Patricia R. Chesbro

Patricia R. Chesbro earned a bachelor's degree in education from Syracuse University and a master's degree in education from the State University of New York at Albany. Chesbro's career experience includes working as a teacher and a principal with Palmer High School, the superintendent of schools of the MatSu School District, and the interim dean of the University of Alaska at Anchorage College of Education. She has served as the president of the MatSu Education Association.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is Patricia Chesbro and I am a woman who has savored the joy and endured the pain as a daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, cousin, and grandmother. As a professional educator, I actively support my community through volunteering on nonprofit boards and serving on a governmental commission. I am a woman who is a citizen of Alaska and of the United States of America who believes that we only live up to our Pledge of Allegiance when we are indivisible and when we work to ensure liberty and justice for all.

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?

The long-term effort to deny or diminish the rights of women to choose their own health care is frightening and outrageous. The leaked draft decision of the United States Supreme Court is unprecedented. Women are wise and understand their own life circumstances. Women have many reasons to choose to begin or end a pregnancy and those decisions should be decided upon by the woman and her doctor. The government should have absolutely no say or role in determining whether a woman can be permitted to have an abortion.Education is vital to a healthy democracy. As such, our education system must be vibrant and robust. Every student must be challenged to learn and think. Our current environment is awash with lies and hatred. People who are bent on destroying democracy use propaganda and to make our children feel like victims in their own country. Those that spew disinformation count on building fear and distrust. Good classroom teaching engages students in analyzing information so that they have the tools to question those lies and half-truths. Good classroom teaching prepares young people to be confident citizens who believe they have a voice in their own future.Every world citizen must commit to restoring health to the world’s natural environment. Elected officials are especially important in this effort. The science is clear that our Earth is endangered by human practices. The United States, for example, seems especially reluctant to both admit our role in a warming climate, rising seas, unpredictable weather, air and water pollution, increased wildfires and the many effects of our extensive use of fossil fuels. We cannot turn off the spigot on fossil fuels. We can invest in our future through developing our renewable resources to create the energy on which we depend. We can learn about our personal life choices to ensure a healthy planet.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Health care policy is an overarching concern. Public policy must address the burgeoning opioid crisis as well as the increasing maternal mortality rate, especially among women of color. However, public policy also must address the assault, often in the name of religion, on women’s reproductive choices. Public policy should not be decided on religious grounds.

Education policy is largely a state responsibility. However, the federal government must create policies that protect students and ensure that schools provide equitable treatment and opportunities for all. Further, federal dollars must support federal mandates.

Environment policy has become even more vital as we witness the dire effects of climate change. These policies are and should be regulatory. Yet incentives must also be embedded in environmental policies.

Finally, we should rigorously evaluate policies to assess their effectiveness in solving the problems they intend to solve.

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

Above all, elected officials must be honest truthtellers. They must be willing to listen and consider views that do not parallel their own. They must act for the greater good rather than their reelection, working to find compromise when necessary.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

We were in Latin class when the principal announced that JFK had been shot in Dallas. At that moment the world went silent. School was dismissed and we went home to watch, again and again, footage of the terrible scene. Soon we learned that our young, vibrant President had died from the gunshot wound. We watched Jackie Kennedy, in her blood-stained pink suit, witness the swearing in of Lyndon Johnson. We continued to watch as John Jr. saluted the funeral procession. I will never forget the unspeakable sadness and disbelief surrounding this time.

What is your favorite book? Why?

I recently read Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr. As I finished, I wished I had a classroom of teenagers to join me in delving into this book. It depicts characters from different time periods in different circumstances that share some common life journeys. It is layered with meaning and symbolism. One recurring symbol is that of an owl. Owls live within darkness and represent mystery, wisdom, and ancient knowledge. Interestingly, the day after I finished the book, we sighted an owl perched on a tree in front of my house.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I believe that elected officials should first be citizens. Election should not be seen as a career, but as service. Further, I believe that long term legislators appear to become more in tune with reelection than with serving their constituents. I am for term limits.

What do you think of the filibuster?

One of the strengths of the Senate is that it gives each state, no matter how populated, equal say in the proceedings of the body. One of the weaknesses of the Senate is that states such as Alaska, whose senators represent a small population, have as much say as much more populous states, such as California. The current use of the filibuster has been weaponized against the American people. Those that represent the fewer have diminished the voice of the many. No other country has a rule, made by the legislative body itself, that requires sixty percent positive votes to pass legislation. This is a Senate rule that must be abandoned.

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Campaign website

Chesbro's campaign website stated the following:

DEVELOPING A THRIVING ECONOMY FOR ALASKANS

Create Jobs

Alaska has the opportunity to create jobs and develop much needed ferries, airports, resilient energy grids, and broadband through the bipartisan Infrastructure Act. I will look for opportunities to leverage state and federal funding to create jobs with sustainable wages.

Support Child Care

In order to thrive in the workplace, working families must have access to affordable childcare. I support the provisions in the Build Back Better Act that address the long-standing crisis in childcare in Alaska.

Renew 2021 Child Tax Credit

The 2021 Child Tax Credit of $3000-$3600 for all working families lifted many children out of poverty, but it was not extended beyond 2021. I will fight to reinstate the credit and expand it in the future.

Support Sustainable Resource Development

Alaskans rely on our rich environment for mining, drilling, tourism, fish and game harvesting, and recreation. I will support policies that promote all these activities and prioritize those that are sustainable.

"I am committed to expanding jobs and economic opportunity for all Alaskans."

PROMOTING A SUSTAINABLE WORKFORCE

Share the Wealth

Those that are blessed with great wealth have a responsibility to help others. I will fight to eliminate the disparity in economic opportunity for all Americans.

Value Working Families

All work contributes to the health of society, but not all work is paid at livable levels. I value all workers and will fight to protect their right to organize as Labor Unions. I support the PRO Act.

Build A Resilient Work Force

The work world is changing fast. Schooling can help our children thrive in this world and ongoing education can help older workers’ skills remain viable. I support lifelong learning opportunities.

Listen to Workers' Voices

Workers can see potential improvements if given the opportunity to be heard. Workers must be able to negotiate for fair wages and safe working conditions, using whatever structures work best. Engaged workers are energized and effective. I support the important role of Labor Unions in this effort.

"Beyond the individual workplace, we must ensure that our economy focuses on prosperity for all, and we must invest in industries that are future-oriented."

RESPECTING THE RIGHTS OF ALL AMERICANS

Eradicate Racism

Treating people differently because of skin color not only harms them but also deprives us of the gifts of their diverse abilities. I will promote polices that guarantee the respect and safety of all Americans.

Promote Equitable Education Systems

Strong education helps young people become resilient in this ever-changing world and gives students the tools to think critically. I fully support strengthening equitable educational systems and strengthening public education.

Narrow the Wealth Gap

39% of the total U.S. wealth is held by the richest one percent of households. Millions of children live in poverty and have little hope of ever increasing their financial status. I will work towards the eradication of child poverty and the lifting up of the other 99%.

Protect Pro-Choice Policies

Women’s rights to make their own decisions and conduct their lives have been overruled, and they are losing their control over their own reproductive health. Our young women need assurance that that right will be theirs too. I’ll stand up and fight for the rights of women to get the medical care they need, including abortion.

Protect BIPOC and LGBTQ+ Civil Rights

I will join with our marginalized persons, no matter the color of their skins, their country of origin, or their LGBTQ+ identities, in making this world a more inclusive place.

"Our diversity is our strength. We must not only tolerate, but also respect those with different backgrounds, traditions, and world views."

PROTECTING OUR ENVIRONMENT

Achieve Food Security

Food insecurity haunts much of the nation and the world. As the fertility of our lands is diminished by chemicals, drought, or poor agricultural practices, our food supply becomes endangered. I will support local farmers to develop innovative sustainable methods to ensure food security.

Mitigate Environment Threats

It is vital to oversee the removal of toxic remnants of industrial or military activities on our lands. Potentially dangerous projects, such as Pebble Mine or Palmer Project, must be rejected. I will fight ill-conceived projects that pit non-renewable against sustainable resources.

Harness Renewable Energy

New products and processes can help diminish our dependence on fossil fuels for transportation, heating, and the manufacture of plastics and other disposable materials. Alaska can be a laboratory for small and localized renewable energy. I will fight for solutions that harness the great potential for renewable energy in Alaska and America.

Protect Our Land, Air, and Water

Our lives depend on clean air and water; our sustenance comes from the land. I will work to protect these essential environments.

"It is not too late to heed the clear warnings of scientists. It is irresponsible to leave our mistakes for our children to fix. I will fight to leave a healthy earth."

CHILD SAFETY AND WELFARE

Curb Gun Violence

I support policies that will curb the epidemic of gun violence in America and the research needed to understand and address this problem.

Invest in Child-Friendly Community Spaces

Much of the country has gone from community-supported activities to school or parent-financed

activities. Some parents can afford music lessons, dance instruction, summer camps, and other activities for their children, but many cannot. I will support investment in infrastructure and programs that will create child-friendly community spaces.

Promote Child Safety Nets

I support reducing the poverty, abuse, loss of caregivers, illness, bullying, unsafe living conditions, and other issues that directly impact children’s lives.

Make Schools Safer

Schools must be both physically and emotionally safe. Adequate staffing, safe facilities, equitable opportunities to learn, and positive environments are essential. Bullying needs to be revealed and eliminated. I will support measures for safer schools.

"Our children trust us to create a world in which they can thrive. The legacy we leave behind for our future and our children's future should not be one of destruction and disregard"[6]

—Patricia Chesbro's campaign website (2022)[7]

Chesbro's website highlighted the following campaign themes:[8]

Alaska's Angel Fund

Excerpt: "Angel funds, often financed by individual investors, invest in entrepreneurs. Increasingly, Alaska residents with good ideas are stifled by red tape and the unwillingness of banks to take a risk on their ventures. I propose that our state invest $25 million in such a venture capital fund."

Expand educational opportunity

Excerpt: "Investing in education that works in Alaska will pay dividends far into our future. Trust me to work for the success of all of our learners."

The Road to Fiscal Ruin

Excerpt: "Moving forward I will: Believe Professor Goldsmith’s predictions; Work with Alaskans to develop a long term vision for our state, ensuring that we are focusing on our priorities; Critically examine the value of expensive capital projects while protecting services to our citizens; Collaborate to develop a plan for sustainability and economic growth; Consider other revenue streams; and Insist that we move forward with Alaska’s plan, disciplining ourselves to avoid special interest spending."