Pat Chesbro “Engage BIPOC communities in efforts to improve lives”
Pat Chesbro fights for women to have the right to decide what to do with their bodies: whether to have an abortion. Her commitment to reproductive rights, access to health care, sustainable economic development, renewable energy, and curbing gun violence are at the core of her political agenda.
Considering the crisis in the labor shortage in the US in all areas of our economy, where do you stand on immigration reform? Yes, immigration must be reformed. I believe that immigrants come to this country for valid reasons and that immigrants make great workers and great citizens. Though I am not sure how these reforms should work, I do believe the US should welcome the diverse people who choose to come here in search of freedom and better lives for themselves and their children.
Wouldn’t the US benefit from a temporary program allowing immigrants to come and work until the economy gets back on track? Yes, the US could benefit from such a program. It is my understanding that Congress has recently approved expansion of the numbers allowed for H2B visas. There should be a way that these temporary programs lead into citizenship for those who wish to stay.
What do you think you can offer to improve the Alaskan standard of living that the other candidates are not considering? I remain convinced that unions are key to improving the Alaskan standard of living. I would support the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) act to expand unions in Alaska.
Where do the BIPOC communities fit in your priorities? Black, Indigenous, People of Color are vital to the US and Alaska. Our ongoing responsibility is to ensure that all people are treated fairly and equitably by rooting out injustices or historic biases. Further, we need to involve BIPOC communities in efforts to improve everyone’s lives.
Are you in favor or against an Alaskan Constitutional Convention? And if you are in favor, give your reasons. I am against an Alaskan Constitutional Convention. We have a well-thought-out constitution and it provides ways to amend pieces when we choose to do so.
