(a) It is declared by the people of the State of Alaska that the purposes of this chapter are

1. (1) to discourage public officials from acting upon a private or business interest in the performance of a public duty;
2. (2) to assure that public officials in their official acts are free of the influence of undisclosed private or business interests;
3. (3) to develop public confidence in persons seeking or holding public office, enhance the dignity of the offices and make them attractive to citizens who are motivated to public service; and
4. (4) to develop accountability in government by permitting public access to information necessary to judge the credentials and performance of those who seek and hold public office.

(b) The people of the State of Alaska declare that

1. (1) public office is a public trust that should be free from the danger of conflict of interest;
2. (2) the public has a right to know of the financial and business interests of persons who seek or hold public office;
3. (3) a compelling state interest requires that candidates for office and office holders disclose their personal and business financial interests;
4. (4) reasonable disclosure requirements do not violate an individual's right to privacy when the individual seeks or holds public office and a compelling state interest in the disclosure exists; and
5. (5) reasonable disclosure requirements do not have the effect of chilling the exercise of the right of a qualified person to seek or hold public office.