8-10-16 Alaska's Governor Adds Advisor Costs To Deficit Spending

8-10-16 Alaska’s Governor Adds Advisor Costs To Deficit Spending

Deficit Spending Governor Hires More High Powered “Advisors” (We join Ak-Headlamp in expressing respect for economist John Tichotsky, but disappointment in a governor who ignores the meaning of “Hiring Freeze”. -dh)

Two’s company. Gov. Bill Walker hired former chief economist John Tichotsky and former commercial analyst with the state’s natural resources department Ed King as economic advisors. “John kind of ran the economic staff kind of like a think tank — which was great when we had the money for it,” said Randy Hoffbeck, the state revenue commissioner. Tichotsky’s new position, in the governor’s office, “fits his skill set better,” Hoffbeck said. Headlamp has great respect for the work Tichotsky has done for the state but wonders when a hiring freeze really means a hiring freeze?

Generally a good idea. General James Jones and General Joseph Ralston penned an op-ed for CNBC calling for increased investment in the Arctic. According to the Generals, “the U.S. has witnessed a worrying decline in its own capability and investment…Private investment and U.S. presence in the Arctic have been underpinned by the oil and gas industry, and it is important to keep all options on the table in the rapidly-changing context of the Arctic.” The two former NATO Generals couldn’t be more right. Arctic issues should be of the upmost importance to American foreign policy.

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First Reads

Alaska Gov. Walker hires two new assistants, including former state economist Tichotsky
Alaska Dispatch News, Nathaniel Herz, August 9, 2016

It is critical for the US to invest in the Arctic
CNBC, Gen. James Jones and Gen. Joseph Ralston, August 9, 2016

Dillingham takes part in spill drill
KDLG, Shaylon Cochran, August 9, 2016

New political group backs legislative candidates who favor broad deficit-reduction plan
Alaska Dispatch News, Nathaniel Herz, August 10, 2016

CEA to Launch National Pipeline Campaign to Educate Consumers on How U.S. Energy Infrastructure Ensures Stable Energy Prices

About the Author: wpnorthern

Dave Harbour, publisher of Northern Gas Pipelines, is a former Chairman of the Regulatory Commission of Alaska, a Commissioner Emeritus of NARUC, NARUC's Official Representative to IOGCC and Vice Chairman of NARUC's Gas Committee. He served as Gas Committee Chairman of the Western Conference of Public Service Commissioners. He also served as commissioner of the Anchorage Bicentennial Commission and the Anchorage Heritage Land Bank Commission. He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree: English, at Colorado State University, a Master of Science Degree: Communications-Journalism at Murray State University and graduated from Utility Regulatory School for Commissioners at Michigan State University. He served as a Vice President for Communications and Public Affairs at Alaska Pacific University, taught bank marketing classes at the University of Alaska and was an English teacher at Los Alamos High School. Harbour served in ranks of Private - Captain during a 4-year assignment with the Army in Korea, Idaho, Georgia and Fort Meade and received the Meritorious Service Medal among other commendations. Harbour is also a past Chairman of the Alaska Council on Economic Education, the Alaska Oil & Gas Association Government Affairs Committee, the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce, the Export Council of Alaska and the Department of Commerce's District Export Council. He is a past President of the Alaska Press Club, American Bald Eagle Foundation, Consumer Energy Alliance-Alaska and Common Sense for Alaska. Harbour was instrumental in founding the American Bald Eagle Research Institute (UAS), the Alaska Support Industry Alliance, the Downtown Anchorage Business Partnership, and Arctic Power. He also served as CEO of several small Alaska organizations, including the Anchorage Parking Authority and Action Security, Inc. Harbour is also Chairman Emeritus of the Alaska Oil & Gas Congress. Harbour's wife, Nancy, is a professional, performing arts administrator and his three boys, Todd, Benjamin and William work in the fields of environmental management, energy marketing and medicine.