The House 34 Horse Race!
By Scott McAdams
Politics have always been important to Alaskans. Unlike much of the world, we often know our leaders personally, expect our ideas to be considered in the policy making process, and understand that our future requires our voice. As many of us evaluate candidates this election season, most of us in this small community called Alaska do so based on the personal relationships and past experiences we’ve had with those who place their names on the ballot.
In my community, there is a race for State House between two men I have come to know over the past several years that I believe represents a choice between two very different trajectories for Alaska. While we have so many races to support and great candidates to encourage this fall, I believe there is no greater contrast nor more important victory to be won than the bid of Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins against Bill Thomas in the newly formed HD 34.
Bill Thomas, a known opponent to public education and former contract lobbyist who has supported sending billions in Alaskan oil wealth back to Houston and London, seemed to think until recently that he had this race in the bag. Relying on king-maker politics, Thomas has sat on his hands and expected old cronies to line up votes for him. Little did he know that a door knocking machine from Sitka would ask nearly every person in the district for their vote directly.
When I was the president of the Sitka School Board, as Jonathan crossed the stage with diploma in hand, I asked him to come home and lead us one day. I couldn’t be happier that he has decided to do just that. Jonathan’s career in political service began in the eighth grade as online organizer for the Dean for America campaign, a position that garnered him national media recognition. During my time as mayor, Jonathan was a trusted advisor on issues of public policy and good government. As a candidate for State House, Jonathan has distinguished himself as a dogged campaigner who has through action shown his energy, intelligence, capacity and promise.
No one is working harder than Jonathan, and that hard work is paying off. A recent poll has Jonathan three points ahead of his opponent, his campaign has outraised Thomas in the last two consecutive fundraising periods, and Jonathan has more individual contributions than any other State House campaign in Alaska. This is a race he can and will win, but only with your help.
Will you support a candidate who hopes to govern with ideas vs. another who plans to rule with power? Will you support rational idealism over abject cynicism? Are you tired of arrogance and long for humility in elected leadership? Will you join me in supporting Jonathan? If you answered yes to any of these, mark your calendars to meet Jonathan on October 23rd from 5:30-7:30 at the Home of Matt Claman, 3318 Iliamna Avenue, Anchorage AK!
Please join Jonathan and host Matt Claman, cohosts Governor Tony Knowles, Ethan Berkowitz, Eric Croft, Leslie Ridle, Susanne Fleek and others for a gathering in support of his candidacy. I am convinced you will agree that Jonathan is exactly who we need for Alaska long into the future!
The lobbying King will not go down easily. Cronyism and pork have a lot of influence in Alaska. What an admirable campaign Jonathon has run–with respect and humility toward all.
I liked Scott McAdams as mayor (and Congressional candidate) but it’s sad to see him sink so low into the partisan crap that has made politics what it is today. No one is “an opponent” of education – everyone has different styles, strengths and weaknesses.
Can’t you promote your friend without slandering the opponent? Not to mention the fact that, if elected, the junior member of the minority will have no ability to influence education spending or do anything of note – except to knock on doors of other legislators and ask them for help.
Vote for who you want to – but be civil and leave the bumper-sticker mentaility at home.
Okay, put it this way. Thomas voted for funding the Governor’s $2 million tax giveaway to the oil companies. His donations come primarily from out of district corporate donors. Before he was a legislator he was a corporate lobbyist.
Thomas voted against increased funding for education that would have merely kept up with inflation.
Jonathon Kreiss-Tomkins brings a much-needed a fresh voice and youthful (long-term) perspective. In debates with Thomas, Kreiss-Tompkins demonstrates he has a firm grasp on facts and describes his policy priorities clearly. He is respectful and that goes a long way toward having influence in his district, in the State, in the legislature, and elsewhere.
It’s time to move past pork and bullying and cronyism.
Wow. Alaska really is a small town that happens to be the size of an entire country, isn’t it?
Here in NY, our Governor is someone whose office I worked in when, many, many years ago, he was in private practice for the first time (and, if memory serves, the last time). Way back then, his father was our Governor, and he and his lovely wife visited our office every now and then. I doubt that either Gov. Cuomo remembers me, but once upon a time, the current one and I were co-workers. Does that make me an honorary Alaskan?
Best of luck, Jonathan. Always good to hear from Scott McAdams.
I love a surprise victory! Good luck Jonathan, and here’s hoping your hard work and great ideas will pay off. Bill Thomas is one of the new generation of Corrupt Bastards, and he needs to go. And I agree – McAdams for Congress 2014!
Sure would be nice if Scott McAdams would look at Don Young’s seat. He really should have had Murkowski’s, but we all know how that didn’t happen. Or at least I think I know how it happened.
Sweet a McAdams endorsement!