Les Gara
From Ballotpedia
| Les Gara | |
| Alaska House of Representatives District 23 | |
| Incumbent | |
| Assumed office 2003 | |
| Current term ends 2010 | |
| Political party | Democrat |
| Profession | Owner, LG Writing and Research |
| Website | House site |
Contents |
Les Gara is a Democratic member of the Alaska House of Representatives, representing the 23rd District since 2003.
Gara is a freelance writer and owner of LG Writing and Research. He has previously worked as a Law Partner with Friedman, Rubin and White, and an Attorney with private and public practice.
Gara is a life member of the Alaska Flyfishers Association, and volunteers with the Alaskan AIDS Assistance Association, Amnesty International, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Brother Francis Shelter, and Camp Fire.[1]
Issue positions
Gara's answers to the Alaska State Legislative Election 2008 Political Courage Test are available. The test provides voters with how a candidate would vote on the issues if elected. When asked his legislative priorities he replied:
"I will keep working form expanded pre-k education, because the studies show that it results in higher graduation rates, lower crime rates, and greater success for students. I will keep supporting increased university and job training financial aid so that income isn't a factor in whether someone can reach for success. I'll keep fighting for a stronger minimum wage; better renewable energy funding; good pensions for government workers; and universal access to quality medical care. I will also keep working to protect our access rights to Alaska's public lands, and our ability to enjoy Alaska's fishing, hunting and recreational areas."[2]
Committee membership
- Finance Committee, Alaska House of Representatives
- Select Committee on Legislative Ethics
- Subcommittee on Education and Early Development
- Subcommittee on Environmental Conservation
Sponsored legislation
- HB 45 - "An Act relating to certain investments of the Alaska permanent fund, the state's retirement systems, the State of Alaska Supplemental Annuity Plan, and the deferred compensation program for state employees in companies that do business in Sudan, and restricting those investments."
- HB 148 -"An Act relating to a state energy use reduction plan and energy efficiency improvement contracts and to energy audits of public buildings conducted by the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities;
- HB 237 - "An Act prohibiting certain per diem payments and delaying the payment of salaries to legislators based on the failure to adopt an education operating budget before March 1 of each fiscal year."[3]
Major donors
Below are Gara's top 5 campaign contributors in the 2008 election:[4]
| Contributor | 2008 total |
|---|---|
| Carpenters Local 1281 | $2,000 |
| AK State Employees Assoc Local 52 | $2,000 |
| Public Safety Employees Assoc | $1,500 |
| Operating Engineers Local 302 | $1,500 |
| AK Public Employees Assoc | $1,500 |
External links
- Alaska State Legislature - Representative Les Gara
- Project Vote Smart - Representative Les Gara (AK) profile
- Campaign contributions: 2008, 2004, 2002
- Alaska's Democratic Caucus - Les Gara profile
References
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