Charles Kopp

Charles Kopp graduated from Cook Inlet Academy in 1983. He earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from the University of Alaska Anchorage in 1987. Kopp's career experience includes working in public safety at the Anchorage and Kenai Police Departments. He previously served as Kenai's Chief of Police. He was elected to serve in the Alaskan House of Representatives.[2]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My wife, Trish, and I are both lifelong Alaskans born in Anchorage, Alaska. We met at UAA while pursuing our education and have been married for 36 years. We were blessed to raise our three children in this great state and are now proud grandparents. I have been fortunate to work in Alaska’s private and public sectors over the past 40 years as a small business owner, commercial fisherman, police officer, police chief, city manager, and legislator from 2016 to 2020. I’ve experienced the challenges, and learned what it takes to get things done in both the private and public

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

My commitment is to be a responsive Representative, to listen to the people, to lead with courage and to work collaboratively for the future of Alaska. I will strive to support longterm gain for our children and grandchildren. Our next generation deserves better.I bring a lifetime of Alaska-based experience to the job. I will seek to understand and carefully consider the consequences of issues before the Legislature, recognizing the signifcant responsiblity to my constituents, their families and our businesses. I will be a strong advocate for quality education, safe neighborhoods, spending discipline, road maintenance and responsible natural resource development.Alaska is in a critical time with the outmigration of our workforce. We have to be a more competitive employer. The cost of doing nothing is the devastation of public safety in our communities as most police departments and the State Troopers are severely understaffed. Additionally, our schools are unable to attract and retain qualified teachers and support staff. We must have the discussion of what we can do to turn this around and restore these vital services to our communities.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Public safety, natural resource production, reducing homelessness, education, and private property rights.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Courage to lead on tough policy decisions. Responsive and accountable representation to the constituents. A commitment to consensus building over partisan separation.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I have a genuine concern for people and the issues of importance to them. I take action, follow through and get things done.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Uphold the oath of office for an elected official.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Made the hard choices for Alaska.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Commercial fishing in Bristol Bay for sockeye salmon. It is still the family business.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

I believe in our federalist structure of government that brings us the ideal model of separation of powers among the three branches of government. I believe the Governor should respect the Legislature's constitutional power of appropriation, and the Legislature should defer to the Governor's authority to execute the law.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Energy supply crisis. An outmigration of our workforce. Homelessness.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

It is very helpful.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Absolutely. The best outcomes are always found through productive interaction of people who may not be like minded but are committed to solving the issues of the day.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Yes. Alaska law already provides for this in many instances.

Charles Kopp did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2020 Candidate Connection survey.