Steve Cowper

Stephen Cambreleng Cowper is an American politician affiliated with the Democratic Party who served as the sixth governor of Alaska from 1986 to 1990. His tenure included significant events, notably the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill, which had a profound impact on the state's environment and economy. Following his governorship, Cowper has maintained a career in the energy sector and has held various leadership roles in advisory capacities.

Early life and career

Steve Cowper was born on August 21, 1938, in Petersburg, Virginia. He was raised in Kinston, North Carolina, where he completed his early education. Cowper attended the Virginia Episcopal School in Lynchburg, Virginia, before pursuing higher education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He earned both a bachelor's degree and a law degree from this institution.

After completing his education, Cowper served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps and the Army Reserve, which provided him with military experience before he transitioned into a legal career. He worked as a maritime lawyer in Norfolk, Virginia, for three years, gaining valuable insights into legal matters related to maritime operations.

In 1968, Cowper relocated to Fairbanks, Alaska, where he began his legal career in earnest by serving as an assistant district attorney for rural Alaska and Fairbanks. His work in this role allowed him to engage with the local legal community and understand the unique challenges faced by Alaskan residents. In 1970, Cowper took on a different role as a freelance correspondent in Vietnam, which expanded his experiences and understanding of international affairs. He traveled extensively throughout Asia during this period.

Upon returning to Alaska, Cowper contributed to the local community in various ways. He wrote a political column for the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, sharing his insights on political matters. Additionally, he taught a college course focused on Alaska lands, helping to educate others about the region's legal and environmental issues. Cowper also ventured into business as a partner in an air taxi and cargo service, and he worked as a diver for a marine research team associated with the University of Alaska.

Cowper's political career began in earnest in 1974 when he was elected to the Alaska House of Representatives. He served two terms in this legislative body, during which he held several significant positions. He was the chairman of the Finance Committee from 1977 to 1978, where he played a crucial role in shaping the state's budget and financial policies. Cowper also chaired the Steering Council on Alaska Lands in 1978 and was a member of the Subsistence Committee during the same period. His involvement in the Alaska Advisory Committee for the Law of the Sea Conference further demonstrated his commitment to addressing important legal and environmental issues.

In 1982, Cowper sought the Democratic nomination for governor but was narrowly defeated by Bill Sheffield, who subsequently won the general election. This setback did not deter Cowper from pursuing his political ambitions.

Governorship

Cowper's opportunity to serve as governor came in 1986 when he ran for the position again. He successfully defeated the incumbent governor, Bill Sheffield, in the Democratic primary by a significant margin. Cowper then went on to win the general election held on November 4, 1986, where he garnered approximately 47% of the vote against Republican candidate Arliss Sturgulewski and Alaskan Independence Party candidate Joe Vogler.

During his time in office, Cowper faced several challenges, including a substantial state budget deficit estimated at one billion dollars. To address this issue, he proposed the reestablishment of a state income tax, a move that encountered considerable opposition from various stakeholders. His administration also focused on expanding educational opportunities, particularly through the University of Alaska's international study program. Cowper aimed to establish an International Trade Center and emphasized the importance of teaching foreign languages and cultures in state schools.

In early 1989, Cowper announced his decision not to seek reelection in 1990, a choice that surprised many political observers. His governorship was marked by significant events, including the Exxon Valdez oil spill, which had lasting repercussions for Alaska's environment and economy.

Policy focus and legacy

Cowper's governorship was characterized by a focus on addressing the state's financial challenges and enhancing educational opportunities. His proposal to reinstate the state income tax was a notable aspect of his fiscal policy, reflecting his commitment to finding sustainable solutions for the state's budgetary issues. The emphasis on expanding the University of Alaska's international programs and promoting foreign language education indicated his vision for a more globally engaged Alaskan society.

The Exxon Valdez oil spill, which occurred during his administration, became a pivotal moment in Alaska's history. The disaster highlighted the vulnerabilities of the state's environment and the importance of responsible resource management. Cowper's leadership during this crisis contributed to ongoing discussions about environmental protection and the regulation of the oil industry in Alaska.

After leaving office, Cowper continued to engage with public and private sectors. He served as a visiting fellow at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey in 1991 and co-chaired the Pacific Rim Fisheries Conference in 1994 and 1997. As of 1991, he became the CEO of Steve Cowper & Associates, a consulting firm that advises on energy-related initiatives. His involvement with various energy companies in the United States and Canada further underscores his ongoing commitment to the energy sector.

As of 2010, Cowper resided in Austin, Texas, with his third wife and family, reflecting a transition from his political career to a focus on business and advisory roles. His legacy as a governor remains tied to his responses to fiscal challenges and environmental crises, as well as his efforts to enhance education in Alaska.