sarah Palin:
Efficient transportation system is vital to our economy
TRANSPORTATION: An efficient and functional transportation system is absolutely vital to our economy. Throughout history, strong transportation systems have been the cornerstone of economic growth and success throughout the world.
It is equally important in Alaska, where so much of our state is remote and still not connected by roads. Transportation infrastructure is a basic necessity that Alaska must have to succeed and prosper.
Improvement and expansion to our aging network of public facilities, roads, harbors, airports, and rail is required for any development, and gas line construction success.
A highly functional, well-maintained, statewide transportation network of public facilities, roads, ferries, trains, and airports is required, to improve Alaska's economy and the quality of life for ALL Alaskans.
Source: Palin-Parnell campaign booklet: New Energy for Alaska
Nov 3, 2006
Sarah Palin:
Alaska needs a state funded highway program
It is time for Alaska to develop a state funded highway program like most states in America. This will be a challenge for us, but it is necessary to reduce our current near total dependency on federal aid and ensure basic needs and maintenance are
addressed.- Our Marine Highway is a critical service covering the largest area of any state coastline in America.
- Alaska ferries are essential to link and connect our island & coastal communities to the rest of Alaska, Canada, and lower 48.
Source: Palin-Parnell campaign booklet: New Energy for Alaska
Nov 3, 2006
Scott McAdams:
Move capital from Juneau? Over my dead body!
On the fate of Juneau, the candidates were asked if they would publicly state their opinion about moving the capital of Alaska out of Southeast."The state government supports it and therefore I do," Miller replied. "Even if you were to evaluate it on
purely economic grounds, the studies at least that I've reviewed suggest it would not be economic to move the capital."
McAdams chose slightly stronger words in his response. "Let me be clear: over my dead body," he said.
Miller said he "absolutely" supports the building of a road out of Juneau, but then turned the argument towards regulatory burdens, indicating that the federal government was the main roadblock to the project.
McAdams said that improving transportation in Southeast is imperative, and that funding needs to be secured for any projects that arise. "I'm a big marine highway transportation guy," he said.
Source: Capital City Weekly coverage of 2010 Alaska Senate debate
Sep 22, 2010
Scott McAdams:
Transcontinental Railroad was once a "Railroad to Nowhere"
[In the context of the "no earmarks" pledge from the Citizens Against Government Waste signed by Miller], McAdams said that arguing against projects--like the much maligned & lampooned "Bridge to Nowhere"--was arguing against the future of
Alaska. McAdams said that improving transportation in Southeast is imperative, and that funding needs to be secured for any projects that arise. McAdams said about Juneau, "Whatever we do, whether we get better Alaska
Class ferries or whether we build a road, it's going to take federal support. These are non-constitutionally mandated appropriations that we're talking about."
Citing the "Bridge to Nowhere", McAdams said, "There was a time in this country when the
Transcontinental Railroad was a railroad to nowhere, there was a time in this country when the Hoover Dam was a dam for no one," he said.
"The first order of business needs to be to connect Southeast Alaska through earmarks," he concluded.
Source: Capital City Weekly coverage of 2010 Alaska Senate debate
Sep 22, 2010
Sean Randall Parnell:
$500M capital budget for 5-year infrastructure plan
In these tough economic times, I am pumping up Alaska's capital budget. Capital dollars fuel Alaska's economy. Our state dollars will leverage about $800 million in federal infrastructure funds for Alaska.I have also proposed a five-year deferred
maintenance plan to fix what we have got. We will invest $100 million per year for five years. Alaska's private-sector carpenters, electricians, plumbers, roofers, HVAC contractors, and road crews, will have a dependable stream of work for years to come.
Source: Alaska 2010 State of the State Address
Jan 20, 2010
Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins:
Supports a moratorium on all new data centers
- Only candidate to support a moratorium on all new data centers (similar to New York State) until the legislature can pass comprehensive regulation on data center development.
- Require local approval before data centers can be built, with
binding community benefit agreements.
- Make data centers pay the full cost of their electricity, without any direct or indirect subsidies from existing ratepayers. Prevent financial risk from being shifted to the public.
Source: 2026 Alaska Gubernatorial campaign web JKTforAK.com
Aug 31, 2026
Mike Dunleavy:
$183 million for infrastructure for mineral extraction
I want to thank President Trump and his Cabinet for everything they're doing in Alaska's best interests, and in the best interests of the United States. There's no doubt a positive relationship with our country's President is everything. What has this
positive relationship done for our great state? The list is exhaustive, but here are a few examples. Last August, we received a record-setting $183 million in federal highway funds for transportation infrastructure improvements. This administration has
taken numerous steps to increase oil and gas production including offshore, reopening millions of acres in the NPR-A, finalizing plans to open ANWR, and promoting Alaska LNG on the international stage. Last August, the State of Alaska entered a
first-of-its-kind MOU with the Federal Permitting Council to streamline project permitting under the FAST-41 program [for mineral extraction]. This MOU is accelerating permitting for expansions at existing operations at Greens Creek and Red Dog mines.
Source: 2026 State of the State Address to the Alaska legislature
Jan 22, 2025
Dan Sullivan:
AI should be regulated; it can impact jobs, energy costs
Q: Do you think tech companies can self-regulate A.I., or what principles would you like to see in government regulation?Peltola: Innovation can never be at the expense of our hard working Alaskan families. I get the anxiety that families have about
how AI can impact our jobs and raise our energy costs. AI should be regulated. This is one of the most concerning issues that parents face. I mean, we don't even have our arms around social media.
Sullivan: I just want to make that record clear on AI.
We just voted on the Senate floor for the AI Responsibility Act. And all the Democrats in the Senate voted against it. It would make sure that data centers pay their own way. It is a good beginning, important regulation. I led the efforts on it.
We voted on it, and unfortunately, it was blocked by Democrats in the Senate. [Democrats claimed it was a "toothless messaging bill" that required only "considering" standards].
Source: C-SPAN transcript of 2026 Alaska Senate debate
Oct 15, 2026
Mary Peltola:
AI should be regulated; it can impact jobs, energy costs
Q: Do you think tech companies can self-regulate A.I., or what principles would you like to see in government regulation?Peltola: Innovation can never be at the expense of our hard working Alaskan families. I get the anxiety that families have about
how AI can impact our jobs and raise our energy costs. AI should be regulated. This is one of the most concerning issues that parents face. I mean, we don't even have our arms around social media.
Sullivan: I just want to make that record clear on AI.
We just voted on the Senate floor for the AI Responsibility Act. And all the Democrats in the Senate voted against it. It would make sure that data centers pay their own way. It is a good beginning, important regulation. I led the efforts on it.
We voted on it, and unfortunately, it was blocked by Democrats in the Senate. [Democrats claimed it was a "toothless messaging bill" that required only "considering" standards].
Source: C-SPAN transcript of 2026 Alaska Senate debate
Oct 15, 2026
Mary Peltola:
Social media platforms have been damaging to young people
Q: What actions would you propose or support to keep kids safe online while protecting their free speech and privacy?Peltola: We call it social media, but it is not social. It really drives people into spending more time alone, more solitary time.
I think we know the damaging effect that all the social media platforms have on young people. I think that having teen accounts, having parental permission is a good start, but these
social media companies, they know that they've been injurious to our young people. They have not been good partners.
Sullivan: I'm an original co-sponsor of the Kids Online Safety Act, big tech hates it, came out of committee strongly.
They killed it in the House a couple of years ago. But it's giving parents tools on how to best address online safety. And it does provide significant responsibilities on the big tech companies themselves.
Source: C-SPAN transcript of 2026 Alaska Senate debate
Oct 15, 2026
Page last updated: Oct 18, 2026