By Mike Navarre

I first met Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins (JKT) in 2013, when he was a 23-year-old member of the Alaska House of Representatives who looked like he was still a teenager.

Looks can be very deceiving. Turned out he was mature and thoughtful, well beyond what his age and looks might indicate.

JKT sought me out to introduce himself and “get my thoughts” on various topics before the legislature. He was the youngest member of the Alaska Legislature, a distinction I had held 25 years before he was elected. He immediately impressed me with his thoughtful questions but, more importantly, with his listening skills. He wasn’t asking questions as a segue to tell me his opinions, he genuinely wanted to hear my perspective as a former legislator.

Observing and talking with JKT over the ensuing years, I was further impressed with his desire and willingness to work with anyone, whether Democrat, Republican or independent, with a common purpose or common goals. He wasn’t focused on who got the credit, he was focused on achieving good public policy objectives. He listened to understand and he worked tirelessly and patiently to build understanding and support for those objectives. 

There are many issues we must address to prepare Alaska for the future. Those issues, which include fiscal policy, education, Alaska’s economic structure, healthcare, resource development and more, will not be effectively addressed by one political party alone. Rather, they require cooperation, consensus building, education on those issues and options, and patience.

In the legislature, JKT spent ten years working across the aisle to get things done for Alaska. His neighbors back home kept reelecting him — a Democrat — even when his district also voted for Donald Trump. They saw a man who cared about working together and solving problems as an Alaskan. It’s not often that we get the opportunity to vote for that kind of governor candidate: A unifier. A problem solver. A very hard worker. (Anyone following his campaign has been blown away by his work rate and ability to get to every corner of our vast state.)

Alaska has great opportunities and a bright future, but it will take time, vision, education and hard work, qualities JKT has already demonstrated are part of his impressive skill set. 

I’ve spent the last 40 years in and around politics in Alaska. As much as I am hesitant to admit at times, Alaska’s future belongs to future generations — JKT’s generation and my grandchildren’s generation.

He is young, yet has more experience in elected office than most of the field running for governor — a rare combination. It’s time to pass the torch to a new leader who has the intellect, experience, vision, patience, personal and political skills, and willingness to listen to and work with every Alaskan as we look to the future.

JKT is that leader. That’s why I’m endorsing him and voting for him in the primary on Aug. 18.

Mike Navarre is a former Kenai Peninsula Borough mayor, former state representative and former Commissioner of the Alaska Department Commerce, Community, and Economic Development.