Candidate, Governor of Alaska, 2022

Representative, Alaska State House of Representatives, District 20, 2015-2019

Representative, Alaska State House of Representatives, District 18, 2003-2015

Former Chair, Committee on Judiciary, Alaska State House of Representatives

Former Vice Chair, Finance Committee, Alaska State House of Representatives

Former Member, HB72 and HB73 Committee, Alaska State House of Representatives

Former Member, Minority Caucus Committee, Alaska State House of Representatives

Former Chair, Subcommittee on Health and Social Services, Alaska State House of Representatives

Former Member, Subcommittee on Law, Alaska State House of Representatives

Freelance Writer, LG Writing and Research, 2002-present

Owner, Les Gara Writing and Research, 2002-present

Restaurant Owner, Snow City Cafe, present

Law Firm Partner, Friedman, Rubin and White, 1996-2000

Attorney, 1991-1996

Assistant Attorney General, Exxon Valdez Litigation Section, State of Alaska, 1989-1991

Law Clerk, Alaska Supreme Court, Justice Jay Rabinowitz, 1988-1989

Life Member, Alaska Flyfishers Association, 1990-present

Volunteer, Alaskan Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome AIDS Assistance Association, present

Volunteer, Amnesty International, present

Volunteer, Big Brothers Big Sisters, present

Volunteer, Brother Francis Shelter, present

Volunteer, Camp Fire, present

Board Member, Alaska Public Interest Research Group, 1994-2002

Member, Fish for Cooper Creek Coalition, 1999-2002

Awards:

Bacbone 2 Award for Fixing Alaska's Oil Tax; 2006 Hugh Malone Co-Legislator of the Year Award; 2004 Defender of Democracy Award for promoting open, ethical government.

Current Car:

Ford Explorer

Date of Wedding Anniversary:

June 30, 1990

Father's Name:

Selim

Father's Occupation:

Family Physician

Favorite Actor/Actress:

John Stewart

Favorite Athlete:

Roberto Clemente

Favorite Author:

John Steinbeck

Favorite Book:

John Adams, Slaughterhouse 5, Steinbeck's Grapes and Moon is Down

Favorite Color:

Purple

Favorite Food:

Various Middle Eastern

Favorite Movie:

Bowfinger, The Hangover, Pink Panther flicks

Favorite Musician:

Los Lobos

Favorite President and Why:

Franklin Roosevelt - He stood for a vision that every person deserves opportunity, regardless of whether one is born wealthy or poor.

Favorite Quote:

"We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." Declaration of Independence.

Favorite Sport:

Baseball

Favorite TV Shows:

Seinfeld, Daily Show, Arrested Development; Red Sox and Celtics games

Favorite Type of Music:

Rock

Favorite Vacation Spot:

Fishing Anywhere In the Wilderness

Favorite Websites:

ESPN

First Car:

Olds Starfire

First Job:

Maintenance, paper delivery in grade school.

Hobbies or Special Talents:

Fishing, Rafting, Hiking, Fly Tying, Write on Alaska Fishing/Outdoors

Mother's Name:

Rachel

Mother's Occupation:

Mother, Clothing Factory Worker

Name one thing you would most like to do before you die:

Help Create Opportunity for People Who Want to Succeed and Need Help.

Number of Grandchildren:

None

Person Most Want to Meet (Dead or Alive):

Martin Luther King

Personal Hero and Why:

Martin Luther King - He devoted his life to standing up for others.

Pets (include names):

Lenny & Kato

Priority Issues:

Work to help create opportunity for all, better public schools, a stronger university, and to adopt a stronger energy plan that focuses on cost-effective renewable energy; work to protect our fishing waters, and recreational areas.

Publications:

Various Magazine Articles, Most recently July Alasaka Magazine Fishing Article.

Reason for Seeking Public Office:

To help people achieve greater opportunity, and promote open, fair government, and the public interest over special interests.

Spouse's Occupation:

Physical Therapist