Here in Homer, I have worked as a commercial fisherman. I know what it takes to be a small business owner, having run a marine charter business and bear viewing business.
Recently, I have served our community on the Homer City Council. My wife Renae is a family nurse practitioner and served our country for 12 years as a lieutenant commander in our Navy.
I believe the primary purpose of our representatives is to listen to you, the constituents. I have tried to run my campaign as an example of what our legislators can do. I have gone door to door, talking with you and your neighbors. Two hundred and fifty people receive weekly campaign updates from me, and many more view my Web site (www.yourkowski.org) every day. I strive to get input and feedback from you, the voters.
Our current state senator was appointed by Gov. Frank Murkowski, and since then has voted with the governor an astounding 95 percent of the time. The Frank Murkowski-Gary Stevens team ended the Longevity Bonus, reduced our PFDs, increased business license fees, repealed Community Schools, reduced Denali Kid care, and the list goes on.
Sadly, my desire for open government, is not shared by this team. They meet in secret, closed caucuses. They have increased the role of big, powerful donors in elections. They have made lobbying harder to track.
We need jobs not broken promises. Let's build the gas pipeline now and make sure gas gets to all our homes and businesses. The economic benefits will be staggering. Cheap energy will enable us to add value to all our resources creating employment and opportunity.
Pebble mine is another opportunity for our communities. Let's be sure to monitor it closely for minimal impact on fisheries, wildlife and culture.
It is time for a change in Juneau. It is time to elect our senator, instead of accepting Murkowski's appointments. It is time to send someone you trust to Juneau, someone you know. We cannot afford a go-along, yes-sir senator. We need a strong senator to stand up for us.
I will preserve the permanent fund dividend, demand that Alaskans receive a fair share of our oil wealth and work to protect commercial fishing from processor takeover.
If elected to the Senate, you'll be my boss, not Frank Murkowski. I'll put you first, not party politics. I'll work with the governor, but I won't be a rubber stamp for destructive policies.
I would be honored to receive your vote.
My name is Mike Yourkowski, and I want to be your senator. Alaska's people must be strong and self-reliant. We meet the elements head-on to get the job done. When it comes to politicians, we don't need positions carefully calculated for re-election, we need someone to state a strong opinion that comes from the heart. I will not hold back when it comes to supporting the goals of my fellow Alaskans.
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