How would you work with people who have different political viewpoints? Provide examples of how you have successfully done this in the past.
Governor
Bill Walker
Nonpartisan candidate for Governor
It’s pretty simple — if you disagree with someone, you meet with them. When I came into office, I didn’t see eye-to-eye with House Speaker Mike Chenault. After a few months of us talking about each other in the media, I joined his team in the legislative bowling league. By bowling on the same team and having a few postgame beers at Taku Lanes, we found some common ground and became pretty good friends. We remain so to this day.
I didn’t agree with President Barack Obama on resource development issues in Alaska, but I found a way to fly to Alaska with him on Air Force One. Following our 7-hour flight during which we had plenty of time to converse, he announced on the ride from JBER to the Hotel Captain Cook that he would support offshore drilling in Alaska; he said that our discussion helped him understand that we do it better and safer here in Alaska and that we might as well use our own resources first while transitioning to renewable energy rather than relying on other countries for oil and gas.
I also flew on Air Force One with President Donald Trump. We don’t have the luxury of picking which team is in the White House — it’s the role of the governor to meet with whoever is in office and to advance the interests of Alaska. Leadership requires being willing and able to engage with and work with those you don’t necessarily agree with. Communicating only through litigation does not build the necessary relationships required to govern Alaska.
Charlie Pierce
Republican candidate for Governor
It’s all about relationships. Right now, the Legislature and the governor’s office will not work together, and the result is the deadlock we’ve been seeing. I would find at least 21 House members and 11 senators and focus on building a relationship with each one. I’d invite them over to dinner — let’s break bread together, and talk. We can agree to disagree, but let’s at least start the conversation. I’ve proven I can do this as mayor. For six years, I worked with an assembly where five of the nine members were ideologically opposed to me. Nevertheless, we found a way forward and made positive changes in our borough. It can be done.
Les Gara
Democratic candidate for Governor
I believe in working across party lines, and always have. Policy and people take priority over political parties. I’ve worked across party lines, passing the largest reform for foster youth to succeed in life in state history, in 2018. I did that by passing it through a Republican-led Senate. Every senator stood up one by one to co-sponsor that legislation.
You have to build relationships with people, understand the fair goals of other legislators, and work together to find common ground. This governor says he represents only those who voted for him. I believe you represent everyone, from every corner of this state. I’ve passed substantial legislation and policy as a legislator, by working across party lines, and convincing Republicans and Democrats to support good policy, and to ignore party affiliation.
Mike Dunleavy
Republican candidate for Governor
As the governor of all Alaskans, I’ve always worked with people who don’t agree with me on every political issue because there are many areas where we can find common ground. I’ve worked with Sen. Tom Begich to pass bipartisan education reform; I’ve worked with Rep. Geran Tarr on agricultural policy and updating our outdated sexual assault laws; and I agree with Sen. Bill Wielechowski that the PFD should be protected through a constitutional amendment by a vote of the people. Alaska is a unique state in that the “R” or the “D” next to a politician’s name doesn’t always tell you where a politician may come down on an issue. It has been an honor to work with many different legislators who represent Alaskans first and foremost, and not a political party.