Liz Vazquez

What’s the biggest need in your district, and how would you address it?

As President of the Sand Lake Community Council, I have encountered many issues with poor infrastructure — specifically, poor roads and drainage. There are also substantial public health issues involving access to safe drinking water without contamination. As a member of the Legislature, I would diligently advocate for policies and legislation that improve roads, drainage, and access to safe drinking water. These are basic needs of my community, and they should be pursued diligently.

I will also advocate for affordable recreation for the residents of West Anchorage. For example, sufficient parking should be provided so residents can enjoy the local lakes — this is especially important for families who cannot afford to go out of town. The cost of energy, and of shipping goods up from the Lower 48 and Canada, also needs to be addressed to ease the hardship of high costs for West Anchorage residents. I will pursue action on these critical needs.

What should legislators do to make Alaska a better place for children and families?

Improve the economy and the education system, and enable families to have affordable recreation. West Anchorage has many lakes, but public access is difficult — sometimes impossible — because there isn’t enough infrastructure to support families trying to enjoy them. Parking is one clear example.

What should the Legislature do to help Alaskans with the high cost of living?

Promote policies and legislation that improve job opportunities and lower the cost of energy. Find ways to reduce the cost of shipping goods to Alaska from the Lower 48 and Canada — one way would be to promote construction of a railroad linking Alaska to Canada and the Lower 48. Improving the Alcan Highway would also make it more feasible for trucks to haul freight north.

How should the Legislature handle the Permanent Fund dividend?

The Legislature has been ignoring the basic formula that determines the amount of the Permanent Fund dividend. The dividend was created so the people of Alaska would benefit from the natural resources owned by all Alaskans. It was recognized that the Legislature was overspending, and that the people should share in the wealth of Alaska.

When you look at the state budget, what’s the No. 1 thing you’d like to see cut or reduced, and what’s your No. 1 preferred way to raise new state revenue?

Number one to cut: waste and inefficiency. No new revenue should be implemented until there is more accountability, efficiency, and transparency in the state budget.

What does your ideal fiscal plan look like? How should the Legislature bring state expenses and revenue into line in the long term?

Every year the Legislative Audit office issues audits of state departments and agencies. These audits often suggest changes that would improve accountability and efficiency. The Legislature should diligently review the annual audits and implement the recommendations.

Would you be willing to serve in a coalition majority where members of the other party are in leadership? Why or why not?

No. Historically, when Republicans join a coalition, they hand the other side all the power to set policy and priorities. Those priorities and policies have created a sick economy for Alaskans and an ever-growing state budget with no accountability to Alaskans.

As a Republican, I prefer priorities and policies that promote responsible resource and economic development. I also support more accountability and better results for the money spent on behalf of Alaskans. And I believe people should have more access to their Legislature — some legislative sessions should be held on the road system, so the cost of being involved is affordable for most Alaskans.

What should be done to improve public education in Alaska?

Alaska is the second-highest spender nationwide on education, but our results are outrageously poor — we are now the worst-performing state in the nation. We need more accountability for the money spent on education. Previous audits should be reviewed and their recommendations implemented to improve results. Our children deserve better. They should be able to read, write, and do basic math — the basic skills needed to tackle the challenges of everyday life.

What should Alaska do to keep residents and visitors safe from crime and disasters?

Increase the budget for crime prevention and enforcement, and for the disaster office. Historically, these have been underfunded.

As Alaska’s average age rises, what needs to be done to make the state a better place for older residents?

Reduce the property tax burden on seniors, and ensure the senior center in each community is fully supported. Explore alternatives that provide more health care for seniors who rely on Medicare — right now it is very difficult to find providers who will accept patients with Medicare alone.

What threats do you see facing Alaska in the next four years?

A declining economy, the continued deterioration of our infrastructure, and the continued failure of our public education system.

What, if any, change would you make to state law to support the Alaskans who are dependent on fish harvests and the fishing industry?

Alaskans are not benefiting enough from this rich resource. Trawling should be banned from Alaskan waters, and fishing should be more accessible. Change could also come through regulatory or policy changes at the state and federal level.

What, if any, changes does the state need to make to its elections and voting system?

Get rid of ranked-choice voting. It is very confusing and lacks accountability.

How are the Trump administration’s policies working in Alaska? Where do you see them working well, and where do you see problems?

The Trump administration acknowledges Alaska’s importance to national security and has increased military capability and opportunities to mine rare earth minerals, where China presently has the advantage. Overall these are positive initiatives, but Alaska needs better infrastructure to support them.

What do people not know about you that you think they should know?

I am not the incumbent, and I believe West Anchorage needs change — more aggressive representation to address its needs. I have lived in West Anchorage for 29 years. I am passionate about public service and I want better infrastructure for my community. I also want more accountability and better results for the money spent on behalf of Alaskans.

I am determined, hard-working, and persistent. My legal and audit experience is valuable in serving as a legislator. I served one term in the Legislature and sponsored two bills that were enacted into law — both co-sponsored by members of both parties. I also filed twelve additional bills to improve accountability in state government spending. I have served as a prosecutor, as an Assistant Attorney General, and as a Director on the Board of Chugach Electric Association. It will be an honor to represent West Anchorage in the Alaska Legislature.