Rural Alaskans need Lisa Murkowski as Lead Dog

by Dr. Mike Williams, Sr., Chief, Akiak Native Community

One of my passions is sled dog racing. I’ve raced in dozens of Iditarods, and several Kuskokwim 300s. I don’t just race for myself – I race for my family, sobriety, the people of Akiak, and all Alaska Native people. Our beloved Arctic sport is not for the weak, and it requires strong teamwork, leadership, and an understanding of what to expect. One could argue sled dog racing is a metaphor for politics, and I’m here to argue that it’s critical we keep Lisa Murkowski in as our lead dog to continue serving as Alaska’s senior U.S. Senator, because her sound, reliable, and proven leadership continues to deliver for our rural communities across the state.

Lisa Murkowski’s dedication to rural Alaskans and our First People is demonstrated by the legislation she leads, her roles in the U.S. Senate, and her willingness to listen and meet with people across the state. She serves as the Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and was even named the most effective Senator on Native American issues by the nonpartisan Center for Effective Lawmaking.

Lisa led on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law with rural Alaska at the top of her mind – and thanks to her willingness to cross party lines and work with her colleagues in the Senate, our communities are going to receive truly groundbreaking investments in our water and wastewater infrastructure, broadband and internet access, rural and subsistence harbors, and much, much more. Some homes might get a flush toilet for the first time, our children will have better and faster internet for their education, and we all will benefit for generations to come.

Lisa has also taken village public safety seriously, and worked incredibly hard at the Federal level to support victims of violence and strengthen public safety efforts in rural communities. She crossed party lines to pass the Violence Against Women Act, which will support education, victim support, and public safety opportunities for our women and girls. Thanks to Lisa, the law includes the Tribal Public Safety Empowerment pilot, which was created in partnership with Alaska Native justice advocates. The Victims of Crime Act that Lisa led will ensure victims of crime can better access the services they need here in Alaska.

Lisa respects us, our history, and our cultures: from passing legislation that will preserve our languages and keep our cultures alive, to leading on the investigation into Indian boarding schools, she’s listening to our needs and delivering results.

I’m grateful for Lisa’s leadership for Alaska. I hope all Alaskans recognize the impact Lisa has had on our state, and join me in voting for her this November. She has the energy, tenacity, and leadership of a lead dog – and she’s bringing the entire state of Alaska, including our rural communities and people, to a better and brighter future.

Dr. Mike Williams, Sr. is the Chief of the Akiak Native Community, Alaska Area Vice President National Congress of American Indians, Chairman, Kuskokwim River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, Chairman, YKD Tribal Broadband Consortium, former President, Rural CAP,  former Vice Chair, Alaska State Board of Education, former Chairman AVCP, former Vice Chairman, YKHC, former Board Member, Native American Rights Fund, former President, Yupiit School District, former Board member, Association of Alaska School Boards, Iditarod and Kuskokwim 300 race veteran, disabled retiree, US Army.

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