Introduction

I have lived in Ketchikan almost my whole live; it has been a privilege to be raised in such a great community, and I’m proud to call Ketchikan my home. My parents, Ken and Shawna, live here with my three younger brothers: Gabe (13), Josiah (9), and Caiden (3). I'm engaged to the love of my life, local girl Lisa Shull. I am currently employed at Tongass Federal Credit Union as a Member Service Specialist. I'm also working on obtaining a Business Administration degree from the University of Alaska Southeast.

As an 18-year-old high school senior I was elected to the Ketchikan School Board; a position that I currently hold. While on the Board, I founded and currently Chair the Ketchikan Student Safety Committee. Also, for the last two years, I’ve served as Co-Chairman of the Borough Assembly – School Board Liaison Committee.

Why I'm running for Borough Assembly

I’m running for borough assembly to bring my record of dedicated public service to the table. Public service is a strong passion of mine. I’ve been involved in the community ever since I was a young child, helping with my first charity auction at 7 years old. I’ve been attending Borough Assembly meetings consistently since I was 15, and I have spent a lot of time studying the issues and becoming familiar the governing process at the Borough level.

Throughout my time in public service, I have stood up for sound, responsible governance. I’m not afraid to fight for what’s right and stand on principle, in order to protect our community’s values. Most of all, I want to guarantee a strong future for Ketchikan. To me, this election isn’t about the next 3-years of this term, it’s about the long-term future of our town. As the youngest elected official in the State of Alaska, I’m committed to building a sustainable, worthwhile future for the community that I love; that is why I am running for borough assembly.

Sound, Responsible Governance:

The state budget crisis still looms large; a $3.5 billion deficit is beyond substantial. The budget crisis has the potential to be devastating. However, we can move past the gloom and doom, and strive to make a positive impact so that our community can survive the fiscal storm; that is why I’m running for borough assembly. I am well known for being a fiscal conservative, and I work tirelessly to be a good steward of taxpayer’s dollars. I have spent several years studying both the borough and state budget. I have spent many hours watching, including in person, the legislative process with regards to the state budget; I am very well-versed on the issue, because I believe it is important to understand how the State has an impact on our community.

At this point in time, the best thing for us to do is remain calm and not overreact. Just because there is a state-wide revenue problem doesn’t mean now is the time to raise taxes; on the flip-side, it’s not the time to make uninformed, rash spending cuts. We need to be smart and innovative in our approach to the budget as a whole; we need to make wise decisions with regard to both spending and revenue. One important thing to remember is that people are NOT an at-will source of revenue to be taxed just because there is a budget crunch.

The reality is that the state and the people of our state are having to tighten their belts; there is no reason our local governments shouldn't have to do the same. I have a record of fiscal responsibility. I have always supported and fought for transparent, responsible, sustainable government. I am the only candidate that has consistently pushed back against state and federal government overreach and unfunded mandates. I am the only candidate who has consistently and publicly opposed tax increases at all levels; local, state, and federal.

We need to develop a long-term strategic plan for our community, to ensure that we have a strong vision for the future of Ketchikan as a whole; borough and city. You deserve to have a bright future, and that is what I'm here to fight for.

Passionate Public Service:

Public service isn’t about convenience, it is about commitment and courage. I’ve been involved in the process when it’s been rocky; I’ve had to make hard decisions for our community. But even when it’s been tough, I’ve stood on principle and have fought for responsible governance. I want to ensure that future generations have the same, if not better, opportunities than we do. I want them to be able to enjoy the prosperity of a growing, sustainable economy in Southern Southeast Alaska; I want the future generation of our community to thrive, not just survive.

I have a perspective that no other candidate in this race has; I am a young adult with a proven record of dedicated public service and sound leadership. I don’t have a shortage of passion and energy, and I enjoy every moment of the people’s work that I have the pleasure of doing. I have a proven record of passionate, dedicated public service. I have my sights set on a better, brighter future for Ketchikan. I have years of experience; I know the issues and the governing process. On day one as your Borough Assembly member, I’m ready to hit the ground running. Thank you for your time!

Support Strong Leadership for Ketchikan by voting Trevor Shaw for Borough Assembly on October 6, 2015.

Vist me on FaceBook:
https://www.facebook.com/shawforassembly

Like me on FaceBook, Click on Like.
Comments will be published on your FaceBook page.

SitNews ©2015
Stories In The News
Ketchikan, Alaska

Articles & photographs that appear in SitNews may be protected by copyright and may not be reprinted without written permission from and payment of any required fees to the proper sources. E-mail your news & photos to editor@sitnews.us Photographers choosing to submit photographs for publication to SitNews are in doing so granting their permission for publication and for archiving. SitNews does not sell photographs. All requests for purchasing a photograph will be emailed to the photographer.