Alaskans are being asked to choose their next governor, but after watching this election unfold, I am left with a basic concern: Have voters actually been given enough opportunity to determine who is prepared to govern? We have seen candidate forums, introductions, short answers and carefully managed appearances. What we have largely not seen are genuine debates where the leading candidates challenge one another’s assumptions, defend their records, explain their differences and demonstrate how they respond under pressure.

Qualities of a Capable Governor

I believe there are at least 14 qualities we should be examining: a clear vision for Alaska, executive leadership experience, economic development, reverse population loss and outmigration, fiscal discipline, responsible resource development, healthcare and senior care, public safety and functioning government, education accountability, ability to work with people who disagree, the ability to build a strong cabinet, courage to challenge entrenched systems, integrity and personal discipline, and a genuinely statewide perspective.

Five questions every gubernatorial candidate should answer: At the end of your four-year term, what five measurable things will be better in Alaska because you were governor? Name three state programs, policies or practices you would eliminate or fundamentally restructure. What new industries, employers or major projects will you personally work to bring to Alaska? How will you reverse Alaska’s long-running outmigration and convince young Alaskans to build their futures here? Who are the strongest people you would recruit to run Alaska’s major departments, and are you prepared to dismiss commissioners who fail to produce results?

Original reporting: Must Read Alaska (Anchorage) — read the source article.