There is a special pride that comes from being Alaskan: pride in the fishermen helping feed the world; the oil workers coaxing a national energy resource out of the frozen tundra; the small business owners who are creating new jobs and new opportunities; the public employees providing for essential needs; and teachers and first responders who strengthen every one of our communities. As Alaskans, we have always taken pride in bravely facing the challenges of living in this great state.

And this year we have some important choices to make.

Let's be honest. Alaska faces tough sledding ahead. The world is changing. And new challenges require new leadership. Every day we see reports about declining oil production, which means that unless we adjust course, Alaska's budget will run deficits for years to come and critical needs in health care, education, public safety and infrastructure will go unmet. Alaska will be left behind.

We can continue on that path, or we can choose a new direction. I believe that with disciplined leadership, we can weather this storm. That's the kind of leadership I've offered in my five decades of public service to governors of both parties, as head of the Permanent Fund, and in business, on the boards of Alaska Airlines, Sealaska, and the Federal Reserve Bank.

Alaska is both a resource-rich and a resourceful state. Driven by shared values, I believe we can have a bright future if we face reality and make the right choices.