Senator Drue Pearce was interviewed by YRock.com and recently featured in their top elected official of the week feature. YRock.com is a national web site maintained by the Young Republican National Federation.

Questions:

What is a typical day like for you?

There is no typical day in the legislature. Typically, in late summer, early autumn, legislators become more active as they meet with their constituents and explore language for legislation they plan to introduce during the legislative session. The majority of work occurs in session. On a typical session day I will attend a breakfast meeting to discuss legislative priorities to constituent and/or industry groups. Around 8:00 a.m. I arrive at my office and meet with my staff to receive progress reports and discuss office matters and scheduling issues. Depending upon the time I will meet with constituents or legislators. By mid-morning I am presiding over the Senate floor session. Floor sessions early on in the legislative session are shorter in length and involve the introduction and reading of proposed legislation. Towards mid-session, floor sessions are longer as substantive points of legislation are debated and voted upon. After session ends I will grab some lunch (if I have the time) and proceed on to committee meetings to discuss various legislative proposals and attend work groups designed to explore and finalize legislative language. Towards mid-session and beyond I spend the afternoon and early evening hours reading mail, finishing office projects and meeting with legislators, individually, or in caucus, to discuss legislative priorities, scheduling and other similar matters.

As the highest elected Republican official for the state of Alaska, what extra responsibilities do you have?

As Alaska's Senate President, I'm the most visible member of the Senate. Because of this status I wear many hats. First, I have my responsibilities to my Anchorage constituents. Second, I represent the legislature in a variety of forums within the state and across the country year round. As Senate President it is important to differentiate between my position and my party. Thoughout the year, but primarily during session, an important function I hold is to promote the legislative priorities of my republican colleagues in the Senate. These priorities consist of party platform positions and the constituent demands of their respective constituents. I often meet and discuss legislation and other issues with Senate Democrats, the Governor and members of the House majority and minority. It is also important to remember that nothing is black and white and that a majority of the issues that impact this state require the input and support of a majority of the legislature and Alaskans as a whole.

How did you get involved in politics and what led you to your current position?

My father was elected to county office and the school board in Southern Illinois and I became interested in politics. I worked as a legislative aid in Juneau during the 1983 session. [I left employment in the legislature to prepare my bid for the Alaska House of Representatives.] In anticipation of running for elected office, I attended the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and received a Masters Degree in Public Administration. I then was elected and served in the House for four years before running for the Alaska Senate. I was elected Senate President on two occasions because I work hard, I try hard to be fair and because I have earned the trust and confidence of my Senate colleagues.

With what core Republican issues do you best identify?

The core Republican issues I identify strongly with are exploring ways to reduce state spending and to bring maximum efficiency to existing government programs. The best example of this is the recent completion of the Republic-led majority's five-year plan to reduce state spending by $250 million. [For more details go to the Alaska Majority website at: http://www.akrepublicans,org/5yearplan105032000.htm and http://www.akrepublicans.org/pastlegs/commitme.htm. At the same time an important priority is to increase state revenues by creating new opportunities to develop Alaska's vast oil and natural gas resources. Opening ANWR is one key to accomplishing this mission. Creating opportunities for a natural gas pipeline within the state as well as developing gas-to-liquid technologies are important as well. At the same time we must explore new revenue sources and increasing revenue opportunities in mining, commercial fishing and tourism.

What is the biggest challenge you face as the Senate President of Alaska?

Dealing with the personalities of 20 strong-willed elected Senators (myself included!) who represent constituents with disparate regional needs and who possess many different legislative styles and philosophies, i.e., liberal, moderate, and conservative.

What is your greatest accomplishment, either personal or political?

Personally, I have a happy healthy six-year old daughter and an exceptionally supportive husband.

Politically, as a lifelong republican, I have dedicated my political career to creating a smaller and smarter state government that reflects sound fiscal spending and enacting legislation to improve Alaska's socioeconomic foundation. My chief purpose in this is to create a better place to live for future generations.

To create this better Alaska I have drawn upon my many areas of specific knowledge and expertise. One of these areas is Alaska's oil industry (which is also the state's primary source of private and public revenue). I have been instrumental in developing and implementing oil spill response legislation to protect the Alaska environment while assisting the oil industry to responsibly explore and develop our oil and natural gas resources on the North Slope. In fact, after the Exxon Valdez oil spill, I chaired the House Oil and Gas Committee. In that position I drafted legislation creating some of the strongest oil spill prevention laws in the world.

As a member of the Republican-led majority in the legislature, I have worked with my colleagues to reduce state spending by $250 million dollars, to fully fund K-12 education, to downsize government, and to pass several important legislative reforms involving welfare and our criminal and civil legal system.

How have you worked with young people during your political carrier?

Because of the numerous leadership positions I have held in the Alaska Legislature, I have been especially involved with young people. I have spoken at schools across the state. I wrote legislation that established a Teen Pregnancy Task Force, then served as a member and worked to see our recommendations become law. I'm pleased to say that the rate of teen pregnancy in Alaska has been declining ever since I got legislation passed implementing the programs.

What are your goals for the future?

I wish my crystal ball could see that far ahead. Currently, I have two more years to serve as a state senator. Frankly, my future choices will be dictated by many future factors such as the needs of my constituents and the issues facing the state. For sixteen years I have developed a strong understanding of the socioeconomic forces that are shaping our state. I have dedicated my professional life to serving the public and plan to continue to do so for many years to come.

Do you see a responsibility for elected officials and party members to mentor Young Republicans? Explain.

Yes. Just as education issues are important areas that are subject to legislation, I believe that party members and elected officials have an inherent obligation to mentor Young Republicans. Your membership is the future of the party. Without a broad education a person has a harder time reaching their full potential.

What advice do you have for Young Republicans?

There are two simple pieces of advice I have for all our young people: get involved and stay informed.

As a member of the Young Republicans you have taken one step -- learning the political process. Keep up on the issues affecting the community and your country. This way you will always make informed decisions at the voting booth and wherever your political career will take take you.

Note: Republican Senator Drue Pearce represents Senate District F in Anchorage. She serves as Senate President of the 21st Alaska State Legislature, marking her second appointment to this position.

| Top | Senator Pearce's Page |