Incumbent state Rep. Bill Thomas, R-Haines, will seek a fourth term as state representative from House District 5.

In the November statewide election, he’ll be facing Democrat Robert Beedle of Cordova, a 52-year-old fisherman and refrigerator mechanic who serves on the city council there.

Thomas, a 63-year-old fisherman, has been in the House of Representatives for six years and said he is pleased with what he has accomplished for the district.

“I think we are very effective. Things are getting done and they are getting easier to get done,” he said, pointing to his seniority and experience as an asset. “Experience is very key.”

Thomas faces no challenger in the August Republican primary.

Thomas said his biggest accomplishment in the House has been the establishment of a renewable energy fund.

The bill provides money for renewable energy projects throughout the state, including wind and hydroelectric.

Thomas said he is concerned about the effect of electoral redistricting. The boundaries for state legislative seats will be redrawn for the 2012 election, based on results from the current federal census.

That could put Haines into a district with a larger urban center that would overshadow rural concerns. Leaders of such districts would need to be responsive only to majorities in urban areas, he said. “Haines could end up losing a voice. It could put us into a district with Juneau.”

“Hopefully redistricting will come out right,” he said. In the meantime, he is endorsing a state ballot measure that goes to voters this fall. It would increase the number of state House members to 44 from 40 and increase state senators to 22 from 20.

“If preliminary census numbers are correct, rural areas will lose (legislative seats). You would lose the voice of the Bush,” he said.

Thomas serves on the House finance committee.

Thomas said he plans to spend $50,000 on his campaign, mostly used for transportation throughout a district stretching from Cordova to Prince of Wales Island.

As for the future of Haines, Thomas said he’d like to see several projects developed, including construction of a cold storage building for commercial fishermen, a breakwater at Letnikof Cove, paving of streets and continued upgrades at the fairgrounds.

Beedle said in a phone interview from Cordova this week that he’s focusing on his candidacy, not on a race against the incumbent.

“I’d like to think I’m not running against Bill Thomas, but that I’m running for District 5.”

Born and raised in Alaska, Beedle said he’d like to work in the legislature to address energy costs and alternative energy development, ferry service and fisheries.

“Every year it’s the same thing,” he said of ferry schedule changes. “I’d like to see reliable, consistent ferry service.”

Low energy costs, good telecommunications and education are keys to economic growth and providing job opportunities for residents, Beedle said.

“How can we make the cost of doing business less?”

Beedle said he is well versed in fisheries issues, having served on the boards of aquaculture and regional fish associations. He said he’d like to see continued success in marketing of Southeast Alaska salmon, and that similar marketing could help the tourism industry.

“I love the idea of tourism. We have beautiful lands to show off,” he said, adding that tourism needs to be sustainable.

Environmental health is key to future economic prosperity, he said.

“It’s all important to balance. We need economy. We need industry. It needs to be done environmentally responsible.”

Beedle doesn’t have experience at the state level of government, but said that he will make up for that through collaboration and working with community members.

“I need to hear and learn. I’m hoping they’ll talk to me.”

Beedle said he hopes to attend the Southeast Alaska State Fair to meet Haines residents and hear local concerns. “Cordova and Haines have so much in common.”

To contact Beedle or to learn more about his campaign, visit http://www.robertbeedle.com.