1. Why you are running for office: I am running for office due to the huge amount of support from the community in their confidence in me as an assembly member. They believe I truly care about the community of Ketchikan, and I can’t disagree.
   
   
   
2. Experience and education: My experience with government started in 1986 when I was hired with the Ketchikan Fire Department. Working for the city up until 2005 had many city ordinances that the fire department was involved in. I became a volunteer Fire Chief in around 2000 with the South Tongass Volunteer Fire Department and was hired full time in 2005. My time at this department was the highlight of my career in public safety. During this time, I was able to secure funds for the construction of the new fire station located South across from the Mt. Point boat ramp and I was the project manager for the multi-million dollar project. in addition,  I had close workings with the Borough staff, administration, assembly and mayor. Having been the director of the department, I acted as the spokesperson for the Service Area. I coordinated meetings of the service area, and acted closely with the Assembly and the Area’s wishes. I created several budgets to be included into the Borough budget process and attended many work sessions throughout the year where the assembly was meeting. My education is high school graduation and some college. During the course of my career with the fire departments I’ve accumulated hundreds of training and certificates related and not related to firefighting. Including EMT instructor, Haz Mat technician, Safety Officer, Incident command and so on. My training folder is over 2” thick. I have a knowledge of building and fire codes that I still apply to my life today. And not to mention, ‘the school of hard knocks’. 
   
   
3. Two significant issues and challenges: Managing the Covid pandemic, and new industry. These two major issues go hand in hand. We’re now realizing that without the tour industry this year we need other industries to fall back on. I’ve heard over the last several months some ideas that include an assembly plant for American goods, hemp manufacturing, and re-opening the timber industry. I know there are some great ideas out there for other industries, and I want to hear them all. If the residents of K-town buy into an idea, it will succeed. So without input to the assembly members, they don’t know your ideas. 

In addition: Please vote for me. If you don’t vote for me, vote for someone. Just vote. Otherwise you can’t complain about who’s elected.

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