I have been in Alaska as a teacher for 10 years in Ketchikan. I was born in Duluth, Minnesota 51 years ago. I lived in Montana for 15 years before coming to Alaska. I ran for Senate Seat A in 1996 and garnered 44.6% of the vote. I decided to run again because Alaska needs people running for public office who will make politics more honest, moral, civil and responsive to people they represent. I treat all people with respect and will focus my energy on building solutions to issues facing Alaska.

EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE

My employment background incorporates many of the major industries in Southeast. I have been a business owner in timber and resource development. My experience also includes mining exploration. My knowledge of Southeast's industries is based on experience and listening to the concerns of those in the industry. I understand the need to build what is possible while ensuring sustained yield and best management practices. I am a teacher at the high school in Ketchikan where I have been teaching for 10 years. I understand the value of a well educated workforce. As a State Senator, I will promote sound and responsible development of fishing, timber, mining, and tourism that will build strength into Southeast Alaska's business community.

GOVERNMENT & COMMUNITY EXPERIENCE

I am currently the Vice-chair of the Alaska Post Secondary Education Commission and Chairman of its Institutional Authorization Committee. When I was appointed to this commission in 1996 it was losing millions of dollars a year. Since my appointment I have worked with other commissioners to turn this agency around. It now in operates in the black and will be returning millions of dollars to the State of Alaska.

I have served on the Indian Education Committee in Ketchikan and believe strongly that diversity strengthens educational experience. I have had experience as a school board chairman and as a county transportation committee person in Montana prior to coming to Alaska. I have also worked with PATCHWorks in Ketchikan supporting young people throughout Southeast Alaska. I believe our young people are Alaska's greatest asset.

I have been active in politics serving as Ketchikan's representative to the State Democratic Central Committee and garnering first-hand experience working with the Legislature. I have spent time each year during legislative sessions talking to legislators on issues important to Southeast. In the past I have spent time and energy working for the Ketchikan Legislative Liaison Group, the Ketchikan Save Our Schools Committee and as a past board member of Women In Safe Homes. I believe involvement in community is an important commitment we all share.

I am an active member of St. John's Episcopal Church and share the joy of working in the Ketchikan Seaman's Center preparing and serving meals on a regular basis for those who need it.

MILITARY

I served in the U.S. Army from 1966-1969 and spent two tours in Vietnam. Some of the awards I received for my military service include the Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Meritorious Unit Citation.

I graduated in 1988 with high honors from the University of Montana with a bachelor's degree in Education and a minor in Broadfield Social Science (U.S. History, Government, Political Science, and Economics). The following year I received an endorsement in Special Education.

FAMILY

I am a single parent with twin daughters, Tansy and Marika, both 21 and in their senior year at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon. They both participate in track and field and cross country. I understand the need to provide incentives for single and two parent families to be working partners in building and maintaining their own economic future. Parents should be spending more time building relationships with their children than scrambling to make ends meet.

PERSONAL INTERESTS

I enjoy spending time with my daughters whenever I can. I like to get out hiking, fishing, hunting, kayaking, and camping. I also enjoy spending time reading, gardening, and working around my home.

VOTE GREG MIDDAG FOR STATE SENATE.
RUNNING FOR ALL THE RIGHT REASONS.