John Pile

District: 11 - North Pole

Seat Running For: Representative

Party Affiliation: Democrat

1. As a legislator, what have you done to support women and children victims of domestic violence and/or sexual assault? What specifically have you done to help end violence against women and children in Alaska ?

I am not a legislator yet, but I plan to be in November, with your help. However, I have been a school principal in the Fairbanks Schools for twenty-five years. For thirteen of these years, I worked across the street from the Interior Alaska Center for Non-Violent Living and developed and excellent working relationship with the staff. I have also served on the Board of Directors of the Interior Alaska Center for Non-Violent Living in Fairbanks.

2.Women in Alaska , particularly Native women, are disproportionately victims of violence. What are the issues or causes you believe increase violence against Alaskan women?

Rural living conditions, far away from law enforcement, limited opportunities from training, limited outreach programs.

3. Alaska has ranked nationally in the top three per capita for sexual assault in the past 29 years (per the Uniform Crime Reporting Code). What type of legislation would you support to increase perpetrator accountability and ensure safety for women and children?

Enforcement of current laws, training for law enforcement and court system, funding for shelters, awareness and education.

4.  Shelter programs in Alaska are finding it difficult to keep and maintain staff due to a lack of competitive wages.  This causes a high turnover of staff because they can receive better paying jobs working for the state and municipality.  Due to the high rate of staff turnover, the amount and type of services that can be offered to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault are greatly impacted.  As a legislator, what will you do to address this problem?

Provide reliable state support so that budgets could be secure and long range planning for staffing could be established. School loan forgiveness for training that supports employments in the field. Professional development programs on a state level. Health care programs for all Alaskans.

5. Funding for shelter programs has increased only 4% in the last 10 years while services have increased by over 42%. As a legislator, what will you do to address this problem?

Provide state support that is funded on a long-term basis and Improve public awareness of concerns.

What is the name of the domestic violence/ sexual assault intervention program(s) that serves your constituents and who are the current executive directors?

IAC: Brenda Stanfill