2015 Mat-Su Borough Assembly Questionnaires

Editor's note: Candidates in the Tuesday, Oct. 6 Mat-Su Borough election were asked by the Frontiersman to answer a series of questions leading up to the campaign. Scroll down to see answers from the six candidates on this year's ballot for Mat-Su Borough Assembly: George McKee and Maria Serrano (District 3), Bob Doyle and Barbara Doty (District 6), and Doyle Holmes and Randall Kowalke (District 7).

GEORGE MCKEE

Age: 78

Office sought: Assembly District 3

Profession: Retired labor relations professional and farrier

Hometown: Wasilla

Previous Elected Office Held (If Any): None

Why did you decide to seek elected office?

Before I tell you why I am running, let me give you some background, Five years ago I was so severely injured in an horse-related accident that my wife was told there was no way I could survive; it was the most desperate of times for her and our boys. But the Mat-su community really stepped up to the plate –literally dozens of people (many who just knew my name) showed up at our place to help mend fences, deliver hay, shoe our horses, look out for our boys, bring meals, offer prayers and comfort for the entire 42 days I was in the hospital. I have the qualifications to be an effective assemblyperson and because am retired I have the time. So this is an opportunity for me to pay back a very real debt of gratitude to the people of the Mat-Su Valley.

What do you see as the central issues of the campaign?

Revenue. With the collapse of the price of oil, how are local governments going to address funding issues? It is going to be very difficult to throttle back our spending patterns but is absolutely essential. State funding is going to be in short supply over at least the next three years!

What specific plans or goals do you have to address those issues?

At this point, we don’t how much financial support will be provided to local governments; the prudent course of action is to control spending until the fiscal picture clears. It would be reckless to even consider any changes in local taxes.

Why should voters vote for you?

I have a business degree and a substantial professional employment background in both private and public sector, plus I have been involved in two small business ventures. I have a 20-history as a labor relation professional, five years as a risk manager, and 20 years as a farrier (horseshoer). I worked three years in Vietnam as a civilian – and before I forget, worked as a ranch hand from the time I was 12 until I was drafted at 18.

What distinguishes you from your opposition?

While I do admire the moxie of my opponent for seeking office at age 19, I don’t think she has lived long enough to comprehend the complexities of life. I have been married to the same woman for 47 years , paid mortgages, and had to seriously consider whether to pay the heat bill or the light bill – opting in winter in Fairbanks, Alaska to pay the heat bill because you can always use candles and flashlights. l have traveled a good portion of the earth (my wife and I took an almost year-long motorcycle trip through Southeast Asia, the South Pacific, Australia, and the western U.S. and Canada) so I have a broad perspective of life in general. Along life’s journey I have had some failures and some life-changing successes. I grew up in real poverty, and at other times, made a fair amount of money - enough to put two sons through school. One can only gain life lessons by living enough of life to earn experience, judgment, and wisdom!

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I don’t owe anyone any favors. I will tell anyone why I vote on an issue. Whether I agree with you or not, I will represent your views.

MARIA SERRANO

Age: 19

Office sought: Assembly District 3

Profession: Student

Hometown: Wasilla

Previous Elected Office Held (If Any): None

Why did you decide to seek elected office?

I decided to run because I see a huge disconnect between the Assembly and the people it is supposed to serve. I know I have a voice for our young and our old, and I will work hard to represent the Mat-Su and our future.

What do you see as the central issues of the campaign?

My central issues in this campaign include advocacy for our youth, building on our infrastructure, strengthening our business incentives, and a direct communication as an Assembly person.

What specific plans or goals do you have to address those issues?

I find small classroom sizes and proper funding to schools mean the best possible education. I also feel when we open our horizons to new business coming into the Valley, infrastructure is to follow. Proper business incentives promote a stronger economy and a brighter future for our community. Transparency as an Assembly person would be my top priority as a lack of communication has proven detrimental and frustrating. As a community we must work together to ensure a clear goal for the future of the Mat-Su.

Why should voters vote for you?

I have the optimism of our youth and the work ethic that will greatly benefit our beautiful community. I have a passion for public service, a deep rooted love for the Valley, and a fresh perspective. As a daughter of a successful land developer and businessman I understand that a well functioning local government fosters an environment that promotes business, and a great community to not only life in, but thrive. I believe in our community’s ability to govern and fulfill our desire to make the Mat-Su Valley the best place to live in Alaska. I am a product of the Mat-Su Borough’s past, and I want to be a part of its future.

What distinguishes you from your opposition?

I have based my life on public service and volunteer work. I have seen and lived during the mistakes and accomplishments of the Assembly. I see a different view on our community, and I believe it is desperately in need. My generation is not represented in our local government and being the fast growing community we are, there are more young families buying homes and sending their children to our schools. I know I can provide a voice for our young people. It is imperative to provide a nurturing local government that brings all people together for a common goal.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I have been involved with Family Promise, Teens Against Tobacco Use, Teens for Healthy Relationships, Peer Helpers, and Youth Court. I don’t plan on leaving Alaska, this is my home for a long time. I see so much potential everyday for the Valley, and I want to see the us on the map.

BOB DOYLE

Age: 61

Office sought: Assembly District 6

Profession: Retired

Hometown: Wasilla

Previous Elected Office Held: MEA Board of Directors (two terms)

Why did you decide to seek elected office?

It is imperative today that our Borough begins to follow a sustainable budget with known future fiscal shortfalls. I want to provide my proven leadership and stand up for you the taxpayer. We must be good stewards of our resources. We can protect needed services, but we need to live within our means like every family in Mat-Su. There are reasonable and realistic costs savings to be had before considering new revenue sources and we must seek a balance in the years ahead. We will not be able to afford everything we want.

What do you see as the central issues of the campaign?

We must develop an industrial tax base with a finished rail line extending to our port. We can leverage private sector finances to finish our new rail extension sooner rather than later. We should not wait for state or federal funding. We have bonded $200 million for schools but now we must shift our focus to other needs for future growth without neglecting the needs of current residents. We need to build safer roads to/from subdivisions, provide sewage treatment within our borough, and allow future electrical generation plants within our borough. Our growing population may double in size.

What specific plans or goals do you have to address those issues?

We must first protect our senior citizens and veterans with property tax relief. We can continue the personal property tax exemption for older vehicles. I will do the hard work and face the tough decisions by reviewing audits and look carefully for all budget variances. I will look at a management audit and see if combining administrative support services between the Borough and the School District will result in cost savings through efficiency and productivity gains. Revenue sharing will decrease, and we need to be prepared to focus on core mission and set priorities in a fair and open process.

Why should voters vote for you?

I will hold the line on future spending and do not support automatic increases from one budget to the next without carefully looking at available fund balances and audits. I will look for cost savings before considering any new spending. The current tax levy limitation (tax cap) includes increases for population and inflation. I support a strict interpretation of this tax cap as a maximum and not a goal. We need to hold our discretionary spending down to a minimum until we develop a viable and reliable industrial tax base. I support private sector LNG plants near our port.

What distinguishes you from your opposition?

I do not support Medicaid expansion in Alaska and will not support new unfunded or under funded entitlements and mandates. My opponent supported Medicaid expansion in Alaska while serving as an unelected appointee on our Assembly.

Medicaid expansion is not only expensive and unnecessary it is a misguided attempt that provides unearned entitlement to able bodied workers who are earning wages well above the poverty line. The new entitlement exceeds the deserved medical support that was earned in service to our country by our veterans and is more than medicare earned by our senior citizens.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I have lived in Mat-Su Assembly District 6 since 1982 where I raised my family. I worked for 31 years in Alaskan Public Schools before retiring. My top four issues are: fiscal responsibility, sustainable budgeting, economic development at the port, and keeping your cost of living low. I love to hunt and fish in Alaska. We must improve wild salmon escapement in Mat Su rivers. I support youth opportunities such as Alaska STCP and hunter safety programs. Please vote for Bob Doyle on October 6th.

BARBARA J. DOTY, M.D.

Age: 60

Office sought: Assembly District 6

Profession: Family Physician, Business Owner: Steppers Construction, Wolf Lake Airport

Hometown: Wasilla

Previous Elected Office Held (If Any): Appointed District 6 Representative, February, 2015

Why did you decide to seek elected office?

* A desire to give back to my community and to apply my knowledge and leadership skills to help make the Mat Su the premier place to live and work in Alaska

* My interest in promoting development of a U–Med District for Mat Su including addition of much-needed private health care resources- Skilled Nursing, Rehabilitation, Substance Abuse Treatment, and health profession training opportunities for our youth through UAA, Mat Su College and Mat Su School partnerships

What do you see as the central issues of the campaign?

* Developing Public/Private Partnerships in Mat Su for Economic Development

* Maintaining Top Notch Education for our Kids and connecting our graduates with local jobs

* Planning and Implementing our Transportation System –Arterials, Connectors, Trails, Mass Transit, Air Travel

* Building Infrastructure for Health and Safety through a Fire-Based EMS System

* Promoting completion of the Rail Spur and Port

* Financial Conservatism during a Tight State and Federal Budget cycle

What specific plans or goals do you have to address those issues?

* Convening discussion and implementation plans for a University Med District development with UAA, UAF, Mat Su Regional Hospital and Mat-Su Health Foundation

* Exploration of best practices for Point McKenzie Port operational model: Port Authority vs. other models

* Closing service gaps in Road Services, Community Council resources, Fire and EMS Services, and Sewer/Solid Waste Disposal

* Promote a balanced and conservative budget that maintains high quality educational opportunities, affordable taxation, professional EMS and Fire service, well-maintained and connected Roads, and excellent recreational/tourism opportunities

Why should voters vote for you?

* I have a strong commitment to our community development and a broad base of knowledge and expertise

* I am a trained and experienced listener who can balance public input, public policy and fiscal realities

* I am a forward thinker who can think globally and apply logical thought processes to creating successful outcomes for our community

* I have demonstrated my skills as your current District 6 Representative.

What distinguishes you from your opposition?

* Broad base of experience as a professional in the community (physician), small business owner (general contracting), leader, and public speaker

* Trained to listen and provide thoughtful feedback in a logical manner based on factual experience

* Experience in community-focused land development- Wolf Lake Airpark and Horseplay Acres

* Long term relationships with Mat Su Businesses and Professionals

* I offer the balance of a woman’s point of view

What else would you like voters to know about you?

* I am serving because I love living in the Mat Su Valley and see a great opportunity to help transform our community and neighborhoods in the best place to live, work, and play in Alaska. My motivation for serving the public is not based upon my future political aspirations but on my love for being a part of our Mat Su community.

DOYLE EDWARD HOLMES

Age: 78

Office sought: District 7 Assembly

Profession: Owner Willow Truevalue Hardware

Hometown: Willow

Previous Elected Office Held (if any): Mat-Su Borough Assemblyman 3 terms, Deputy Mayor 3 years

Why did you decide to seek elected office?

The present Assembly is totally out of touch with the people they represent. They rubber stamp what the administration wants. The trash bag fee is a perfect example. No discussion, passed it. I will provide the leadership missing, now as I did in the past and make sure that all issues are properly discussed and vetted with the public before we vote.

What do you see as the central issues of the campaign?

Excessive property taxes, regulations, and assault on private property rights. Population growth and the problems that come with it will be addressed. Ever increasing numbers of seniors living in sub-standard housing must be a priority and will help at the state level to solve this problem.

What specific plans or goals do you have to address those issues?

My job is to take the people of the boroughs comments and concerns before the Assembly whether I agree with them or not. Before I vote, I want to make sure the Assembly knows how their vote will affect people’s lives and finances. I always look for solutions from the public rather than a self-serving government.

Why should voters vote for you?

When you elect a person they become your employee. The primary consideration is always experience. Doyle Holmes is the only proven conservation in the race with the experience and ability to make real change in the Valley.

What distinguishes you from your opposition?

Experience and dedication.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I am very active in senior issues. I am chairman of the Willow Area Seniors Organization which provides low cost safe housing for 12 senior families. It is a well ran facility and the only real problem we have had is when my opponent lived there. Life time member NRA, Alaska Outdoor Council, VFW, and retired Navy. I have been in business at the same location for 38 years.

RANDALL D. KOWALKE

Age: 68

Office Sought: Assembly District 7

Profession: Retired Business Executive

Hometown: Willow

Previous Elected Office Held (If Any): PUD Commissioner

Why did you decide to seek elected office?

I enjoy serving our community! Additionally I was encouraged to run by a wide range of people from the District,friends and neighbors and several elected officials. Our current Assembly representative has “termed out” and they were concerned about maintaining and enhancing our rural lifestyle. They wanted someone they could trust to be truthful and who they could count on to bring management skills and experience to the borough.

What do you see as the central issues of the campaign?

Economic growth.

What specific plans or goals do you have to address those issues?

I am a “can do” type of person. Throughout my career, I have followed the mantra “Hope for the best but prepare for the worse.” If asked, the borough needs to partner with our local communities as they strive to build their local economic engines. Examples of this would be Houston with their aggressive marketing strategy, Talkeetna with the growth of tourism to generate revenues to underwrite the repair of their water and sewer system, and the entire borough by actively supporting the rebuilding of our fish stocks that support us personally AND attract business from outside.

EMERGENCY SERVICES: Both the Millers Reach and Sockeye fires devastated large areas of our district. There is a very real need to implement a plan to assure that our first responders, particularly fire and ambulance, are provided the apparatus, equipment and training to respond to our emergencies in a timely manner. Additionally, immediate access to real time fire conditions is essential for our citizens in danger so that they can make arrangements to evacuate or go to the aid of their friends and neighbors in need.

Why should voters vote for you?

I have decades of hands on business experience in Alaska that dates back to 1975 on a scale that meets the needs of the Borough. With the gas line poised to come right through our District, my many years of working at an executive level with the oil and gas industry will serve us well. I am retired and expect the Assembly seat to be my FULL TIME JOB. Finally, I have a stake in this community and its future. There are 3 generations of my family living in the Borough. My second oldest grandson will be in the first graduating class of Redington High. Failure in overcoming the challenges in facing us is NOT an option!

What distinguishes you from your opposition?

I strive to move forward in a positive manner while he focuses on the way it was many years ago. My approach is to work with the other assembly persons and legislators while my opponent seems to be constantly confrontational for no constructive purpose. I filed to hopefully serve our community and my only other candidacy for elected office was a successful stint as a PUD Commissioner. This contrasts with my opponent who is the consummate professional politician (campaigner) having run for office 14 times (15 if you count the Recall) since 1982 (defeated 77% of those races). In these challenging financial times, the last thing we need is another politician whose only goal is the next election. We need less bickering, more joining together to solveissues and I pledge to do just that.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I came to Alaska in 1975 and work for the engineering firm that developed and managed the construction of the water and sewage treatment plants for ARCO and BP at Prudhoe Bay.

* Spent 14 years on the Board of the Alaska Support Industry Alliance.

* 5 years on the Board of the Resource Development Council.

* Multiple years as a speaker for the Alaska Oil and Gas Association advocating nationwide for development of our natural resources, even up to the Cabinet level.

* For additional information please visit: www.randallkowalke.com or call me at 907-315-0805. The web page also has a link to my Facebook page.