Alaska

Alaska Legislature Stances on the PFD by Voting Record

Last updated: January 28, 2019 with newly appointed member information. Note, this page is currently very out of date and only covers actions up to January 2019. There have been numerous votes on the PFD that I have not had time to add. I’m leaving the page up as it does show vote history in the past, but keep in mind some of these members may have changed colors, so to speak, since the last update.

I want to start by reminding voters that every election candidates try to run on the PFD point. While if you want to preserve the PFD someone who supports it is always a good choice, make sure you also explore that individual’s stances on other topics.  Alaska’s future is entangled in many important issues, and the PFD is just one of those. Vote informed.

Information is what the page is aimed at providing. Below is a list of each current legislative member, their contact information, and a record of their actions in regards to the PFD. Much like my PFD information page, I will try to keep this list up-to-date. I welcome corrections and recommendations. Creating this list was a lengthy task.

Legend:
-Green is good. This member has a pro-PFD stance.
-Orange is cautionary. This member has a mixed record.
-Red is bad. This member is working against the PFD.
-Grey is unknown. These members are very new.

Hot tip: To quickly find the member you’ll get to vote out or allow to stay, press CTRL+F to search by name, city, or district.

The House:

Ben Carpenter                  City:    Kenai AK, 99611                 Party: Republican    District:  29

Phone: 907-283-7223         Toll-Free: 800-469-3779
Facebook    Email: Representative.Benjamin.Carpenter@akleg.gov
Newly appointed.

Matt Claman                    City:     Anchorage AK, 99503       Party:  Democrat     District:  21

Phone:907-465-4919        Toll-Free:888-465-4919
Facebook    Email: Representative.Matt.Claman@akleg.gov
-Voted for HB115 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Voted for SB26 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Approved the 2017 operating budget which capped the PFD.
-Voted for amendment 1 to the capital budget in 2017 which sought to fund the full 2017 PFD amount.
-Voted against amendment 1 to the operating budget in 2018 which sought to fund the full 2018 PFD amount.
-Voted against amendment 2 & 3 to the operating budget in 2018 which sought to return the remainder of the 2016/2017 PFD amounts.
-Voted to rescind amendment 1 to the operating budget which previously would have fully funded the 2018 PFD.
-Voted for SB26 in 2018 to use the fund for government services.

Harriet Drummond        City:     Anchorage AK, 99503       Party:  Democrat     District:  18

Phone:  907-269-0190       Toll-Free: 800-922-3875
Facebook    Email: Representative.Harriet.Drummond@akleg.gov
-Voted for HB115 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Voted for SB26 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Voted against amendment 102 to the operating budget in 2017 which sought to restore the full PFD amount.
-Approved the 2017 operating budget which capped the PFD.
-Sponsored HJR23 a POMV draw giving only 33 percent for PFD payments hiding behind a promise to “protect” the PFD in the constitution.
-Voted for amendment 1 to the capital budget in 2017 which sought to fund the full 2017 PFD amount.
-Voted against amendment 1 to the operating budget in 2018 which sought to fund the full 2018 PFD amount.
-Voted against amendment 2 & 3 to the operating budget in 2018 which sought to return the remainder of the 2016/2017 PFD amounts.
-Voted to rescind amendment 1 to the operating budget which previously would have fully funded the 2018 PFD.
-Voted for SB26 in 2018 to use the fund for government services.

David Eastman                 City: Wasilla AK, 99654                  Party:  Republican    District: 10

Phone:  907-373-1842       Toll-Free:  800-468-2186   
Facebook    Email: Representative.David.Eastman@akleg.gov
-Voted against HB115 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Voted against SB26 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Offered amendment 102 to the operating budget in 2017 that sought to restore the full PFD amount.
-Sponsored HB161 &HB248 aimed at requiring a vote of the people for use of the PFD by the government.
-Sponsored HB 65 & 66 which seek to restore the vetoed portion of the 2016 PFD.
-Sponsored HJR 34 to protect the PFD in the Constitution.
-Voted for amendment 1 to the capital budget in 2017 which sought to fund the full 2017 PFD amount
-Voted for amendment 1 to the operating budget in 2018 which sought to fund the full 2018 PFD amount.
-Voted for and sponsored amendment 2 & 3 to the operating budget in 2018 which sought to return the remainder of the 2016/2017 PFD amounts.
-Voted not to rescind amendment 1 to the operating budget which previously would have fully funded the 2018 PFD.
-Voted against SB26 in 2018 to use the fund for government services.

Bryce Edgmon                  City:  Juneau AK, 99801                 Party:  Democrat      District:  37

Phone:907-465-4451        Fax:907-465-3445            Toll-Free:800-898-4451
Facebook   Email: Representative.Bryce.Edgmon@akleg.gov
-Voted for HB115 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Voted for SB26 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Approved the 2017 operating budget which capped the PFD.
-Voted against amendment 102 to the operating budget in 2017 which sought to restore the full PFD amount.
-Sponsored HJR23 a POMV draw giving only 33 percent for PFD payments hiding behind a promise to “protect” the PFD in the constitution.
-Voted for amendment 1 to the capital budget in 2017 which sought to fund the full 2017 PFD amount.
-Voted for amendment 1 to the operating budget in 2018 which sought to fund the full 2018 PFD amount.
-Voted against amendment 2 & 3 to the operating budget in 2018 which sought to return the remainder of the 2016/2017 PFD amounts.
-Voted to rescind amendment 1 to the operating budget which previously would have fully funded the 2018 PFD.
-Voted for SB26 in 2018 to use the fund for government services.

Zack Fields                             City: Anchorage AK, 99503           Party:  Democrat     District: 20

Phone: 907-465-2647            Toll-Free:888-465-2647
Facebook    Email: Representative.William.Fields@akleg.gov
Newly appointed.

Neal Foster                        City: Nome AK, 99762                    Party: Democrat       District:  39

Phone:907-465-3789       Fax:907-465-3242           Toll-Free:800-478-3789
Facebook       Email: Representative.Neal.Foster@akleg.gov
-Voted for HB115 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Voted for SB26 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Approved the 2017 operating budget which capped the PFD.
-Voted against amendment 102 to the operating budget in 2017 which sought to restore the full PFD amount.
-Sponsored HJR23 a POMV draw giving only 33 percent for PFD payments hiding behind a promise to “protect” the PFD in the constitution.
-Voted for amendment 1 to the capital budget in 2017 which sought to fund the full 2017 PFD amount.
-Voted for amendment 1 to the operating budget in 2018 which sought to fund the full 2018 PFD amount.
-Voted against amendment 2 & 3 to the operating budget in 2018 which sought to return the remainder of the 2016/2017 PFD amounts.
-Voted not to rescind amendment 1 to the operating budget which previously would have fully funded the 2018 PFD.
-Voted for SB26 in 2018 to use the fund for government services.

Sara Hannan                          City:  Juneau AK, 99801                 Party: Democrat   District: 33

Phone:907-465-4766             Toll-Free:877-465-4766
Facebook          Email: Representative.Sara.Hannan@akleg.gov
Newly appointed. 

Grier Hopkins         City: Fairbanks AK, 99701             Party: Democrat District:   4

Phone:907-465-445            Toll-Free:800-928-4457
Facebook         Email: Representative.Grier.Hopkins@akleg.gov
Newly appointed.

Sharon Jackson                City: Eagle River AK, 99577                          Party:  Republican     District: 13

Phone:907-465-3783            Toll-Free:877-460-3783
Facekbook        Email: Representative.Sharon.Jackson@akleg.gov
Newly appointed.

DeLena Johnson              City:  Wasilla AK, 99654                 Party: Republican District: 11

Phone: 907-376-4958    Fax:  907-376-4928           Toll-Free: 866-465-4958
Facebook         Email: Representative.DeLena.Johnson@akleg.gov
-Voted against HB115 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Voted against SB26 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Offered amendment 102 to the operating budget in 2017 that sought to restore the full PFD amount.
-Voted for amendment 1 to the capital budget in 2017 which sought to fund the full 2017 PFD amount.
-Voted for amendment 1 to the operating budget in 2018 which sought to fund the full 2018 PFD amount.
-Voted for amendment 2 & 3 to the operating budget in 2018 which sought to return the remainder of the 2016/2017 PFD amounts.
-Voted not to rescind amendment 1 to the operating budget which previously would have fully funded the 2018 PFD.
-Voted against SB26 in 2018 to use the fund for government services.

Jennifer Johnston            City: Anchorage AK, 99503           Party: Republican District: 28

Phone:907-465-4949      Toll-Free:800-478-4950
Facebook       Email: Representative.Jennifer.Johnston@akleg.gov
-Voted against HB115 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Voted against SB26 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Sponsored HB192 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Approved the 2017 operating budget which capped the PFD.
-Voted against amendment 102 to the operating budget in 2017 which sought to restore the full PFD amount.
-Voted against amendment 1 to the capital budget in 2017 which sought to fund the full 2017 PFD amount.
-Voted against amendment 1 to the operating budget in 2018 which sought to fund the full 2018 PFD amount.
-Voted against amendment 2 & 3 to the operating budget in 2018 which sought to return the remainder of the 2016/2017 PFD amounts.
-Voted to rescind amendment 1 to the operating budget which previously would have fully funded the 2018 PFD.
-Voted for SB26 in 2018 to use the fund for government services.

Andy Josephson                             City:  Anchorage AK, 99503          Party: Democrat   District: 17

Phone:907-465-4939               Toll-Free:800-465-4939
Facebook      Email: Representative.Andy.Josephson@akleg.gov
-Voted for HB115 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Voted for SB26 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Approved the 2017 operating budget which capped the PFD.
-Voted against amendment 102 to the operating budget in 2017 which sought to restore the full PFD amount.
-Sponsored HJR23 a POMV draw giving only 33 percent for PFD payments hiding behind a promise to “protect” the PFD in the constitution.
-Voted against amendment 1 to the capital budget in 2017 which sought to fund the full 2017 PFD amount.
-Voted against amendment 1 to the operating budget in 2018 which sought to fund the full 2018 PFD amount.
-Voted against amendment 2 & 3 to the operating budget in 2018 which sought to return the remainder of the 2016/2017 PFD amounts.
-Voted to rescind amendment 1 to the operating budget which previously would have fully funded the 2018 PFD.
-Voted for SB26 in 2018 to use the fund for government services.

Gary Knopp                       City: Kenai AK, 99611                     Party:  Republican   District: 30

Phone: 907-283-2690     Fax: 907-283-2763           Toll-Free:  800-463-2693
Facebook     Email: Representative.Gary.Knopp@akleg.gov
-Voted against HB115 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Voted against SB26 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Sponsored HB192 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Approved the 2017 operating budget which capped the PFD.
-Voted against amendment 102 to the operating budget in 2017 which sought to restore the full PFD amount.
-Voted against amendment 1 to the capital budget in 2017 which sought to fund the full 2017 PFD amount.
-Voted against amendment 1 to the operating budget in 2018 which sought to fund the full 2018 PFD amount.
-Voted against amendment 2 & 3 to the operating budget in 2018 which sought to return the remainder of the 2016/2017 PFD amounts.
-Voted for SB26 in 2018 to use the fund for government services.

Chuck Kopp                       City: Anchorage AK, 99503           Party:  Republican    District: 24

Phone: 907-269-0200     Toll-Free:  866-465-4993
Facebook      Email: Representative.Chuck.Kopp@akleg.gov
-Voted against HB115 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Voted against SB26 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Sponsored HB192 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Approved the 2017 operating budget which capped the PFD.
-Voted against amendment 102 to the operating budget in 2017 which sought to restore the full 2017 PFD amount.
-Voted against amendment 1 to the capital budget in 2017 which sought to fund the full 2017 PFD amount.
-Voted against amendment 1 to the operating budget in 2018 which sought to fund the full 2018 PFD amount.
-Voted against amendment 2 & 3 to the operating budget in 2018 which sought to return the remainder of the 2016/2017 PFD amounts.
-Voted to rescind amendment 1 to the operating budget which previously would have fully funded the 2018 PFD.
-Voted for SB26 in 2018 to use the fund for government services.

Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins City: Sitka AK, 99835                   Party: Democrat        District: 35

Phone:907-465-3732       Toll-Free:888-461-3732
Facebook     Email: Representative.Jonathan.Kreiss-Tomkins@akleg.gov
-Voted for HB115 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Voted for SB26 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Approved the 2017 operating budget which capped the PFD.
-Voted against amendment 102 to the operating budget in 2017 which sought to restore the full PFD amount.
-Sponsored HJR23 a POMV draw giving only 33 percent for PFD payments hiding behind a promise to “protect” the PFD in the constitution.
-Voted against amendment 1 to the capital budget in 2017 which sought to fund the full 2017 PFD amount.
-Voted against amendment 1 to the operating budget in 2018 which sought to fund the full 2018 PFD amount.
-Voted against amendment 2 & 3 to the operating budget in 2018 which sought to return the remainder of the 2016/2017 PFD amounts.
-Voted to rescind amendment 1 to the operating budget which previously would have fully funded the 2018 PFD.
-Voted for SB26 in 2018 to use the fund for government services.

Bart Lebon                 City: Fairbanks AK, 99701                            Party: Republican   District: 1

Phone:907-465-3709         Toll-Free:877-665-3709
Facebook       Email: Representative.Barton.LeBon@akleg.gov
Newly appointed.

Gabrielle LeDoux             City: Anchorage AK, 99503           Party: Republican        District: 15

Phone:907-465-4998        Toll-Free:800-689-4998
Facebook      Email: Representative.Gabrielle.LeDoux@akleg.gov
-Voted for HB115 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Voted for SB26 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Approved the 2017 operating budget which capped the PFD.
-Voted against amendment 102 to the operating budget in 2017 which sought to restore the full PFD amount.
-Sponsored HJR23 a POMV draw giving only 33 percent for PFD payments hiding behind a promise to “protect” the PFD in the constitution.
-Voted for amendment 1 to the  capital budget in 2017 which sought to fund the full 2017 PFD amount.
-Voted for amendment 1 to the operating budget in 2018 which sought to fund the full 2018 PFD amount.
-Voted for amendment 2 & 3 to the operating budget in 2018 which sought to return the remainder of the 2016/2017 PFD amounts.
-Voted not to rescind amendment 1 to the operating budget which previously would have fully funded the 2018 PFD.
-Voted against SB26 in 2018 to use the fund for government services.

John Lincoln                      City: Juneau AK, 99801                  Party: Democrat         District: 40

Phone: 907-465-3473     Toll-Free: 888-288-3473
Facebook    Email: Representative.John.Lincoln@akleg.gov
Just took his seat January 2018.
-Voted for amendment 1 to the capital budget in 2017 which sought to fund the full 2017 PFD amount.
-Voted for amendment 1 to the operating budget in 2018 which sought to fund the full 2018 PFD amount.
-Voted against amendment 2 & 3 to the operating budget in 2018 which sought to return the remainder of the 2016/2017 PFD amounts.
-Voted to rescind amendment 1 to the operating budget which previously would have fully funded the 2018 PFD.
-Voted for SB26 in 2018 to use the fund for government services.

Kelly Merrick                 City: Eagle River AK, 99577                          Party: Republican    District:  14

Phone:907-465-3777     Toll-Free:800-861-5688
Facebook   Email: Representative.Kelly.Merrick@akleg.gov
Newly appointed.

Mark Neuman                  City: Wasilla AK, 99654                  Party: Republican           District: 8

Phone: 907-376-2679     Fax:  907-373-4745          Toll-Free: 800-505-2678
Facebook      Email: Representative.Mark.Neuman@akleg.gov
-Voted against SB26 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Voted for amendment 102 to the operating budget in 2017 which sought to restore the full PFD amount.
-Voted for amendment 1 to the capital budget in 2017 which sought to fund the full PFD amount.
-Voted for amendment 1 to the operating budget in 2018 which sought to fund the full 2018 PFD amount.
-Voted for amendment 2 & 3 to the operating budget in 2018 which sought to return the remainder of the 2016/2017 PFD amounts.
-Voted against SB26 in 2018 to use the fund for government services.

Dan Ortiz                            City: Ketchikan AK, 99901             Party: Non Affiliated      District: 36

Phone: 907-247-4672     Toll-Free: 800-686-3824
Facebook      Email: Representative.Dan.Ortiz@akleg.gov
-Voted for HB115 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Voted for SB26 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Approved the 2017 operating budget which capped the PFD.
-Voted against amendment 102 to the operating budget in 2017 which sought to restore the full PFD amount.
-Voted against amendment 1 to the capital budget in 2017 which sought to fund the full PFD amount.
-Voted against amendment 1 to the operating budget in 2018 which sought to fund the full 2018 PFD amount.
-Voted against amendment 2 & 3 to the operating budget in 2018 which sought to return the remainder of the 2016/2017 PFD amounts.
-Voted to rescind amendment 1 to the operating budget which previously would have fully funded the 2018 PFD.
-Voted for SB26 in 2018 to use the fund for government services.

Lance Pruitt                    City: Anchorage AK, 99503           Party: Republican          District: 27

Phone:907-465-3438Toll-Free:888-478-3438
Facebook     Email: Representative.Lance.Pruitt@akleg.gov
-Voted against HB115 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Voted against SB26 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Approved the 2017 operating budget which capped the PFD.
-Voted for amendment 102 to the operating budget in 2017 which sought to restore the full PFD amount.
-Voted against amendment 1 to the capital budget in 2017 which sought to fund the full PFD amount.
-Voted against amendment 1 to the operating budget in 2018 which sought to fund the full 2018 PFD amount.
-Voted against amendment 2 & 3 to the operating budget in 2018 which sought to return the remainder of the 2016/2017 PFD amounts.
-Voted not to rescind amendment 1 to the operating budget which previously would have fully funded the 2018 PFD.
-Voted for SB26 in 2018 to use the fund for government services.

Sara Rasmussen                     City: Anchorage AK, 99503           Party: Republican  District: 22

Phone:907-465-3892            Toll-Free:866-465-3892
Facebook           Email: Representative.Sara.Rasmussen@akleg.gov
Newly appointed.

George Rauscher             City: Wasilla AK, 99654                  Party:  Republican         District:  9

Phone:907-465-4859        Toll-Free:888-465-4859
Facebook     Email: Representative.George.Rauscher@akleg.gov
-Voted against HB115 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Voted against SB26 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Voted for amendment 102 to the operating budget in 2017 which sought to restore the full PFD amount.
-Sponsored HB161 aimed at requiring a vote of the people for use of the PFD by the government.
-Sponsored HB 65 & 66 which seek to restore the vetoed portion of the 2016 PFD.
-Voted for amendment 1 to the capital budget in 2017 which sought to fund the full PFD amount.
-Voted for amendment 1 to the operating budget in 2018 which sought to fund the full 2018 PFD amount.
-Voted for amendment 2 & 3 to the operating budget in 2018 which sought to return the remainder of the 2016/2017 PFD amounts.
-Voted not to rescind amendment 1 to the operating budget which previously would have fully funded the 2018 PFD.
-Voted against SB26 in 2018 to use the fund for government services.

Josh Revak              City: Anchorage AK, 99503           Party: Republican        District: 25

Phone:907-465-3879        Toll-Free:888-269-3879
Facebook       Email: Representative.Josh.Revak@akleg.gov
Newly appointed.

Laddie Shaw                        City:  Anchorage AK, 99503           Party:  Republican   District:  26
Phone:907-465-4945        Toll-Free:866-465-4945
Facebook       Email: Representative.Laddie.Shaw@akleg.gov
Newly appointed.

Ivy Spohnholz                   City: Anchorage AK, 99503                          Party: Democrat           District: 16

Phone:907-465-4940           Toll-Free:866-465-4940
Facebook       Email: Representative.Ivy.Spohnholz@akleg.gov
-Voted for HB115 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Voted for SB26 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Approved the 2017 operating budget which capped the PFD.
-Voted against amendment 102 to the operating budget in 2017 which sought to restore the full PFD amount.
-Sponsored HJR23 a POMV draw giving only 33 percent for PFD payments hiding behind a promise to “protect” the PFD in the constitution.
-Voted for amendment 1 to the capital budget in 2017 which sought to fund the full PFD amount.
-Voted for amendment 1 to the operating budget in 2018 which sought to fund the full 2018 PFD amount.
-Voted against amendment 2 & 3 to the operating budget in 2018 which sought to return the remainder of the 2016/2017 PFD amounts.
-Voted to rescind amendment 1 to the operating budget which previously would have fully funded the 2018 PFD.
-Voted for SB26 in 2018 to use the fund for government services.

Andy Story                    City: Juneau AK, 99801                  Party: Democrat              District: 34

Phone:907-465-3744     Fax:907-465-2273       Toll-Free:800-968-6744
Facebook     Email: Representative.Andi.Story@akleg.gov
Newly appointed.

Louise Stutes                    City: Kodiak AK, 99615                                  Party: Republican     District: 32

Phone:907-465-2487         Toll-Free:800-865-2487
Facebook     Email: Representative.Louise.Stutes@akleg.gov
-Voted for HB115 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Voted for SB26 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Approved the 2017 operating budget which capped the PFD.
-Voted against amendment 102 to the operating budget in 2017 which sought to restore the full PFD amount.
-Voted for amendment 1 to the capital budget in 2017 which sought to fund the full PFD amount.
-Voted against amendment 1 to the operating budget in 2018 which sought to fund the full 2018 PFD amount.
-Voted against amendment 2 & 3 to the operating budget in 2018 which sought to return the remainder of the 2016/2017 PFD amounts.
-Voted to rescind amendment 1 to the operating budget which previously would have fully funded the 2018 PFD.
-Voted for SB26 in 2018 to use the fund for government services.

Colleen Sullivan-Leonard  City: Wasilla AK, 99654                             Party: Republican          District: 7

Phone:907-465-4833          Toll-Free:800-782-4833
Facebook    Email: Representative.Colleen.Sullivan-Leonard@akleg.gov
-Voted against HB115 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Voted against SB26 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Offered amendment 102 to the operating budget in 2017 that sought to restore the full PFD amount.
-Voted for amendment 1 to the capital budget in 2017 which sought to fund the full PFD amount.
-Voted for amendment 1 to the operating budget in 2018 which sought to fund the full 2018 PFD amount.
-Voted for amendment 2 & 3 to the operating budget in 2018 which sought to return the remainder of the 2016/2017 PFD amounts.
-Voted against SB26 in 2018 to use the fund for government services.

Dave Talerico                    City:  Fairbanks AK, 99701                           Party: Republican         District:  6

Phone:907-465-4527          Toll-Free:800-491-4527
Facebook    Email: Representative.David.Talerico@akleg.gov
-Voted against SB26 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Approved the 2017 operating budget which capped the PFD.
-Offered amendment 102 to the operating budget in 2017 that sought to restore the full PFD amount.
-Sponsored HB192 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Voted for amendment 1 to the capital budget in 2017 which sought to fund the full PFD amount.
-Voted for amendment 1 to the operating budget in 2018 which sought to fund the full 2018 PFD amount.
-Voted against amendment 2 & 3 to the operating budget in 2018 which sought to return the remainder of the 2016/2017 PFD amounts.
-Voted for SB26 in 2018 to use the fund for government services.

Geran Tarr                         City: Anchorage AK, 99503                          Party: Democrat          District: 19

Phone:907-465-3424        Toll-Free:800-303-2455
Facebook    Email: Representative.Geran.Tarr@akleg.gov
-Voted for HB115 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Voted for SB26 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Approved the 2017 operating budget which capped the PFD.
-Voted against amendment 102 to the operating budget in 2017 which sought to restore the full PFD amount.
-Sponsored HJR23 a POMV draw giving only 33 percent for PFD payments hiding behind a promise to “protect” the PFD in the constitution.
-Voted for amendment 1 to the capital budget in 2017 which sought to fund the full PFD amount.
-Voted for amendment 1 to the operating budget in 2018 which sought to fund the full 2018 PFD amount.
-Voted against amendment 2 & 3 to the operating budget in 2018 which sought to return the remainder of the 2016/2017 PFD amounts.
-Voted not to rescind amendment 1 to the operating budget which previously would have fully funded the 2018 PFD.
-Voted for SB26 in 2018 to use the fund for government services.

Steve Thompson             City: Fairbanks AK, 99701                            Party: Republican       District: 2

Phone:907-465-3004            Toll-Free:877-465-3004
Facebook      Email: Representative.Steve.Thompson@akleg.gov
-Voted against SB26 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Sponsored HB192 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Voted against amendment 1 to the capital budget in 2017 which sought to fund the full PFD amount.
-Voted against amendment 1 to the operating budget in 2018 which sought to fund the full 2018 PFD amount.
-Voted against amendment 2 & 3 to the operating budget in 2018 which sought to return the remainder of the 2016/2017 PFD amounts.
-Voted for SB26 in 2018 to use the fund for government services.

Cathy Tilton                      City: Wasilla AK, 99654                                 Party: Republican   District: 12

Phone: 907-373-6298     Toll-Free: 800-342-2199
Facebook     Email: Representative.Cathy.Tilton@akleg.gov
-Voted against HB115 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Voted against SB26 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Offered amendment 102 to the operating budget in 2017 sought to restore the full PFD amount.
-Voted for amendment 1 to the capital budget in 2017 which sought to fund the full PFD amount.
-Voted for amendment 1 to the operating budget in 2018 which sought to fund the full 2018 PFD amount.
-Voted for amendment 2 & 3 to the operating budget in 2018 which sought to return the remainder of the 2016/2017 PFD amounts.
-Voted to not to rescind amendment 1 to the operating budget which previously would have fully funded the 2018 PFD.
-Voted against SB26 in 2018 to use the fund for government services.

Chris Tuck                          City:  Anchorage AK, 99503                         Party: Democrat    District:23

Phone:907-465-2095        Fax:907-465-3810             Toll-Free:866-465-2095
Facebook      Email: Representative.Chris.Tuck@akleg.gov
-Voted for HB115 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Voted for SB26 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Approved the 2017 operating budget which capped the PFD.
-Voted against amendment 102 to the operating budget in 2017 which sought to restore the full PFD amount.
-Sponsored HJR23 a POMV draw giving only 33 percent for PFD payments hiding behind a promise to “protect” the PFD in the constitution.
-Voted for amendment 1 to the capital budget in 2017 which sought to fund the full PFD amount.
-Voted for amendment 1 to the operating budget in 2018 which sought to fund the full 2018 PFD amount.
-Voted against amendment 2 & 3 to the operating budget in 2018 which sought to return the remainder of the 2016/2017 PFD amounts.
-Voted not to rescind amendment 1 to the operating budget which previously would have fully funded the 2018 PFD.
-Voted for SB26 in 2018 to use the fund for government services.

Sarah Vance                       City: Homer AK, 99603                                 Party:  Republican     District: 31

Phone:907-465-2689          Toll-Free:800-665-2689
Facebook     Email: Representative.Sarah.Vance@akleg.gov
Newly appointed.

Tammie Wilson                City: North Pole AK, 99705                          Party: Republican   District: 3

Phone:907-465-4797           Toll-Free:800-860-4797
Facebook      Email: Representative.Tammie.Wilson@akleg.gov
-Voted against HB115 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Voted against SB26 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Offered amendment 102 to the operating budget in 2017 sought to restore the full PFD amount.
-Sponsored HB161 aimed at requiring a vote of the people for use of the PFD by the government.
-Sponsored HB 65 & 66 which seek to restore the vetoed portion of the 2016 PFD.
-Voted for amendment 1 to the capital budget in 2017 which sought to fund the full PFD amount.
-Voted for amendment 1 to the operating budget in 2018 which sought to fund the full 2018 PFD amount.
-Voted for amendment 2 & 3 to the operating budget in 2018 which sought to return the remainder of the 2016/2017 PFD amounts.
-Voted not to rescind amendment 1 to the operating budget which previously would have fully funded the 2018 PFD.
-Voted against SB26 in 2018 to use the fund for government services.

Adam Wool                       City: Fairbanks AK, 99701                            Party: Democrat    District: 5

Phone: 907-452-6084     Toll-Free: 866-465-4976
Facebook       Email: Representative.Adam.Wool@akleg.gov
-Voted for HB115 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Voted for SB26 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Approved the 2017 operating budget which capped the PFD.
-Voted against amendment 102 to the operating budget in 2017 which sought to restore the full PFD amount.
-Voted for amendment 1 to the capital budget in 2017 which sought to fund the full PFD amount.
-Voted against amendment 1 to the operating budget in 2018 which sought to fund the full 2018 PFD amount.
-Voted against amendment 2 & 3 to the operating budget in 2018 which sought to return the remainder of the 2016/2017 PFD amounts.
-Voted to rescind amendment 1 to the operating budget which previously would have fully funded the 2018 PFD.
-Voted for SB26 in 2018 to use the fund for government services.

Tiffany Zulkosky                             City: Bethel AK, 99559                   Party: Democrat   District: 38

Phone:907-465-4942       Fax:907-465-4589          Toll-Free:800-323-4942
Facebook      Email: Representative.Tiffany.Zulkosky@akleg.gov
Just took her seat March 2018.
-Voted for amendment 1 to the operating budget in 2018 which sought to fund the full PFD amount.
-Voted against amendment 2 & 3 to the operating budget in 2018 which sought to return the remainder of the 2016/2017 PFD amounts.
-Voted to rescind amendment 1 to the operating budget which previously would have fully funded the 2018 PFD.
-Voted for SB26 in 2018 to use the fund for government services.

The Senate:

Tom Begich                       City:  Anchorage AK, 99503                         Party: Democrat     District:  J

Phone:907-465-3704            Toll-Free:888-330-3704
Facebook      Email: Senator.Tom.Begich@akleg.gov
-Sponsored SJR 1 to protect the PFD in the Constitution.
-Voted to move SJR 1 from committee.
-Voted against SB26 in 2017 to use the PFD to fund the government.
-Sponsored SB1 & 2 in effort to restore the vetoed portion of the 2016 PFD.
-Sponsored HJR9 a POMV draw giving only 44 percent for PFD payments hiding behind a promise to “protect” the PFD in the constitution.
-Approved the 2017 operating budget which capped the PFD.
-Voted against SB26 in 2018 to use the fund for government services.

Chris Birch                         City:  Anchorage AK, 99503           Party:  Republican   District:  M

Phone:907-465-4931                 Toll-Free:800-870-4931
Facebook      Email: Senator.Chris.Birch@akleg.gov
-Voted against HB115 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Voted against SB26 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Sponsored HB192 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Voted against amendment 102 to the operating budget in 2017 which sought to restore the full PFD amount.

Click Bishop                       City: Fairbanks AK, 99701                            Party: Republican    District: C

Phone:907-465-2327                Toll-Free:800-336-7383
Facebook     Email: Senator.Click.Bishop@akleg.gov
-Approved the 2017 operating budget which capped the PFD.
-Voted for SB128 in 2016 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Voted for SB26 in 2017 to use the PFD to fund the government.
-Voted not to move SJR 1 from committee.
-Voted for SB26 in 2018 to use the fund for government services.

John Coghill                      City: Fairbanks AK, 99701                            Party: Republican    District: B

Phone:907-465-3719            Fax:907-465-3258                 Toll-Free:877-465-3719
 Facebook    Email: Senator.John.Coghill@akleg.gov
-Approved the 2017 operating budget which capped the PFD.
-Refused to call a joint session to vote on an override of the 2016 PFD veto.
-Voted not to restore the 2016 PFD shortage.
-Holding SJR 1 Hostage in committee.
-Voted not to move SJR 1 from committee.
-Voted for SB26 in 2017 to use the PFD to fund the government.
-Voted for SB128 in 2016 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Voted for SB26 in 2018 to use the fund for government services.

Mia Costello                      City: Anchorage AK, 99503           Party: Republican             District: K

Phone:907-465-4968          Toll-Free:800-773-4968
Facebook      Email: Senator.Mia.Costello@akleg.gov
-Approved the 2017 operating budget which capped the PFD.
-Voted for SB128 in 2016 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Voted for SB26 in 2017 to use the PFD to fund the government.
-Voted not to move SJR 1 from committee.?
-Voted for SB26 in 2018 to use the fund for government services.

Cathy Giessel                    City: Anchorage AK, 99503           Party: Republican             District: N

Phone:907-465-4843             Toll-Free:800-892-4843
Facebook      Email: Senator.Cathy.Giessel@akleg.gov
-Sponsored SB1 & 2  in effort to restore the vetoed portion of the 2016 PFD.
-Approved the 2017 operating budget which capped the PFD.
-Voted for SB128 in 2016 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Voted for SB26 in 2017 to use the PFD to fund the government.
-Voted not to move SJR 1 from committee.
-Voted for SB26 in 2018 to use the fund for government services.

Elvi Gray-Jackson            City: Anchorage AK, 99503           Party: Democrat               District: I

Phone:907-465-4930            Toll-Free:800-331-4930
Facebook        Email: Senator.Elvi.Gray-Jackson@akleg.gov
Newly appointed.

Lyman Hoffman                              City: Bethel AK, 99559    Party: Democrat               District: S

Phone: 907-465-4453     Toll-Free: 866-465-4453                Fax: 907-465-4523
Facebook    Email: Senator.Lyman.Hoffman@akleg.gov
-Approved the 2017 operating budget which capped the PFD.
-Voted for SB26 in 2017 to use the PFD to fund the government.
-Voted not to move SJR 1 from committee.
-Sponsored SB70 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Voted for SB128 in 2016 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Voted for SB26 in 2018 to use the fund for government services.

Shelley Hughes                City: Wasilla AK, 99654   Party: Republican             District: F

Phone:907-465-3743       Toll-Free:800-565-3743
Facebook      Email: Senator.Shelley.Hughes@akleg.gov
-Voted to move SJR 1 from committee.
-Voted against SB26 in 2017 to use the PFD to fund the government.
-Sponsored SB1 & 2  in effort to restore the vetoed portion of the 2016 PFD.
-Voted against SB26 in 2018 to use the fund for government services.

Scott Kawasaki                         City: Fairbanks AK, 99701             Party: Democrat            District: A

Phone:465-3466        Toll-Free:866-465-3466
Formerly House seat 1, moved to Senate in 2019.
-Voted for HB115 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Voted for SB26 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Voted against amendment 102 to the operating budget in 2017 which sought to restore the full PFD amount.
-Sponsored HJR23 a POMV draw giving only 33 percent for PFD payments hiding behind a promise to “protect” the PFD in the constitution.

Jesse Kiehl                   City: Juneau AK, 99801                  Party: Democrat               District: Q

Phone:907-465-4947     Fax:907-465-2108        Toll-Free:855-465-4947
Facebook         Email: Senator.Jesse.Kiehl@akleg.gov
Newly appointed

Peter Micciche                 City: Kenai AK, 99611                     Party: Republican             District: O

Phone:907-465-2828         Toll-Free:800-964-5733
Facebook     Email: Senator.Peter.Micciche@akleg.gov
-Approved the 2017 operating budget which capped the PFD.
-Voted for SB26 in 2017 to use the PFD to fund the government.
-Voted not to move SJR 1 from committee.
-Voted for SB128 in 2016 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Voted for SB26 in 2018 to use the fund for government services.

Donny Olson                     City: Nome AK, 99762                    Party: Democrat               District: T

Phone:907-465-3707          Fax:907-465-4821            Toll-Free:800-597-3707
Facebook       Email: Senator.Donald.Olson@akleg.gov
-Approved the 2017 operating budget which capped the PFD.
-Voted against SB26 in 2017 to use the PFD to fund the government.
-Voted to move SJR 1 from committee.
-Voted for SB128 in 2016 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Voted against SB26 in 2018 to use the fund for government services.

Lora Reinbold            City: Eagle River AK, 99577           Party: Republican             District: G

Phone:907-465-3822         Toll-Free:800-770-3822
Facebook     Email: Senator.Lora.Reinbold@akleg.gov
-Voted against HB115 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Voted against SB26 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Offered amendment 102 to the operating budget in 2017 sought to restore the full PFD amount.
-Sponsored HB 65 & 66 which seek to restore the vetoed portion of the 2016 PFD.

Mike Shower                    City: Wasilla AK, 99654-8135       Party:    Republican          District: E

Phone:907-465-6600           Toll-Free:877-465-6601
Facebook      Email: Senator.Mike.Shower@akleg.gov
-Voted not to move SJR 1 from committee initially, later changed his vote to yes.
-Relatively new representative, insufficient action to determine stance so left “unknown” for now.

Bert Stedman                   City: Ketchikan AK, 99901             Party: Republican             District: R

Phone:907-465-3873            Toll-Free:877-463-3873
Facebook      Email: Senator.Bert.Stedman@akleg.gov
-Approved the 2017 operating budget which capped the PFD.
-Voted for SB26 in 2017 to use the PFD to fund the government.
-Voted not to move SJR 1 from committee.
-Sponsored SB21 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Sponsored HJR9 a POMV draw giving only 44 percent for PFD payments hiding behind a promise to “protect” the PFD in the constitution.
-Voted for SB128 in 2016 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Voted for SB26 in 2018 to use the fund for government services.

Gary Stevens                    City: Kodiak AK, 99615                   Party: Republican            District: P

Phone: 907-486-4925     Toll-Free: 800-821-4925                Fax: 907-486-5264
Facebook     Email: Senator.Gary.Stevens@akleg.gov
-Approved the 2017 operating budget which capped the PFD.
-Voted for SB26 in 2017 to use the PFD to fund the government.
-Voted not to move SJR 1 from committee.
-Voted for SB128 in 2016 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Voted for SB26 in 2018 to use the fund for government services.

Natasha von Imhof         City: Anchorage AK, 99503           Party: Republican             District: L

Phone:907-465-2995       Toll-Free:800-365-2995
Facebook       Email: Senator.Natasha.vonImhof@akleg.gov
-Approved the 2017 operating budget which capped the PFD.
-Voted for SB26 in 2017 to use the PFD to fund the government.
-Voted not to move SJR 1 from committee.
-Voted for SB26 in 2018 to use the fund for government services.

Bill Wielechowski            City: Anchorage AK, 99503           Party: Democrat               District: H

Phone: 907-269-0120     Toll-Free: 800-550-2435                Fax: 907-269-0122
Facebook       Email: Senator.Bill.Wielechowski@akleg.gov
-Sponsored SJR 1 to protect the PFD in the Constitution.
-Voted to move SJR 1 from committee.
-Filed law suit in an attempt to reverse 2016 PFD veto.
-Motioned to have a vote to override the 2016 PFD veto overturned.
-Voted not to cap the 2016 PFD.
-Sponsored SB1 & 2  in effort to restore the vetoed portion of the 2016 PFD.
-Voted against SB128 in 2016 aimed at using the PFD to fund the government.
-Voted against SB26 in 2018 to use the fund for government services.
-Sponsored SB13 in 2019 to pay back past withheld dividend funds.

David Wilson                    City: Wasilla AK, 99654                  Party: Republican             District: D

Phone:907-465-3878         Toll-Free:800-862-3878
Facebook            Email: Senator.David.Wilson@akleg.gov
-Sponsored SB2 in effort to restore the vetoed portion of the 2016 PFD.
-Voted against SB26 in 2017 to use the PFD to fund the government.
-Sponsored SJR 1 to protect the PFD in the Constitution.
-Voted not to move SJR 1 from committee stated was “procedural,” but he supported SJR 1.
-Approved the 2017 operating budget which capped the PFD.
-Voted against SB26 in 2018 to use the fund for government services.

Join the conversation! PFD defense pages on Facebook:
Alaskans Against the PFD Theft
PFD Defenders
Hands Off Our PFD

Whistle 3 Pet GPS Tracker Review: Will It Work in Alaska?

I’m going to be honest, I had no idea GPS trackers for your pet even existed before an ad popped up for one while I was researching wireless fences. For once, internet advertising got it right. I recently got a new puppy and living in a semi-secluded lot in Alaska, it didn’t occur to me to contain him until I got a call from my neighbor asking if he was lost. The main reason a GPS tracker appealed to me is it would allow me to see if my little fuzz-butt was actually wandering or his excursion was a one-time deal, and I could easily find him if he did make another journey. As an added bonus, as these trackers aren’t hyper popular in Alaska yet, most would-be dog thieves would have no idea he was lo-jacked.

After switching my research session to dog GPS tags, I settled on the Whistle 3. Overall, it seemed to be the highest recommended and it uses AT&T cellphone towers, a network that exists and has decent coverage in Alaska. I’ve been using it a little over a month now and figured why not review it here on Life with Gremlins for other curious fur-baby havers. I will take this moment to disclose I have no affiliation with the folks over at Whistle. I paid for my tracker and this post was not sponsored in any way. It does, however, contain a referral links, which any Whistle customer has access to.

That bit over with the most important question to me once I got my Whistle 3 GPS tracker, was is it accurate and reliable?

How Reliable is the Whistle 3 GPS tracker?

Living in Alaska, it’s not uncommon for there to be no cell service. Heck, sitting here in my living room I have 1 bar, so a big concern for me was whether this tracker, that relies on cell towers, was going to consistently and accurately be able to find my dog. Before I even put it on him, I tested it.

I just so happened to be going on a 2-hour road trip to a nearby town, one I had taken many times before and knew had a blackout area signal wise. I mean no internet. No cell service. No radio even. I was pretty impressed to find the Whistle 3 did manage to track the vast majority of my trip, cutting out after my cell signal did even, right around the time my car radio signal went out. You can also see in the screenshot below it picked back up when the signal did, though with less consistent pinging. This was because I started a “tracking” session right as I left the “home” zone for my tracker, and I was driving when the signal came back, so I didn’t start a new tracking session. We’ll get to the difference there in just a moment.

Whistle 3 GPS pet tracker review

At home, where as mentioned the cell signal sucks, it has consistently alerted me when my dog has left the home zone, and tracked him outside of it. Here’s a shot from the other day where he was playing with his new dog friend (who lured him to my neighbor’s house and started this whole tracker business to begin with).

Whistle 3 pet GPS tracker review

Overall, I would rate the reliability and accuracy of the Whistle 3 tracker A freakin’ plus. If it can track on the Alaskan road and in the boonies, then it will likely be accurate anywhere.

How does the Whistle 3 GPS tracker work?

After I established it worked, that’s when I really got curious about what all it did and didn’t do.

Setting up the tracker was pretty easy. It came with very clear directions. Just twist it into the charger overnight, once it’s charged, clip it on your dog’s collar. The tracking box is relatively small, about half the size of a deck of cards and similarly thick. It weighs far less than a deck of cards though. Here’s a picture of it on my 4-month-old German Shepard mix. He is about 20-25 lbs for size reference. I have seen other reviews put them on cats, so they can be used on smaller critters, though personally, I do wish the tracker was a bit smaller.

Whistle 3 pet GPS tracker review blue eyes german shepherd

To use the tracker, you also need the Whistle 3 app. Pay attention to which you download, it does appear there different apps for the original Whistle GPS tags and the newer Whistle 3 tags which are smaller and have more features. I downloaded my app from the Google Play store for Android, but there is also an iOS version for Apple users. It’s a small app with great ease of use.

Tracking Your Pet with the Whistle 3:

Obviously the main function of this tracker is to, well, track. Once you have your app installed, you can set multiple “home” zones. These are areas you can define with a border as to where your pet should be. If your pet wanders beyond your set (and adjustable) border you’ll get a notification on your phone that your pet has left home.
Whistle 3 pet GPS tracker review

Initially, I was disappointed in how quickly that alert occurs. When I tested my tracker that first day off-dog, I found it took a little over 5 minutes to notify me I was no longer at home (though it did accurate judge how far I’d gone). Later I discovered there is a settings page on the app that allows you to edit your pet’s info, set notifications settings, and also change how often your tracker is pinged for location. I was set to 5 minutes by default. The shortest time frame it can be set to is 3 minutes.

The reason this is set to 5 by default is to preserve battery life. Though if your dog mostly chills near enough to your home to be in Wifi range, say asleep in your living room like mine, this isn’t a big concern. Your tracker will remain connected to Wifi if in range and it won’t be pinged at all. I found when my trackers location says, “at home” that means my dog is within range of my Wifi, if it says, “near home” it means he is in my set home region, but not within Wifi range. If he leaves the home border, it will say how far away he is (example/ 200 ft).

If your pet leaves the home zone, your notification of this will also ask if you want to track your pet. During a tracking session your pet’s location is updated every minute, rather than at your set rate. This is why back there in my test the beginning tracking dots are almost a solid line, but when the signal kicked back in, and I didn’t restart the tracking session, the dots are sporadic. The tracking session will also show you a neat little map of where your pet went (like in my playing dogs screenshot back there).

What else does the Whistle 3 GPS tracker do?

Notice I said main function back there. The Whistle 3 tracker also acts like a Fitbit for your pet in that it tracks activity levels. For me this was more just amusing, for example to get an email my puppy is active 136 more minutes a day than similar dogs of his age, breed, and size made me chuckle. For folks with dogs that have health issues (such as being a fatty) setting activity goals and tracking how much rest and exercise they’re getting could certainly be useful.
Whistle 3 pet GPS tracker review

How good is the Whistle 3 Tracker’s battery life?

Alright, so next question, how much work is this thing to keep up with? Whistle’s FAQ states the trackers battery lasts up to 7 days, depending on how often you’re in Wifi range, how frequently you have the tracker set to update, and how often you use the track feature. My pup is in Wifi range most of the day, I have to charge mine every 8 to 10 days thus far.

The nice thing about the design on this tracker is it twists off the clip on your pet’s collar. The clip itself is a flexible plastic and it is kind of hard to get on and off (which is a good thing being a lost tracker doesn’t help you track your pet, even if you could find it easily). The tracker itself twist-clicks into place on that clip, so it’s very easy to remove and place on the charger at night when the battery gets low. The charger is USB-based, so you will need a computer, laptop, or USB plug box for charging. It does not come with one, and there is no wall plug. That I did find a little inconvenient if it’s not something you have on hand.

Finally, what does the Whistle 3 tracker cost?

It’s all well and good if something works and is easy to use, but whether or not it’s cost effective really is the deciding factor for a lot of people. Initially, the Whistle 3 is more expensive than some other trackers (be wary of Bluetooth trackers that only work if in range of your phone, they are far cheaper, but don’t work well for obvious reasons). From Amazon with Prime shipping the Whistle 3 runs $79.95. The cost is the same direct from the Whistle site though, and with the referral link I mentioned, you’ll save $20 paying $59.95 with free shipping (even to Alaska!). This tracker also requires a service for cell phone tower use, and there is a monthly fee for that. If paid monthly, the fee is $9.95 a month. If you pay an entire year at once, it’s $95.40 ($7.95 a month), and if you pay for 2 years, it’s $166.80 ($6.95 a month).

For me, the fee was worth it to find out if my dog is staying home and likewise to ensure I could get him back if taken, but honestly, if he wears it for the year I paid for and I find he doesn’t really go anywhere, there’s a good chance I’ll cancel. I’d say that will probably be the answer for most folks. If you have a dog that likes to run or live in an area where dog theft is a problem, the fee is worth it. If your dog is well contained and rarely leaves home, it may not be for you depending on your financials.

Sweet Cherry Trees in Alaska: Can It Be Done?

On a roomy 5-acres in Sterling, Alaska, we made a go at making us a tiny orchard—someday. We have apples, a pear, apricot, kiwi, a variety of berries, and first year grapes. Right now most of our trees are little over a few feet tall and have only been in the dirt a few years, but one thing we lack is cherry.

I love sweet cherries. They are by far my favorite. So, you can imagine how bummed I was when I learned the general consensus was that while sour cherries do well here, sweet cherries are a solid no-go. I, however, am a bit stubborn and have some serious google-fu so I did some digging and found as many references to sweet cherries in Alaska as I could. You can see what I found with links at the end of the page, but in summary, it seems sweet cherries go just fine down a little more to the southeast in Haines and Skagway, drop dead further north in Fairbanks, but have had some success in Anchorage. Anchorage has a very similar climate to where we are down on the Kenai Peninsula, so there is hope. Hope enough to buy some trees.

My next question was, what kind? I mean not all sweet cherry trees are created equal. Luckily, that same digging for mentions of survivors did leave a few repeat varieties mentioned, though many mentions simply stated sweet cherry. I eventually decided and ordered Kristen and Lapins.

Kristen is black sweet cherry that’s done quite well in some northern climates such as Norway. It’s touted as the hardiest sweet cherry variety usually rated for zone 4. Kristen is not self-pollinating and needs a friend. I did check and Lapins is a cross-pollinator for Kristen.  Lapins is self-fertile and a universal pollinator, though often rated slightly less hardy than Kristen. Some sources say zone 4, others zone 5.

Kristen also produces fruit early in the year, which is important up here with our short grow season. Lapins, sadly, not so much. Honestly I am just hoping she survives and flowers enough to pollinate Kristen. Survival is step one, fruit can come after.

Both our trees are on gisela 5 root stock, suggested to hasten fruit production and remain hardy to -20 F. I can remember winters we hit below -20, but not in recent years, so I think I’m playing a hopeful gambler here.

I bought both trees from Raintree Nursery at around $30 each with a painful $50 shipping working out to $55 a tree. They arrived in wonderful shape and have begun leafing out nicely. The pics below were taken about 2 weeks after arrival. These were “whips” meaning they were literally bare-root sticks when sent. The second picture is one of the grafts. Stalks are about the width of a quarter. Trees about 4 ft tall.

sweet cherry alaska sweet cherry alaska sweet cherry alaska
UPDATE July, 2017: These experienced great growth during the summer with more than a foot per branch. In fall, we got a bit busy and forgot to take any steps to protect them though. Then we had a particular cold winter holding around -22 for over a week, and sadly, these poor girls died back to the snow line. The roots did survive and broke dormancy below the graft at the same time our local birch did. A scratch test also found life above the graft. Lapins finally put out new growth above the graft in early July and seems to be making a recovery despite being much shorter now.

Kristen followed suit in late July. In my opinion, if tried in a high tunnel or with better weatherization (as  the bottom 18 inches or so covered in snow did fine) Kirsten and Lapins could make it in South Central no problem. Once we have a high tunnel, I will definitely be trying. For now, I suppose I am stuck with two very dwarfed sweet cherry trees.

UPDATE: Winter, 2018
Kristen did not survive above the graft after a second winter. It recovered poorly in the summer of 2017, and I assume just didn’t have the strength to make it through.

Lapins did survive above the graft, but also didn’t recover much over the summer, and I have my doubts it will survive winter 2018– will update in the spring. Both root stocks have sent off branches, and we stopped pruning them as the plan is to let those get stronger, and then try a new graft.

I will also continue to update this page as to how these two continue to fare, and any new plantings/grafts.

UPDATE: Summer 2019
Both trees did not come back above the graft this spring, but the root stock is flourishing. This will be my last update until I try again (and I definitely will).

Mentions of sweet cherries in Alaska:

Successful:
Location: Haines,  2012
Writer Rob Goldberg notes he is in zone 5 near the coast.
Source

“They (sweet cherries) ripen from mid-July to early August. Stop watering when the cherries start to turn red.  All varieties will crack when it rains heavily during ripening, but varieties bred for the dry summers of Eastern Washington, such as Bing and Rainier are more susceptible.  Look for Stella, Lapin, Black Tartarian, Kristin, Sam, Hartland and any others that are crack resistant.  One solution to cracking is to put down a tarp around the tree if rain is imminent.”

Location: Sitka, 1949 (zone 7)

Source: Report on Exploratory Investigations of Agricultural Problems of Alaska
Agricultural Research Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1949 pg 160

Text simply notes “sweet cherries” bearing fruit at an experimental station. An image shows a large tree  (double the height of the man in the photo) stated to be a sweet cherry.  Fruit production unknown.

Sweet cherries are mentioned at the Sitka station again, here, stating 10 variety were tried with “Republican” being the most successful. Many suffered winter-kill, but all bore fruit in 1927. It was noted that there were also unknown variety of sweet cherries thriving in local orchards, however none produced fruit, potentially due to a lack of a cross pollinator. Lapins, a self-pollinator, is then suggested for trial but no follow-up could be found.

Location: Skagway (zone 7) 2015
Source

Stella, Kristen, White Gold and Kansas Sweet listed as surviving multiple winters, flowering, and setting fruit.

Location: Anchorage 1990 (zone 4)
Source

“Leiser says that one original Anchorage townsite lot has a producing sweet cherry tree that is 25 years old. It is an unknown variety that was bought from Sears……Wayne Leiser is well-known greenhouse manager, news-paper gardening columnist and gradnate-horticulturist.”

Location: Anchorage 2015 (zone 4)

Local blogger, mentions a sweet cherry in her yard producing fruit. Appears to have been planted in 2010 (5-year survival). I popped her a comment and she says her cherry is Kristen on Gisela 5 as well (so at least it seems like I’m on the right track).
Post mentioning purchase
Post mentioning fruiting

Survived with damage:
Location: Anchorage 1986-1987 (zone 4)
Source
“Kristen is a black sweet cherry that has performed well in Norway and Montana. Both I and Lawrence Clark noted moderate to severe winter damage in 1986-87 in Anchorage. Never the less…this cherry deserves to be tried again in Anchorage.”