Lt. Gov. Fran Ulmer began the interview by saying she has been informing the voters about her economic plans in a series of speeches throughout her campaign.

In addition, she has developed a 37-page economic development plan which is available on her Web site, www.franulmer.com. "We undertook an effort to provide specifics on where I want to take the state as governor," Ulmer said. "We're not using bumper sticker slogans."

AJOC: Oil industry leaders say the state's fiscal instability -- the unresolved fiscal gap -- combined with a slow permiting process makes new development difficult. What are your plans for eliminating the fiscal gap and improving the permiting process while protecting the public interest?

Ulmer: Taking your second question first, permiting problems, I've heard about that a lot not only from the oil and gas industry but from mining and other industries, who say the process is too cumbersome. That indicates to me we need to make some changes. But when I ask what would they they change, there's not a crisp, clear answer.

As governor, I would order a comprehensive audit of the state's permiting system, by an entity with credibility and experience, and find a system that takes less time. That doesn't mean relaxing standards. I believe technology can be part of the solution by simultaneously delivering information to all the agencies that need it.

As for the fiscal gap, I believe one of the most important issues facing the state's economy is convincing businesses this is a good place to invest their money. They need a reasonable expectation that our economy is going to be OK.

Unlike my opponent, who simply says, "Don't worry, be happy, I won't share any details until later," we have a specific plan.

First, create a constitutional state spending limit that grows only with inflation and population growth. That will keep a downward pressure on spending.

Second is the "Parachute Plan," actually a (former Gov.) Jay Hammond plan. If the state's reserves drop below $1 billion, it triggers revenue raising measures. If we don't need it -- say, if the gas line starts tomorrow -- we don't use it.

As responsible public officials, the Legislature and the governor have an obligation to do something when the economy is at stake. I would negotiate with the Legislature to develop the revenue measures. My priorities would be that any tax must not be regressive, must be broad-based, doesn't hurt the economy and doesn't simply tax Alaskans.

If we did away with the (Alaska Permanent Fund) dividend, it would be the most regressive tax possible. It takes the same amount from an 80-year-old on Social Security as from a corporate attorney making $200,000 per year.

AJOC: Given the difficulties Gov. Tony Knowles has had getting a fiscal plan through the Legislature, how would you do it?

Ulmer: I would sit down with the Legislature and ask, "How do we do this?" in a non-partisan way.

By contrast, Sen. (Frank) Murkowski has served in the U.S. Senate, which is deeply partisan. It's all about "us versus them" and winning versus losing. That's not my style. Alaskans expect the people they elect to work together.

AJOC: What are your ideas for rejuvenating our salmon industry?

Ulmer: In my Seafood Industry Platform I have called for everything from state support for marketing to restructuring industry regulations. But there is no magic solution. The problem is driven by low prices. We're in a dogfight with Chile, Norway and British Columbia.

We can identify niche markets, such as Copper River salmon. It's a success because of quality, plus marketing, plus cooperation between fishermen and processors.

The state should help the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute. Right now, the fishermen tax themselves to pay for it. But fishing has been the No. 1 employer for a long time, especially in coastal areas. Seafood is the only industry that contributes revenue to the state besides oil.

AJOC: What about the timber industry, which is in terrible shape right now?

Ulmer: Sen. Murkowski has spent most of his career working on the Tongass (National Forest), and it hasn't ended up where people wanted it to be.

As for state forests, we spent the last eight years putting out lots of small sales. The Alaska Science and Technology Foundation has been working on lumber grading in Ketchikan, which allows the mills to get more money for every board foot sold. There are small mills creating jobs. The goal is import substitution. Any time you buy locally and hire locally, it makes that dollar go around and around more times in your community and in your state.

AJOC: What would you do to help develop more minerals in Alaska? Do you support the reopening of the Kensington Mine, north of Juneau?

Ulmer: The mining industry has permiting concerns similar to the oil and gas industry. The Red Dog Mine air quality issues are federal. I notice Sen. Murkowski brought the EPA chief to Alaska this summer. It apparently didn't change her mind.

I was mayor of Juneau during the development of the Greens Creek Mine. I wanted to diversify jobs. I sat down with the interested groups and worked out how to get things done right. We didn't end up with a lot of lawsuits or a lot of delays.

It's about attitude and working out issues, which is the approach I would bring as governor.

AJOC: How do you balance new incentives for the oil industry to stimulate development with the state's need for additional revenues?

Ulmer: The state has adopted changes in the taxing system so that new, smaller, less productive fields are taxed at a lower rate. But you have to be careful not to pull the rug out from under our ability to provide the necessary services.

Another example is areawide leasing. The industry asked us for it, and we did it. You have to be sensitive about how we can keep Alaska an attractive place to invest without totally giving away our resources.

AJOC: Alaska's economy continues to be largely resource-based, while the rest of the economy is moving to an information-based economy. As governor, what would you do to create more high-tech, high-paying jobs in Alaska?

Ulmer: No. 1 is education and training. No. 2 is trying to attract a couple of "anchor tenants," some high-tech firms that can create a sort of "magnet" for others to spin off.

Alaska has affordable power, excess bandwidth, a cooler climate for server farms and a great quality of life. It makes Alaska a strategic choice. It requires support from the university, the community and the governor. I'm there. I understand technology.

Part of being governor is being a visionary and a salesperson. It think there's tremendous opportunity here in Alaska.