Alaska Landmine Radio

Lee Ellis - Episode 336

Jeff was joined by Republican House candidate Lee Ellis, who is running for the South Anchorage seat being vacated by Representative Laddie Shaw (R - Anchorage). They discuss how he got into the brewing business, the story of how he met his wife at the Haines Brew Fest, how he ended up moving to Alaska in 2007, the growing homelessness issue, the lack of big projects in Alaska, why he decided to run for the Legislature, how his campaign is going, and the dynamics of his race with four candidates running for an open seat. 

Nancy Dahlstrom - Episode 335

Jeff was joined by Lieutenant Governor Nancy Dahlstrom (R - Alaska), who is one of several candidates challenging Representative Mary Peltola (D - Alaska). They discuss the end of the legislative session, the importance of Alaska's resources, why she is supporting Donald Trump for president, her time as Corrections commissioner, the crisis at the border, and the national debt. 

Teun Heldens - Episode 334

Jeff was joined by Heeze-Leende (town in Holland) Mayor Teun Heldens. Jeff met Teun in the Alaska State Capitol while he was in town on a cruise ship. They discuss how mayors are chosen in Holland, which involves being appointed by King of the Netherlands, his time serving as the equivalent of a state legislator in Holland, his role as mayor, the politics in Holland including the swing to the right in last November's election, the differences in politics between the United States and Europe, and his thoughts about American politics. 

Nick Tomboulides and Constantine Querard - Episode 333

Jeff was joined by Nick Tomboulides and Constantine Querard from U.S. Term Limits. They discuss why their group supports congressional term limits, the different ways term limits could be implemented, the arguments for and against term limits, why so many incumbents get re-elected in our system, and why it takes so long to get power in Congress. 

Jennie Armstrong - Episode 332

Jeff was joined by Representative Jennie Armstrong (D - Anchorage). They discuss a recent joke she told on the House floor, a bill she has to form a task force for psychedelics, the benefits of psychedelic medical treatment for addiction,  how her time has been this session compared to her first one last year, a recent House Resources Committee hearing that went off the rails, her thoughts on how the state can support more energy, and why she decided not to run for re-election. 

Michael Parker - Episode 331

Jeff was joined by Michael Parker from the independent oil company Narwhal. They discuss an explosive House Resources Committee hearing that he and his co-worker presented at about some leases they hold in West Harrison Bay on the North Slope, his background and how he got into the oil business, the issues they are having with Shell and the Department of Natural Resources in the West Harrison Bay Unit, why he thinks Shell is not holding up to the terms of their leases, why he believes the area has big potential, and their plans for the development of their leases. 

John-Henry Heckendorn - Episode 330

Jeff was joined by John-Henry Heckendorn from Ship Creek Group. They discuss his trip to Juneau to ski and attend Folk Fest, his wedding last summer, how his wife, Katie Scovic, is now the campaign manager for Suzanne LaFrance's mayoral campaign, his thoughts on the upcoming Anchorage mayoral run-off, some of the problems facing Anchorage and Alaska, the upcoming legislative races later this year, the ranked choice voting ballot repeal, and the chances Representative Mary Peltola (R - Alaska) has for re-election. 

Andrew Gray - Episode 329

Jeff was joined by Representative Andrew Gray (D - Anchorage). They discuss the operating budget process in the House, how this session has gone compared to his first session last year, a recent hearing on a bill that aims to ban biological boys from competing against girls in sports, and how an interaction in that hearing between Gray and Riley Gaines went viral on Twitter, the transgender issue and how it has has become part of the culture wars, and an amendment he was able to pass to raise the age of consent in Alaska from 16 to 18. 

Joe Geldhof - Episode 328

Jeff was joined by Juneau attorney Joe Geldhof. They discuss what is happening in the Capitol more than halfway through the legislative session, how the Legislature has changed since the 2022 election, many of the problems Alaska is currently facing including energy and infrastructure, how oil prices affect the state budget, their differences of opinion on how to solve Alaska's energy problems, some Alaska political history, and a big case before the U.S. Supreme Court. 

Neil Steininger - Episode 327

Jeff was joined by Neil Steininger. They discuss his time as director of the Office of Management and Budget, his time working for a defense contractor in Nevada, why he decided to move back to Alaska, some of the state jobs he had before he became OMD director, working as the OMB director during Covid, the uniqueness of Alaska's budget and revenues, his current perspective now that he's no longer a state employee, and how the session may play out.