State of Alaska

Division of Elections

District 21 Map

My Response to Recent Negative Accusations

Ethics: 

I support Campaign Finance Reform, EXCEPT for 2 parts of my opponent’s misguided initiative: 

• It reads that contributions of $100 or less can be anonymous.  I believe ALL contributions and their employers should be disclosed.
• It burdens and prevents normal Alaskans from talking to their Legislators, because they (including students) have to register as a lobbyist over 10 hours.  There are 60 Legislators plus the Governor, which makes this requirement onerous.  Alaskans need MORE access to their government, not less.

 I returned the 6 checks of $500 from Veco, and announced it publicly many months ago.  It was the right thing to do.

 Education: 

After two meetings with the NEA where I pledged to support quality education, they told me “Harry is our Union guy”, and that I should not bother with their survey.

My brother was an Alaska teacher who left teaching because he could not discipline his students or have any control of his classroom.  He also disliked being forced to join the NEA to be a teacher.

 Alaska spends 58% of the budget in the classroom, and ranks 45^th state in the USA .  I support First Class Education’s 65% Solution, which is now law in 4 states and in legislation or initiative in 18 other states.  Read about this national movement for better classrooms: http://www.firstclasseducation.org/

 Property Taxes:

 Was taken out of context.  Question posed as restoring “Municipal Assistance Program”.  I answered: “Resources should be shared with fairness and equality, a level playing field.  I do not know the details of this program.” 

 I want to study the effect and consequences of this program, as the details are critical.  I will always support lower taxes and more efficient government spending.

 Liquor & Gambling:

 I do not know any “pro-gambling” or “liquor lobby” interests involved in my campaign.  I have only received one PAC check of $1000 from CHARR, and one check for $1000 from a CHARR officer.  CHARR represents the hospitality, hotel, restaurant, and retailing employees.  I plan to lead the fight for tougher impaired driver laws, and feel that casinos should stay in Vegas.

HOUSE CANDIDATE JEFF GONNASON RETURNS 
VECO CONTRIBUTIONS

Anchorage - September 7, 2006 - Jeff Gonnason, Republican Candidate for House District 21, has returned $3000 in campaign contributions from executives of Veco, stating that it would be inappropriate to keep the contributions while the oil field service company is under investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service. Gonnason is returning six $500 Veco contributions received last year that carried over to his 2006 campaign.

“One of the reasons I’m running for office is my strong belief in total transparency in government,” said Gonnason. “As a small businessman myself, I believe business people have a democratic right to participate in government, but I don’t want this matter to distract us from focusing on the issues at stake in this election.”

Jeff Gonnason, a Doctor of Optometry, is taking a second run at the seat currently held by Democratic Representative Harry Crawford.