Governor

 

In Alaska, the governor is the highest official in the executive branch. They serve four-year terms and are elected by the general public. They run on the same ticket as the lieutenant governor.

What does a governor do?

Governors choose who will run different parts of the state government, such as the Department of Corrections, the Department of Health and the Department of Public Safety. This means that the governor’s priorities will affect how these state services operate. Governors also appoint members of councils and boards, such as the Board of Fisheries, the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission and the State Medical Board. They appoint District, Superior and Supreme Court judges and non-attorney members of the Judicial Council.

The governor also works with the Legislature, including submitting a budget to that body. Though the Legislature can make changes to this budget, the governor can veto any additions the Legislature makes. The governor can also propose legislation, which by custom are introduced in the Legislature by committees on behalf of the governor.

The lieutenant governor’s primary role is to oversee elections in the state.

You can watch all four candidates in this year’s Debate for the State.

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