 Candidate for the Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly - Three Year Term Published: Monday
ACCOUNTIBILITY: The Borough Assembly must establish goals and objectives that look to the future of the borough. Performance standards and requirements must be established that incorporate the accomplishment of the goals and objectives. Performance accountability reviews must be routinely held. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: The Borough Assembly must focus more on the future economic health of the Borough. The Assembly must help assure the completion of the Gravina bridge and the shipyard improvements. They must be full cooperating partners with the US Forest Service in the revision of the Tongass Forest Land Management Plan in order to assure the community's access to the timber, recreation, fisheries, wildlife, and mineral resources for our economy. The Assembly must set the policy for the future of Ketchikan's economy, physical and social infrastructure (water, sewer, roads, education, etc). I am committed to strengthening the community's economy by promoting borough policies, actions, and accountability that supports local business and attract new business to our community. I am committed to obtaining the infrastructure to attract and keep these businesses, jobs, and families in Ketchikan. Ketchikan's economy and tax base must grow in order to provide full funding of our schools without considering tax rate increases. Ask yourself question, where are your children and grandchildren going to be if there are not quality year round family wage jobs in Ketchikan? JOBS I am dedicated to all segments of our current or potential industries (tourism, timber, fishing, maritime industry, and mining. Strong continuing support is needed for new and developing industries in Ward Cove, on Gravina Island, the shipyard. More support for a stressed commercial fishing industry is needed. The borough lands on north Gravina Island must be private property with road access by the time the bridge is completed. INFRASTRUCTURE: The Gravina Bridge, the road and utilities to Lewis Reef and north Gravina, and a new arts/senior center are examples. Sewer, water, power, transportation, and schools are going to be critical to residential and industrial development and our future. Borough policies must be more business friendly and encourage business and economic development. Borough planning and zoning policies for subdivisions need to be revised to assure people can afford to build homes and businesses. The City and Borough must work together to encourage economic and amenity development. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION: Citizens must feel they can freely offer their opinions and believe they have been heard. As an elected official I work for the public, not myself. Constituents pay for local government and should be treated as the valued customers of municipal services. Government must provide these services effectively and efficiently. Alaska has been my home for the past 25 years, residing in Ketchikan for 18 years. I am married and have two daughters and five grandchildren living in Ketchikan. I previously served two terms on the Borough Assembly, and one year on the Ketchikan Borough Planning Commission. I am a member of the Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce and served on the board and as President. I am an officer in the Ketchikan Lions Club (a member for 42 years), and I have served as the Lions coordinator for Ketchikan's 4th of July celebration for the past eight years. In April 1994 I retired from the US Forest Service with 33 years of service. I have served as the Executive Director of C.A.R.E. since it was organized in April 1996. I have the experience, leadership skills, honesty, and personal integrity to represent you as a member of the Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly. I would appreciate your vote,
please vote on October 4, 2005.
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