First Published: Sunday
September 21, 2003
Last updated: Thursday - 09/25/03 - 10:00 pm

Bill Thomas Sr. yuatah@aptalaska.net.

Questions For Candidates For Ketchikan City Mayor

Reader's question #1. The mayor represents the city when traveling on official business. What impression do you want people to have of Ketchikan and how will you achieve it? (09/19/03)

Response to question #1 (Published 09/21/03)

I would want to leave an impression of elected city council and mayor that our attendance represents a solid working relationship that represents the desires of the entire community.

The comments I offer at a given forum will reflect the impression I described.

 

Reader's question #2. I heard today at the Chamber Luncheon, about the tremendous reserves held by the city, and KPU. Do you believe the City of Ketchikan can fund the total Student Activities funds, and should they? I believe this is basically a social function. I also remember that KPU Telephone is supported by the entire Borough, and helps to clear some of the water costs of the city. Thanks. (09/24/03 - 10:50 pm)

Response to question #2 (Published 09/25/03 - 1:15 am)

I used to work for the school district and can remember when the school transferred the swimming pool budget to the borough budget because of declining funds to the school district funds. I totally support full funding for education.

Without knowing the earmarks and accumulation process it took to have those reserves, I can't say without violating my own principal of know facts before I commit.

The Borough funding for schools is because the only funding comes from property tax in the Borough which is a larger tax base than that of the City.

The Borough had the money. They chose not to prioritize education while they had it. No fiscal responsibility.

If the City can fund activities without violating policy or set a precedence, I say yes. Like I said at the luncheon. I don't support anything Carte Blanc. So with this question, I can't say yes or no until I know more about the entire picture.

 

Reader's question #3. Employee moral within the City of Ketchikan departments is an all time low, in part due to the City Manager's lack of responding to employee complaints. Specifically, the Police Department is a mess; complaints have been lodged on numerous occasions, but nothing seems to happen. As Mayor what would you do to clean up this mess? (09/25/03 - 1:00 pm)

Response to question #3 (Published 09/25/03 - 10:00 pm)

Again, as a new mayor, I will work with appropriate staff and members elected to the City council to assess the concerns listed in this questions. If the information is fact. The morale problem will go bye bye. Keep these questions coming.

Questions For All Candidates

Reader's Question #1. Do you think it responsible of the Borough to increase our taxes to provide more convenient working (new government building) conditions, when the old mill offices are available to them while kids in this town fight for space to recreate. (09/22/03)

Reader's Question #2. Many candidates have suggested they would make staff cuts as either the sole means of achieving fiscal responsibility or staff cuts combined with revenue increases. Which Borough staff and/or departments do these candidates feel are superfluous and expendable? Or if not that, least important to retain. (09/22/03 2:40 pm)

Response to question #1 & #2 (Published 09/23/03)

With due respect to informed and concerned citizens of this great community, I find these questions not appropriate for candidates that are not seeking election to the Borough offices of responsibility. They also do not conform to my sense accepted ethics.

However, I see them as appropriate questions that warrant responses from those seeking office in the borough government. I do appreciate the questions coming forward.

 

Reader's Question #3. If the city of Ketchikan has all this extra money in the bank, should city taxes be reduced to give taxpayers a break? Why is the city looking for so many ways to spend our money on lavish and expensive projects such as new library and museum construction? (09/25/03 - 1:00 pm)

Response to question #3 (Published 09/25/03 - 10:00 pm)

As I've always said since I started my campaign, I will have to evaluate each concern, work with the thorough discussion with members of the City Council on how to realize the greatest benefit for all, make an educated decision and either move forward or change direction. I have not had the liberty of familiarizing myself with details mentioned in this question. Another good question, I might add.

 

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