 Candidate for the Ketchikan City Council - Three Year Term Published: Friday
Background: Incumbent City Council member-2
terms. Presently Vice Mayor 1999-present: Vocational/Continuing
Ed Coordinator UAS Ketchikan Campus B.A. Communications Rhodes
College, Memphis Tennessee Family: Husband Jim White, three children Kelsey, Billy and Libby White, and two grandchildren: Trevor and Ethan Dobbs-White Statement: I am running for re-election because I believe I can continue to provide effective leadership to address the critical issues facing Ketchikan. I support upgrading our port, with an immediate focus on upland improvements to lessen traffic congestion with better sidewalks, a promenade, and alternate bus staging areas. I support exploring a public/private partnership for dock expansion and development. I respect the outcome of the recent vote on the proposed $70 million bond issue but I also believe that doing nothing is a poor option. I spoke with people both before and after the vote, and while there are a number of reasons people tell me they voted against the ballot measure, I have been told uniformly that people support addressing current issues of vehicle and pedestrian congestion. Similarly, I support repair and upkeep of harbors including Hole in the Wall and Knudson Cove. I advocate state funding for the Swan Lake-Lake Tyee Intertie being built by the Four Dam Pool. Lack of support, including funding, has stalled the project and brought to the table a requirement to rehab the site. Power is essential to growth and, while I haven't been a strong advocate for the bridge, it is vital we plan now for power and other utility needs on Gravina to ensure its viability as an economic opportunity. Likewise, I will fight for reconsideration of state municipal revenue sharing from the steep increase in oil royalty revenues to lessen the burden on local taxpayers. My philosophy is that government has an important place in a community. Despite the catcalls and demonization, a proper government works to build a community where people want to live and businesses want to locate. It provides fire and police protection, builds roads, digs sewers, provides utilities, collects the trash, lends books; and, it strengthens the community with support for local agencies that serve the arts, seniors, and its less fortunate citizens. I would be honored to have your vote on October 4.
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