Why I’m running for Mayor of the Ketchikan Gateway Borough

Running for Borough Mayor is something that I’ve considered carefully, and am approaching seriously. The Borough needs to have a capable, experienced leader who is willing to put in the time and effort to advance our community. I believe that I’m the right person for the job, and I am asking for your vote.

I have taken a break from local government for the past six years. I was term-limited on the Borough Assembly in 2008. At my “day job” I had been tasked with developing an enterprise-wide ethics and compliance initiative for companies with more than 600 employees, along with my other executive responsibilities. Frankly, these duties took of most of my time. In addition, during that time off from government service, I’ve had time to reflect on what it really means to hold elected office and why my qualifications are suited for it.

Public Service – the Mayor is an Advocate for the Borough

The Mayor must sacrifice personal time, but also be willing to put aside individual perspectives to fully advocate for the community he or she represents.  Our nation’s government was founded by the people and for the people – and the leadership of our community also must adhere to these very same principles.

When I was a two-term member of the Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly, I learned that in order to vote on an issue, I really needed to take a side on that issue. I needed to be an advocate for one side or the other.

The Mayor’s job is somewhat different. Unless there is a tie vote on an issue, the Mayor doesn’t vote, but many times is charged with the responsibility of either carrying out or monitoring that decision. Doing this effectively requires effective communication and diplomacy. During my career, I have been confronted with similar challenges on a weekly – if not daily – basis, and my skills have been honed over a 30-year time span.

The Mayor is an advocate for the borough, plain and simple. If there is a side to be taken, it is the side of our unified community, not any certain demographic or interest group. To advocate effectively, one has to have in-depth knowledge of all aspects of the community, the people who live here, and why we choose to reside in this remote rainforest. My 44 years in this community is testament to how I feel about the Ketchikan area. I love it here, and never want to leave!

Working with the Assembly and other Governments

Although the Mayor does not usually vote or debate the issues, presiding over the meetings skillfully can have the effect of bringing the Assembly together as a decision-making body. The Mayor should know, understand and have good relationships with all of the Assembly members. The Mayor should know what their perspectives are and what kind of skills and experience they possess. My qualifications in this regard are that during the six years I was on the Assembly, I was the Vice-Mayor for four of those years. The Mayors that I served under were busy people, giving me the opportunity to preside over Assembly meetings, attend an Alaska Conference of Mayors summit, and build relationships with many of the Assembly members who currently serve. I’m proud of the relationships that I developed and the good reputation I cultivated. I believe that my background and my experience managing people and conflicts, fully qualifies me for the role that depends on the ability to examine all sides of an issue, separate personal opinion and make the right decision for the people of the Ketchikan Gateway Borough.

The Mayor is the highest elected position in the Borough government, but as everyone knows, there are an abundance of governments on this island. The City of Ketchikan, The City of Saxman, the Organized Village of Saxman, and Ketchikan Indian Community are all governmental units that have officials, constituencies, powers and abilities that need to be recognized, understood and cooperated with. I have spent the better part of the last 20 years working closely with all of these groups, and am uniquely positioned and qualified to bring people together on the issues that affect us all. I don’t believe that the governments on this island will ever be unified or consolidated officially, but that certainly does not mean that we can’t understand each other and work together.

If elected, I pledge to be a catalyst for positive change in what sometimes seems to be a long-running series of quarrels between governments. There is simply no room for petty dysfunction.

My Goal for the Next Two Years:

With your help, to see our community become a better place for all of us.
In seeking the mayoral position of the Ketchikan Gateway Borough, I look forward to examining the concerns, ideas and plans of our citizens with an open mind.  I know that our residents are as concerned with the progress of our community as I am. 

As your Mayor, it will be my job to ensure the decisions of leadership are made only after listening to citizens, and carefully considering the effects that those decisions may have on those who live and work here.  It is my belief that it is the duty of every citizen to get involved, stand up for what they believe and sacrifice their time by contributing to and serving their community.  This is why I am running.

I’ve learned how to make tough choices in my life, and I’m ready for this job. I listen with respect, tackle problems thoughtfully and honestly, and work diligently to see projects through to the end. I’m looking forward to the next two years as your Borough Mayor, if I should be so fortunate to be elected. I humbly and respectfully ask for your vote on October 7.

David Landis

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Ketchikan, Alaska

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