Candidates for Alaska governor to address aviation issues

The event, hosted by the Alaska Airmen Association, will give voters an opportunity to hear from and pose questions to incumbent Gov. Bill Walker, an Independent, and challengers former U.S. Sen. Mark Begich, a Democrat, and former state Sen. Mike Dunleavy, a Republican, before the Nov. 6 election.

Those interested in attending the free event, scheduled for Oct. 1 from 5:30 to 7 p.m., should register online. The Alaska Aviation Museum is located at 4721 Aircraft Drive, Anchorage, Alaska 99502. Refreshments will be served.

The state of Alaska operates 239 airports that provide vital transportation infrastructure for rural communities, 83 percent of which are not connected to the road system. With North Slope oil revenue funding almost 90 percent of the state government, and oil prices and supply down, the state is facing significant financial challenges. The question of how to support state airports—which are administered by the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities—is a key issue for Alaska’s pilots.

AOPA works closely with the department in support of the state’s airport system and encourages members to attend the event.