Alan Bailey
Ketchikan Borough Assembly
3-year terms - Two Seats Open
Published: September 24, 2010
Received: September 23, 2010
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I hope to be plain spoken in
my attempt to convey why I am seeking your support for Assembly
this October 5, 2010. While I understand the need to develop
infrastructure in any growing economy, I am concerned with
spending patterns which could result in enormous debt that benefit
few, increase taxes in any form, and depend upon reserves
for balancing a budget. The borough budget is like our checkbook,
we have money for essentials most of the time and need to save
for a day when we are faced with an unexpected expense. We plan
carefully for the future. Most of us balance our needs
and wants. I pledge to be a good steward of our funds.
Creating an environment that welcomes businesses, reduces financial
liabilities, and promotes local sustainable employment is
an obtainable goal. I believe the development of the Mari
culture industry has great merit, promoting the building
of State ferries in Ketchikan is needed, and diversification
of our economy base is essential in light of the fluxuating
revenues from the tourism industry. I have not forgotten
the effect of the Pulp Mill closure to this community. No easy
answers, but I possess the willingness, drive and commitment
to seek solutions through public input.
Education and the appropriate funding of the educational budget
is one area I will be a strong advocate. I have a lifetime
of experiences working with people who have not benefited
from completing basic educational requirements. It is the one
thing we can offer our children that will provide choices in
their life. I am also an advocate of accountability and
any request for funding must be reasonable, justified, and all
funding sources transparent. I do not believe in government micro
management of the schools but we all have the right to ask
tough questions when the outcome of our efforts is unclear.
Expanding the power grid to meet the electricity needs of our
community, support training programs that create job skills for
future employment in Ketchikan, creating a cooperative environment
between agencies and governments to better serve the residents
of Ketchikan are but a few steps towards the basic infrastructure
necessary to develop sustainable jobs for our community.
For me, Ketchikan is a place where cultural diversity is valued,
people are celebrated for their accomplishments, and support
systems exist for varied needs of our community. I will
honor your vote by pledging my commitment to detailed
study of all issues before the Borough Assembly, speak
on behalf of balance and reason, seek alternative
solutions to costly proposals, and earn your trust that
I am serving you to the best of my ability.
SitNews
2010
Stories In The News
Ketchikan, Alaska
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