Well-Known Politician vs. Political Newcomer in House District 16

Drummond and Brown offer a contrast in experience

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By Bill McAllister
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Story Created: Aug 9, 2012 at 7:16 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Aug 11, 2012 at 11:05 AM AKDT

ANCHORAGE - It's a well-known politician vs. a political newcomer for the Democratic nomination in House District 16, which stretches from Spenard, Chester Creek and Turnagain through Midtown to Rogers Park.

Anchorage Assemblywoman Harriet Drummond is hoping to step up to the House of Representatives, in part to reverse a trend in funding of K-12 education.

"When I was on the school board, education was funded at about 70 percent by the state. It's now down to about 54 percent. They're going totally in the wrong direction and putting pressure on local property-tax payers to make up the difference."

Hugh Brown, a community organizer who has not held elective office, wants more attention on mental health services, affordable housing and free meals for students.

"I think we are spending too little in some areas. When we look at the overall budget, I think we can make some investments."

Drummond and Brown offer a contrast in experience.

Brown said: "I think that I would be a little bit more bolder in representing. I think I'm not known by the Republicans as someone who's been a Democrat all these years. I do know some Republicans because I’ve been a Republican. I was elected a delegate in 1994. So I think I bring some new insights and maybe can get some better results."

Drummond said: "My opponent is a nice guy, but I don't know what his credentials are as far as serving the public. And I really enjoy serving the public and dealing with constituent matters."

To this point, they have not been fighting about specific issues.

So voters get to make their choice based on whether they want a veteran or a fresh face.

The winner of the Democratic primary will face the winner of the Republican contest between Jimmy Crawford and Roman Romanovski.
 

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Always said on Friday, Aug 10 at 7:22 AM

Always the fresh face, but if either wins in the end Alaska will be worst off.

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Min Pin said on Friday, Aug 10 at 5:14 PM

Nice to see two people trying to make a difference.

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