Joy Cottle

Joy Cottle was born in Nome, Alaska. She earned a high school diploma from Delta Junction Alternative School, an associate degree from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 2001, a bachelor's degree from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 2007, and an associate degree from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 2010. Her career experience includes working as a firefighter and paramedic.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I'm a lifetime Alaskan born in Nome and raised in Delta Junction on a farm. Helping and advocating for people is my passion which translates directly to my job as a firefighter and paramedic. When I arrive at the scene of your emergency, I don't ask who you voted for or your party registration. I ask "What happened?" and "Where does it hurt?" and "Is everyone out of the house?"

Those traits translate to how I'll work for Alaskans in Juneau. I'll collaborate to change the conversation from "us vs. them" to "us vs. the problems".

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?

Our families deserve to have safe and staffed neighborhood schools. Three schools have closed in District 34 alone in the past few years, and the impacts it's had on rural residents have been enormous. I support local control of school decisions, and pledge to ensure the state is doing its part to fund education.Energy costs in the Interior have steadily increased over the past years, but we are reeling from absorbing a historic hike recently. And that wasn't the first hike of the year - there were two more.

I'll support projects that result in more affordable energy. I'd like to see more renewable energy sources in the hands of Alaskan residents. Power to the people.As a firefighter in Fairbanks since 1999, I'm passionate about ensuring our public safety professionals are supported. In the broad sense of the term, this includes state workers responsible for keeping our roads repaired and plowed. Public employees deserve fair wages and benefits and a dignified retirement at the end of their career.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I'm passionate about ensuring access to healthcare for Alaskans, women particularly. Working as a medevac attendant in the early 2000's, I saw first-hand the impacts of delayed healthcare for those in the Interior villages. I've worked locally as a paramedic in addition to my fire role for the past 16 years, and I'm committed to ensuring patient education and access to quality healthcare across Alaska.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

International Association of Firefighters Local 1324

Public Employees Local 71

NEA-PACE

Alaska Public Employees Association/AFT

UA Local 375

Laborers Local 942

Alaska Laborers Local 341

Fairbanks Central Labor Council

Teamsters Local 959

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Joy Beth Cottle was born in Alaska and raised on a farm in Delta Junction before attending UAF on multiple scholarships in 1999. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology, Associates in Municipal Fire Science, and an Associates in Emergency Medical Services from UAF throughout her career, and in 2003, became the first female firefighter hired at Fairbanks Fire Department. Promoting through Driver and Captain ranks to Battalion Chief, she left employment at the City of Fairbanks in 2021 to pursue her passion training firefighters at the University Fire Department.

She continues to teach student firefighters the tricks of the trade, to implement cost-saving measures, and to support and mentor women entering the fire service. She spends her free time pursuing a variety of recreational hobbies including fishing and hunting with family, fly-tying, adventuring with her pups, and motorcycling, and she lifts weights regularly for health and career longevity.

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?

I will support measures that reduce energy costs in the interior.I will support raising the BSA permanently and keeping it in line with rising inflation. Our children deserve well-funded schools.Employee retention in schools and public safety is critically low, and the cost of turnover, hiring bonuses necessary, and inability to recruit adequately point to a need to address the retirement system currently in effect.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Education is important to me both personally and from a policy standpoint. As a graduate of UAF and having participated in diverse K-12 experiences, I can see the impact that experienced educators have in the classroom. Class size, teacher experience, and adequate tutoring assistance are all factors playing into student success, and successful Alaskan children are our future workforce.

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

My first job was as a laborer on a farm on Delta Junction. One of my brothers and I worked on the farm for two years to harvest, wash, sort, and package carrots for commercial sale.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Four Agreements is a book I've read several times and continuously work to implement in my day to day life. The concepts are as follows:

1. Be impeccable with your word

2. Don't take anything personally

3. Don't make assumptions

4. Always do your best

I think these principles translate well into both everyday life as well as provide the framework for an excellent campaign outlook.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Wonder Woman

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

I interacted with two separate single mothers at my fair booth within a ten minute time period who had plans to leave the state. They both cited the high costs of energy and school closures as primary reasons for making the move. One of them lamented, "I love Alaska, but there is no future here for my children and me."

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I believe it's important to solicit input from affected stakeholders and other citizens on projects, budgetary issues, and legislation so we make decisions that benefit our whole community, not just the community members who speak up. When we approach complaints and concerns with humility and the willingness to see other viewpoints, trust is developed with those whom we serve, and we can find common ground from which to work.

In my various leadership positions within emergency services, I've fielded a number of complaints and concerns. I've found that those who muster up the bravery to bring an issue to the attention of our leadership often are seeking to be heard or their feelings validated, and once we share a common understanding of how the incident affected them, we can discuss the facts of the situation objectively. As a public servant for the last 25 years, I'm accountable for my actions both on and off duty, and I will continue as your representative.