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Quick Facts
Personal Details

Education

  • JD, Law, Pennsylvania State University, Dickinson, 1997
  • MAT, Social Studies Education, University of Alaska, 1992, Grade Point Average of 3.8
  • BA, History, Whitman College, 1986, Grade Point Average of 3.1

Professional Experience

  • JD, Law, Pennsylvania State University, Dickinson, 1997
  • MAT, Social Studies Education, University of Alaska, 1992, Grade Point Average of 3.8
  • BA, History, Whitman College, 1986, Grade Point Average of 3.1
  • President/Member, Board, Alaska Wildlife Alliance, present
  • Teacher, East High, present
  • Teacher, Rural Alaska, present
  • Teacher, University of Alaska Anchorage, present
  • Attorney, Law Offices of G.R. Eschbacher, 2008-2012
  • Attorney, Law Offices of Dan Allan and Associates, 2003-2008
  • Adjunct Instructor of Constitutional Law, University of Alaska at Anchorage, 2003-2008
  • Legislative Aide, Alaska State Legislature, 2003
  • Attorney, Law Offices of Joe P. Josephson, 2001-2003
  • Assistant District Attorney, State of Alaska: Criminal Division, 1999-2001
  • Law Clerk, Alaska Superior Court, 1997-1999
  • Teacher, Kuspuk School District, 1991-1994

Political Experience

  • JD, Law, Pennsylvania State University, Dickinson, 1997
  • MAT, Social Studies Education, University of Alaska, 1992, Grade Point Average of 3.8
  • BA, History, Whitman College, 1986, Grade Point Average of 3.1
  • President/Member, Board, Alaska Wildlife Alliance, present
  • Teacher, East High, present
  • Teacher, Rural Alaska, present
  • Teacher, University of Alaska Anchorage, present
  • Attorney, Law Offices of G.R. Eschbacher, 2008-2012
  • Attorney, Law Offices of Dan Allan and Associates, 2003-2008
  • Adjunct Instructor of Constitutional Law, University of Alaska at Anchorage, 2003-2008
  • Legislative Aide, Alaska State Legislature, 2003
  • Attorney, Law Offices of Joe P. Josephson, 2001-2003
  • Assistant District Attorney, State of Alaska: Criminal Division, 1999-2001
  • Law Clerk, Alaska Superior Court, 1997-1999
  • Teacher, Kuspuk School District, 1991-1994
  • Representative, Alaska State House of Representatives, District 17, 2015-present
  • Candidate, Alaska State House of Representatives, District 17, 2018
  • Representative, Alaska State House of Representatives, District 15, 2013-2015

Former Committees/Caucuses

Former Member, Arctic Policy, Economic Development, & Tourism, Alaska State House of Representatives

Former Member, Joint Victims Advocate Selection Committee, Alaska State House of Representatives

Former Chair, Judiciary Committee, Alaska State House of Representatives

Former Member, Labor and Commerce Committee, Alaska State House of Representatives

Former Member, Minority Caucus Committee, Alaska State House of Representatives

Former Member, Ombudsman Selection Committee, Alaska State House of Representatives

Former Co-Chair, Resources Committee, Alaska State House of Representatives

Former Member, Select Committee on Legislative Ethics, Alaska State House of Representatives

Former Member, Special Committee on Arctic Policy, Economic Development, & Tourism, Alaska State House of Representatives

Former Member, Subcommittee on Commerce, Community and Economic Development, Alaska State House of Representatives

Former Member, Subcommittee on Environmental Conservation, Alaska State House of Representatives

Former Member, Subcommittee on Labor and Workforce Development Alaska State House of Representatives

Former Member, Subcommittee on Natural Resources Alaska State House of Representatives

Former Member, Subcommittee on Revenue Alaska State House of Representatives

Former Member, Subcommittee on University of Alaska, Alaska State House of Representatives

Current Legislative Committees

Member, Finance Committee

Member, Joint Committee on Legislative Budget and Audit

Chair, Subcommittee on Judiciary

Chair, Subcommittee on Law

Chair, Subcommittee on University of Alaska

Religious, Civic, and other Memberships

  • JD, Law, Pennsylvania State University, Dickinson, 1997
  • MAT, Social Studies Education, University of Alaska, 1992, Grade Point Average of 3.8
  • BA, History, Whitman College, 1986, Grade Point Average of 3.1
  • President/Member, Board, Alaska Wildlife Alliance, present
  • Teacher, East High, present
  • Teacher, Rural Alaska, present
  • Teacher, University of Alaska Anchorage, present
  • Attorney, Law Offices of G.R. Eschbacher, 2008-2012
  • Attorney, Law Offices of Dan Allan and Associates, 2003-2008
  • Adjunct Instructor of Constitutional Law, University of Alaska at Anchorage, 2003-2008
  • Legislative Aide, Alaska State Legislature, 2003
  • Attorney, Law Offices of Joe P. Josephson, 2001-2003
  • Assistant District Attorney, State of Alaska: Criminal Division, 1999-2001
  • Law Clerk, Alaska Superior Court, 1997-1999
  • Teacher, Kuspuk School District, 1991-1994
  • Representative, Alaska State House of Representatives, District 17, 2015-present
  • Candidate, Alaska State House of Representatives, District 17, 2018
  • Representative, Alaska State House of Representatives, District 15, 2013-2015
  • Member, Alaska Bar Association, present
  • Member, Mid-Kuskokwim Education Association (NEA), present
  • Member, United Adjuncts, present
  • Commissoner, Municipal Planning and Zoning Commission, 2006-2008
  • Commissioner, Zoning Board of Examiners and Appeals, 2005-2006

Other Info

Current Car:

Ford Fiesta 2012

Date of Wedding Anniversary:

July 24, 2004

  • Joseph Josephson

  • Attorney

Favorite Actor/Actress:

Humphrey Bogart

Favorite Athlete:

Ichiro Suzuki

Favorite Author:

Karl Marlantes

Favorite Book:

"Matterhorn"

Favorite Color:

Yellow

Favorite Food:

Strawberry

Favorite Movie:

New Cinema Paradiso

Favorite Musician:

Jason Aldean

Favorite President and Why:

Lincoln: abolition

Favorite Quote:

I don't give'em hell; I tell them the truth and they think it's hell.

Favorite Sport:

Baseball

Favorite TV Shows:

Mary Tyler Moore Show

Favorite Type of Music:

Contemporary Country

Favorite Vacation Spot:

Hawaii

Favorite Websites:

Seattle Mariners; Real Clear Politics

First Car:

Hornet Sportabout Stationwagon, American Motors Corporation

First Job:

Hawker; Mulcahy Stadium Anchorage

Hobbies or Special Talents:

reading, traveling, Seattle Mariners, alpine skiing, backpacking, fishing, kayaking, softball, tennis, competititve running & swimming

Sports, politics, travel

  • Zander

  • Librarian; administrative assistant; historian

Name one thing you would most like to do before you die:

Write and publish history

Names of Grandchildren:

None

  • None

Personal Hero and Why:

Fredrick Douglas: courage

Person Most Want to Meet (Dead or Alive):

Ichiro Suzuki

  • None

Priority Issues:

Wise use of natural resources, education, civil rights, economic issues

— Publications:

  • Dickinson School of Law; Journal of Environmental Law & Policy

Reason for Seeking Public Office:

A great passion for Alaska and concern for its future

Much of our current legislature is made up of career politicians, more interested in making a name for themselves and preserving their paycheck, than in the people they represent.

It might surprise many Alaskans to learn that despite the partisan nature of what goes on in our capitol building, the majority of the state is neither lifelong Republican nor diehard Democrat. Alaskans tend to vote for people, not parties. I think we need legislators who are willing to remove their red/blue bifocals and actually examine the issues.

For this reason, I want to bring an ethos of careful research and intelligent consideration to Juneau. Critical questions about tax breaks for oil companies, sustainable education models, and the management of Alaska's resources, cannot be answered satisfactorily with a shot gun yes or no. If we want to secure a prosperous future for Alaska, we need to be ready to ask tough questions and demand the truth.

I have served Alaska as a teacher, a lawyer, and an engaged citizen. I believe I understand the needs and values of the everyday Alaskan, because that is exactly what I am.

Spouse's Occupation:

Lutheran School Teacher

Policy Positions

Alaska State Legislative Election 2016 Political Courage Test

Abortion & Reproductive

1. Do you generally support pro-choice or pro-life legislation?
- Pro-choice

2. Should abortions be illegal after the first trimester of pregnancy?
- No

3. Should abortion be legal when the pregnancy resulted from incest or rape?
- Yes

4. Should abortion be legal when the life of the woman is endangered?
- Yes

5. Do you support requiring parental notification before an abortion is performed on a minor?
- Yes

6. Do you support requiring parental consent before an abortion is performed on a minor?
- No

7. Do you support the prohibition of public funds for abortion procedures?
- No

8. Do you support the prohibition of public funds for organizations that perform abortions?
- No

9. Other or expanded principles
- b, above) the question is one of "viability" under Roee, above) with exceptions

Budget, Spending, & Tax

Budget Stabilization:

Indicate which proposals you support (if any) for balancing Alaska's budget.

1. Tapping into Alaska's "rainy day" fund
- Yes

2. Decreasing funding for public universities
- No

3. Reducing state employee salaries AND/OR pensions
- No

4. Instituting mandatory furloughs AND/OR layoffs for state employees
- No

5. Reducing benefits for Medicaid recipients
- No

6. Other or expanded principles
- c, above) Potentially a reduction of some, select exempt salaries. Not all, however.

State Spending:

Indicate what state funding levels (#1-6) you support for the following general categories. Select one level per category; you may use a number more than once.

1. Education (higher)
- Greatly Increase

2. Education (K-12)
- Slightly Increase

3. Environment
- Greatly Increase

4. Health care
- Maintain Status

5. Law enforcement/corrections
- Greatly Increase

6. Transportation/infrastructure
- Greatly Decrease

7. Welfare
- Maintain Status

8. Other or expanded categories
- No Answer

State Taxes:

Indicate what state tax levels (#1-6) you support for the following general categories. Select one level per category; you may use a number more than once.

1. Alcohol taxes
- Maintain Status

2. Cigarette taxes
- Slightly Increase

3. Corporate taxes
- Slightly Increase

4. Small business taxes
- Maintain Status

5. Gas/Oil taxes
- Slightly Increase

6. Property taxes
- Maintain Status

7. Other or expanded principles
- No Answer

Campaign Finance & Government Reform

Do you support limits on the following types of contributions for state candidates?

1. Individual
- Yes

2. Political Action Committee
- Yes

3. Corporate
- Yes

4. Political Party
- Yes

5. Should candidates for state office be encouraged to meet voluntary spending limits?
- No

6. Do you support requiring full and timely disclosure of campaign finance information?
- Yes

7. Do you support the use of an independent AND/OR bipartisan commission for redistricting?
- Yes

8. Do you support requiring a government-issued photo identification in order to vote at the polls?
- No

Do you support limits on the following types of contributions for state candidates?

1. Other or expanded principles
- b) this is a meaningless exercise

Crime & Public Safety

1. Do you support capital punishment for certain crimes?
- No

2. Do you support alternatives to incarceration for certain non-violent offenders, such as mandatory counseling or substance abuse treatment?
- Yes

3. Should a minor accused of a violent crime be prosecuted as an adult?
- Yes

4. Do you support the enforcement of federal immigration laws by state and local police?
- No

5. Do you support delaying the seizure of assets by law enforcement officials until after a conviction?
- No

6. Other or expanded principles
- a) almost entirely "no". There are exceptions. I approve of the use of capital punishment for Tim McVeigh, for instance. b) very broadly, "yes". In principle.c) Yes, if the crime is among the most heinous crimes codified, yes.

Economic

1. Do you support government spending as a means of promoting economic growth?
- Yes

2. Do you support lowering taxes as a means of promoting economic growth?
- Yes

3. Do you support reducing government regulations on the private sector?
- Yes

4. Do you support increased state funding for job-training programs that re-train displaced workers?
- Yes

5. Do you support expanding access to unemployment benefits?
- Yes

6. Do you support requiring welfare applicants to pass a drug test in order to receive benefits?
- No

7. Do you support providing financial incentives to the private sector for the purpose of job creation?
- Yes

8. Do you support providing direct financial assistance to homeowners facing foreclosure?
- Yes

9. Do you support an increase of the minimum wage?
- Yes

10. Should employers be able to ask about applicants' criminal history before interviewing them?
- Yes

11. Other or expanded principles
- h, above) Perhaps.

Education

1. Do you support the national Common Core State Standards initiative?
- Yes

2. Do you support a merit pay system for teachers?
- No

3. Is the tenure process for public school teachers producing effective teachers?
- Yes

4. Should parents be allowed to use vouchers to send their children to any school?
- No

5. Do you support state funding for charter schools?
- Yes

6. Do you support the state government providing college students with financial aid?
- Yes

7. Should illegal immigrants who graduate from Alaska high schools be eligible for in-state tuition at public universities?
- Yes

8. Other or expanded principles
- g, above): here, I sense that you are referring to young people.

Environment & Energy

1. Do you support state funding for the development of renewable energy (e.g. solar, wind, thermal)?
- Yes

2. Do you support state funding for the development of traditional domestic energy sources (e.g. coal, natural gas, oil)?
- Yes

3. Do you support state funding for improvements to Alaska's energy infrastructure?
- Yes

4. Do you support state funding for open space preservation?
- Yes

5. Do you support government regulations of greenhouse gas emissions?
- Yes

6. Do you support increased regulations of the hydraulic fracturing ("fracking") industry?
- Yes

7. Do you support oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge?
- Yes

8. Other or expanded principles
- b, above); limited, yes.c, above); limited, yes.

Gun

1. Do you generally support gun-control legislation?
- No

2. Should background checks be required on gun sales between private citizens at gun shows?
- Yes

3. Should citizens be allowed to carry concealed guns?
- No Answer

4. Should a license be required for gun possession?
- No Answer

5. Other or expanded principles
- a, above); this would be a fruitless exercise in Alaska.

Health

1. Do you support a universally-accessible, publicly-administered health insurance option?
- Yes

2. Do you support expanding access to health care through commercial health insurance reform?
- Yes

3. Do you support interstate health insurance compacts?
- Yes

4. Do you support Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act ("Obamacare")?
- Yes

5. Do you support requiring individuals to purchase health care insurance?
- Yes

6. Do you support monetary limits on damages that can be collected in malpractice lawsuits?
- Yes

7. Other or expanded principles
- e, above); yes, I think we need to find cheaper options, however.f, above); sure, but they may be very generous.

Social

1. Do you support same-sex marriage?
- Yes

2. Do you support the inclusion of sexual orientation in Alaska's anti-discrimination laws?
- Yes

3. Do you support the inclusion of gender identity in Alaska's anti-discrimination laws?
- Yes

4. Other or expanded principles
- No Answer

Legislative Priorities

In the following area, please explain in a total of 100 words or less, your top two or three priorities if elected. If they require additional funding for implementation, please explain how you would obtain this funding.
- A fiscal plan so that we don't crash our economy and sustain our outstanding credit ratings, among other reasons.Any reasonable law that increases the protection of our natural resources.

State Bills
Events

2020

May 4
Virtual Coffee with a Constituent

Mon 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM AKDT

Feb. 22
Mid-Session Constituent Meeting

Sat 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM AKST

Legislative Information Office, 1500 W. Benson Blvd. Anchorage, AK