What If Alaska's Next Governor Ignored Joe Spenard's Shocking Legacy? You Won't Believe the Consequences!

During a recent visit to Anchorage, I had the pleasure of enjoying breakfast at Gwennie’s Restaurant on Spenard Road. The walls were adorned with historical photographs of Anchorage, including a striking image of Joe Spenard, a pivotal figure in the city's early days. This encounter sparked my curiosity about Spenard, leading me to believe that Alaska deserves a governor who embodies his spirit in the upcoming election.

Joe Spenard, the namesake for both Spenard Road and Lake Spenard, made his mark on Anchorage shortly after its founding in 1912, arriving just four years later in 1916. Notably, he was responsible for bringing the first automobile to the city, but his legacy is most strongly tied to his entrepreneurial ventures and his determination to forge a path—quite literally—to his homestead.

Our state faces many challenges, but here are three priorities our new governor could focus on.

At the time of his arrival, homesteading on federal land was still permissible in Alaska. Spenard claimed 160 acres of forested land near Jeter Lake, about five miles from downtown Anchorage, recognizing the community's pressing need for lumber. However, there was a significant hurdle: no road existed to connect the budding town to his lakeside property, and he lacked the necessary permits to build one through the Chugach National Forest.

Choosing to act on the adage that "it's better to ask for forgiveness than permission," Spenard and a few friends quickly constructed a road from town to his homestead, where he eventually established a successful resort. His efforts were so impactful that both the road and the lake were named in his honor—a testament to the “Can Do” spirit that defines his legacy. This same spirit is precisely what Alaska’s next governor will need as they confront the state’s current challenges and the special interests that often impede progress.

Alaska’s next governor needs to be willing to take on the establishment by channeling the spirit of Joe Spenard. The governor should be willing to ignore the naysayers and the obstacles being put in their way in order to accomplish great things.

With the backdrop of Spenard's story in mind, here are three priorities that the next governor should prioritize:

First, to address the pressing budget funding shortfall, the state needs to facilitate oil development in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that ANWR holds approximately 7.7 billion barrels of oil, which is nearly equivalent to the initial size of the Prudhoe Bay field when it was discovered. Although the state possesses oil leases in ANWR, development has fluctuated due to varying political climates. Given that former President Trump supported oil development, the next governor should commit to drilling a state-sponsored exploration well in ANWR before their term concludes. If exploration confirms the projected oil production, it could significantly benefit the state’s economy.

Second, the new governor should work to restore the integrity of Alaska's judiciary by challenging the constitutionality of Alaska Supreme Court order SCO 1993. This order altered the Alaska Constitution without adhering to the required legislative process, rendering it invalid. Former Attorney General Treg Taylor neglected to contest this order, likely distracted by his gubernatorial campaign. A proactive governor could refuse to implement this order, potentially instigating a constitutional crisis that could either force the Alaska Supreme Court to reconsider or lead to a resolution at the U.S. Supreme Court level. This action would demonstrate that the governor stands firmly on the side of Alaskans’ rights.

Third, Alaska's education system requires significant reform. In the last legislative session, many Alaskans found their Permanent Fund dividends diminished as funds were redirected to support a failing public education system. Although the education of our youth is paramount, the current framework is proving ineffective, and partisan struggles within the legislature have stifled meaningful change. For instance, disparities in funding allocations, such as the Base Student Allotment of $5,960 for public school students compared to only $2,700 for homeschoolers, highlight systemic inequalities. In states like Florida and Arizona, universal school choice enables public funds to follow students, even to private religious institutions. Although critics may cite constitutional challenges, these should be addressed head-on—an audacious governor could stand up for equity in education.

The reluctance of past governors to tackle these fundamental issues has been well-documented, particularly in a recent two-part series by political commentator Michael Tavoliero, who described the entrenched political establishment as a barrier to effective governance in Alaska.

To truly channel Joe Spenard's pioneering spirit, Alaska's next governor must exhibit courage in confronting obstacles and standing up to naysayers. As the state heads into a critical election year, it’s clear that the challenges ahead demand a leader unafraid to take risks and pursue bold solutions for the benefit of all Alaskans.

The views expressed here are those of Greg Sarber. Read more Sarber posts at his Seward’s Folly substack.

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