August 18th marks the day of the Primary Election for all Alaskans. In Western Alaska, the entire region from Hooper Bay to Utqiagvik is covered by Senate District T, the largest in the state. This year there are three candidates running for that seat, two of them are Republicans and will face off in next week’s primary, while the third is the Democratic incumbent.
The three individuals running for the Senate District T seat are Calvin Moto II of Deering (Republican candidate), Thomas Baker of Kotzebue (Republican candidate), and Donny Olson of Golovin (Democratic incumbent).
Calvin Moto II of Deering. Photo courtesy of Moto’s campaign website. 
Thomas Baker of Kotzebue. Photo courtesy of the City of Kotzebue 
Sen. Donny Olson of Golovin. Photo courtesy of KTOO Radio.
KNOM asked all three candidates questions about some of the main issues facing Western Alaska right now: public safety, education and how it can be improved, the coronavirus pandemic, as well as how each candidate stands on Permanent Fund Dividends. To hear from these candidates directly and their insight into these topics, click the audio file included above.
Image at top: Stickers proclaiming “Naliġaaniktuŋa!” or “I Voted!” in Iñupiaq, at the polls in Nome. Photo: Matthew F. Smith, KNOM.
