Speeches & Comment
Governor Parnell Speeches as Prepared
Speech: Juneau World Affairs Council
During the debate and testimony this past session over oil tax changes, our State’s independent experts testified in the abstract from finely-tuned economic models about how under the More Alaska Production Act we should expect increased investment, more production, and more opportunity for Alaskans. But I wanted to see an area about five years after the fact — for how tax changes played out over that time in the real world – not just for the economy in the abstract, but for the people who live in those economies. The North Sea turned out to be the place. Full Speech »
Speech: Memorial Day Ceremony
On a visit to any of our military cemeteries, whether here in Alaska, or overlooking the cliffs of Normandy, you can see the graves of Americans. The silent markers pay tribute to men and women who once stood courageously as freedom’s shield, bearing the spear of human dignity. Full Speech »
Speech: The Great Alaska Comeback
Let me just say, looking outside, I think spring is finally here. And I think spring is here for our economy. I want to say thanks to all of you for making it possible. Thank you for each one of you who made the phone calls, came to Juneau, contacted your legislators. Thanks for being catalysts for more Alaska oil production and more Alaska opportunity. That’s what you have made available to all of Alaskans now and for generations to come. Full Speech »
Speech: Commissioning of the U.S.S. Anchorage
Fellow Alaskans, distinguished guests, flag and general officers, Mrs. Annette Conway: I am honored to be with you at this historic gathering. First Lady Sandy and I warmly welcome each of you here to Alaska. All of Alaska is proud to have this ship named in honor of our largest city. We thank you for docking in Anchorage to commission her, and to “bring her to life.” Full Speech »
Speech: Vietnam Veterans Day Bill Signing
Thank you, Senate President Huggins. Special guests and Vietnam combat veterans - Former Rep. Bill Thomas, Rep. Bob Lynn, Rep. Bob Herron. Thank you, Speaker Chenault for hosting this event today. The Vietnam War certainly tested our nation. It tested our presidents – Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon. Full Speech »
Speech: Juneau Chamber of Commerce
Thank you: Cathie [Roemmich.] I think about Chambers of Commerce, and I think about you as job creators. I just want to say congratulations, and note the award for being Alaska’s Outstanding Chamber; I understand that [you’ve been recognized] two out of the last five years, now, so congratulations – this is great. Full Speech »
Speech: State of the State Address
Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Lieutenant Governor, former Governor Sheffield, distinguished guests, and fellow Alaskans: I come before you to discharge a duty as old as our democracy. At the beginning of every legislative session, Alaska’s Constitution requires the Governor to report on the state of our state. That is as it should be, because in our country, government reports to the people, not the other way around. Over the next 90 days, we must heed voices far beyond the echo of this chamber. Full Speech »
Speech: 2014 State of Alaska Budget Proposal
Today, we release our 2014 State of Alaska budget proposal. As we developed this budget, weighing the priorities, I had to reflect on one word that sums up our current position as a state. And that is: Solid. It’s from Latin. “Solidus” -- a gold coin in Roman times. In today’s world, where many governments are saddled by debt, where our own government prints money backed by more paper, a gold coin is a very good currency indeed. Full Speech »
Speech: Alaska Miners Association
Well, good evening, everyone. This is an optimistic room—and with good reason. It has been a good year from the numbers I’ve seen: More than 5,500 direct and indirect jobs; $350 million in payroll for folks in 120 Alaska communities. You know these numbers better than I do. Full Speech »
Speech: Governor Addresses AFN Convention
Thank you. It’s great to be back with you. Co-Chairs Kookesh, Anderson, President Kitka, delegates, elders: It’s really my honor to be with you again. I’d like to welcome another guest, Senator Akaka of Hawaii, we’re so glad to have you here, and thankful. Let’s give the senator a hand. Full Speech »
Speech: First Lady Addresses AFN Convention
Thank you, Sean, honored delegates, elders, and friends. It is an honor to be with you. I am speaking to you mother of two daughters. I was very disturbed to learn that during previous AFN conventions, Alaska youth were targeted by sex traffickers. I had always thought of sex trafficking on the international level. But sex trafficking is happening in our state and largely, it’s Alaskans trafficking other Alaskans. Full Speech »
Speech: Unlocking Alaska’s Oil for Alaskans
As your governor, I just want to say: Thank you for that warm welcome, and thank you for what you do here at the Alliance. I want to recognize a couple of people. Is there anybody in this room, who is part of the industry, who worked in Cook Inlet or Kenai region before Prudhoe? Let’s give them a hand. Full Speech »
Speech: Working toward 50% renewables by 2025
Thank you, Marilyn Leland. It is good to be among people who are
bold, innovative and visionary. That’s you -- and it is good to see you working together on energy for Alaska. The Future of Energy – truly -- it is the future of our state. Here in the city that hydro built -- we think of Juneau and its history as a mining town, as Alaska’s capital, as a tourist destination, and much more. Full Speech »
Remarks on SCOTUS Ruling on Health Care Law
My intention today is to provide some initial thoughts about the Supreme Court ruling, federal health care legislation, and also speak to what steps the state is taking in light of that ruling. That U.S. Supreme Court ruling brings to the fore two overarching concerns of Americans—Freedom and keeping their own hard-earned money in their pockets. Full Speech »
Speech: Welcome to the Land of Opportunity
Welcome to Alaska, everyone! You have caught us on a great day, and at a great time. It’s our solstice; the time with the greatest spread of daylight in our state. Growing up here -- and I grew up in this town in Anchorage -- and it was not unusual, and still not unusual for kids to be playing out on the streets at 11 o’clock at night, and wondering how come their parents are asking them to come inside. That’s something that is the norm here. Full Speech »
Q and A with Anchorage Downtown Rotary
Good day and thank you. Thank you, Lieutenant Governor, for that kind introduction. The Lieutenant Governor’s job is one I know a lot about, since I was there at one point. We certainly learned the necessity of having a Lieutenant Governor in that line of succession. It’s not often easy being the Lieutenant Governor. Our lieutenant governors, from Mead on back, have been capable of far more than they are permitted in that position, and that’s just the nature of the job. So Mead, I appreciate you doing the work in that position. Full Speech »
Speech: Honoring Alaska Territorial Guard
Thank you, Dillingham. General Katkus, Representative Edgmon, community leaders all, people of Dillingham: It’s an honor to be with you on this Memorial Day, a day when we remember, and day when we recognize the sacrifices made by many for us, across the years of our country. Full Speech »
Speech: Rural Providers Conference
Thank you for that very warm welcome. It’s an honor to be back in Dillingham and to be welcomed by this community, and by everybody who came in for the Memorial Day service and ceremony honoring the Alaska Territorial Guardsmen, that we did just a few hours ago. Full Speech »
Speech: Sackett v EPA, a Patriotic Imperative
It’s a real honor for me to be here with you. And Mike and Chantell and team, thank you so much. Let’s give them another round of applause. When I first heard about the Sacketts’ situation, I was outraged. That could be any private property owner in this country. It was really nothing for a governor to step up in that situation -- and our Department of Law and the AGs, who did great work on this, from our standpoint. Full Speech »
Speech: Support Industry Alliance – Fairbanks
Thank you, and Good Day, Fairbanks! Thank you for the kind introduction, and for having me here today. It is great to be back in the Golden Heart City, with summer time finally here! I like visiting with people dedicated to growing Alaska’s economy! You know what it takes to grow jobs! Full Speech »
