Shirley Saucerman, M.D.
No Party PreferenceQ1 America has a growing artificial intelligence (AI) industry, supporting cutting edge innovation and reshaping businesses, but raising concerns about education, ownership, and security. Application of AI technology has increased the demand placed on data centers, controversial for their resource use (such as water and land) and raising utility costs. What are your policy positions in regards to data centers and AI? What sources of evidence informed these positions?
AI data centers should be held accountable and moratorium placed on them until We The People are the ones to receive financial benefit for our general knowledge and until the great concern over the water and resources used as well as to the negative purposes for which AI can be used are better resolved.
KEYWORDS: Accountability
Q2 Alaska’s coastal resources are among the best-managed and most sustainable in the world, with research and monitoring having allowed ocean ecosystems to support not only commercial fisheries, but also recreational fishing, tourism, and culture throughout the state. What are your policy positions for the continued management of Alaska’s coastal resources?
Support of Bycatch Reduction and Research Act
KEYWORDS: Bycatch Reduction and Research Act
Q3 Alaska has one of the highest energy consumptions per capita of any US state, with energy resources primarily underpinned by oil and gas, but an increasing diversification into renewables like hydropower. As electricity demand increases across the country due to manufacturing, electrification, and data infrastructure, what role, if any, do you believe alternative energy sources, such as solar, wind, or geothermal, should play in Alaska’s future energy mix? What policies, if any, would you support related to alternative energy development, regulation, and/or research, and why?
Alternative energy sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal are critical. The devastating effects of global warming are being felt all over with more than 10,000 people dying in Europe so far this summer from the heat and much of the U.S. experiencing extreme heat and the negative health effects of smoke from wildfires.
KEYWORDS: Global warming, Existential crisis.
Q4 Alaska faces unique obstacles in its transportation infrastructure due to its vast size, rugged landscape, and harsh weather. These challenges have led to significant advances in cold-weather design, seismic resilience, and drone inspections, but issues remain: for instance, Alaska’s ports continue to face maintenance challenges as they age, and many of the state’s interior communities remain poorly connected to rail and highway transportation networks. What are your policy positions on the management of Alaska’s transportation infrastructure in the face of these unique challenges?
Increased support to our state ferry system, free pubic transportation for all in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau and other major centers and increased public transportation between cities on the road system, ferry system, and rail.
KEYWORDS: Support state ferry system, public transportation in major centers.
Q6 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?
Scientific evidence should be considered on all policy issues.
KEYWORDS: Accountability, Existential Threat