2021 Election: Palmer City Council

The city of Palmer opened early voting on Sept. 20 for the Palmer City Council elections. There are two seats available with four candidates running for Council. Of the four candidates, Councilwoman Julie Berberich and Councilman Steve Carrington are running for reelection. Lee Henrikson and Pamela Melin are also running for a seat on the Palmer city Council. Election day is Oct. 5 and polling places are located at the Dorothy Swanda Jones Mat-Su Borough building.

The candidates each completed questionnaires for the Frontiersman.

Julie Berberich

Q: Would you support annexation of areas outside of Palmer into city limits? If so, which areas would you support annexing and why?

A: I believe it is time to consider annexation of areas outside of Palmer. Annexation will allow us to have the ability to pursue land use planning in the surrounding areas and attract economic development and use zoning control to avoid incompatible land uses, while still maintaining the feel of our town. The key to annexation is letting affected land owners know in an unbiassed way what it will actually mean for them. I would support annexing the areas that Agnew Beck has identified as making the most sense economically in order to provide orderly growth and development of our town.

Q: If elected, how would you work to assist local businesses as a member of the Palmer City Council?

A: As a business owner myself, I take into consideration the effect on local businesses every decision we make as a Council. Working closely with the Palmer Chamber and supporting them in efforts to keep retail dollars in Palmer is one way the city can be sure that our decisions have a positive effect on local business.

Q: If elected, what changes would you support within the policies and procedures of the Palmer Police Department, if any?

A: I do not feel there needs to be policy or procedure changes to the Palmer Police Department. My husband and I have a very good relationship with Palmer PD. We rely on them for protection with both our bike shop and our motel and have always had great support.

Q: If elected, how would you plan to use your time in office to improve the city of Palmer?

A: I would like to see the Council focus on local municipal issues. I would like to see work on improving connectivity between neighborhoods, trails and downtown. I would like to see additional use of safe and effective traffic calming methods on our streets. I would like to pursue economic development of the Mat Maid block. I would like to see our dirt roads finally get paved!

Q: Why did you decide to run for City Council and why do you feel Palmer residents should vote for you?

A: I first ran for Council because I saw need for a voice from the business sector on the council. Like everyone who runs for Council, I love Palmer. I am heavily invested in Palmer and the economic success of Palmer. To be a successful business owner you need to be fiscally conservative while also being open to new ideas for growth and development. This translates pretty well into how I approach service on the council.

Steve Carrington

Q: Would you support annexation of areas outside of Palmer into city limits? If so, which areas would you support annexing and why?

A: I support asking areas around Palmer if they want to join Palmer. I would start with the areas our Annexation study identified as the most efficient. We need to focus on the basics such as streets, water, sewer, fire and police. When we grow, we need to make sure we keep up with what we are already doing.

Q: If elected, how would you work to assist local businesses as a member of the Palmer City Council?

A: Currently the city is finalizing the process where businesses can pay their sales tax online. This has been a long time coming and something I think all our city council wants to see. I remember helping work on the first website for Friday Fling years ago. The Friday Fling was an idea birthed from the adhoc downtown merchants group. It has grown and flourished over the years. I think we need to look for more ideas like this we can work together to help Palmer’s businesses and residents prosper.

Q: If elected, what changes would you support within the policies and procedures of the Palmer Police Department, if any?

A: Recently the city employees (not just the police department) completed classes learning to recognize and address Unconscious Bias, Microaggression in the Workplace and Worplace Diversity. These classes are good but what is more important are the people. I believe in all our First Responders including our Palmer Police. I want to make sure they have the tools (including training) they need to serve in their positions. If people know of specific problems, please contact me. I want to address them.

Q: If elected, how would you plan to use your time in office to improve the city of Palmer?

A: A few elections back I came up with the theme of Getting Back On Track. I think the City of Palmer needs to get back to doing the basics of what cities do. We take care of streets, provide water and sewer, fire and police departments. The city should focus on these things and respect people and businesses freedom to choose how they want to work and live.

Q: Why did you decide to run for City Council and why do you feel Palmer residents should vote for you?

A: I like Palmer and giving back to my community. I want to see the City of Palmer focus on the basic and important things that cities do best: streets, water & sewer and first responders. We need to keep our people safe and allow them the freedom to live their lives as they choose.

Lee Henrikson

Q: Would you support annexation of areas outside of Palmer into city limits? If so, which areas would you support annexing and why?

A: I support looking at annexation. The April 2021 Annexation Report by Agnew::Beck is a good place to start. The city is limited in retail, commercial, and residential growth by its five-square mile area. A deeper dive into the study will help me to decide areas to annex. I hope to expand commercial and retail development in the city through annexation.

Q: If elected, how would you work to assist local businesses as a member of the Palmer City Council?

A: If there hasn’t been a recent survey of what Palmer businesses would like from the city, that is a good starting point. It’s good to hear that the city is working on online payment of sale tax – that’s one issue that I have wanted to see.

Q: If elected, what changes would you support within the policies and procedures of the Palmer Police Department, if any?

A: I don’t see a need to change police policies and procedures. Chief Shelton told me that he would like to be able to schedule more “unallocated time” for his officers so that they can do traffic stops, visit businesses, and just be out in the community. This is a staffing issue. The pay scale of our officers is lower than surrounding departments and Palmer has lost seasoned officers to higher paying jobs in Anchorage and the Troopers. Competitive pay would help create a stable force. The Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training provided by Mat-Su Health Foundation was developed by law enforcement. This training gives officers the tools and practices to deescalate situations and reduce unnecessary individual and officer harm. I would like to extend the department’s participation in these trainings.

Q: If elected, how would you plan to use your time in office to improve the city of Palmer?

A: I have heard citizens in many areas of town complain about speeding cars on residential streets. I want to address this. This would improve walkability and bikeability in our town since safety is a first step. Increase walking and biking around town increases physical and mental health of our residents. They are more connected to the community, they know their neighbors, and crime decreases. It’s a win all around.

Q: Why did you decide to run for City Council and why do you feel Palmer residents should vote for you?

A: I want to help Palmer work better for the people who live here. My style is to collaborate, build consensus, and work with others to achieve goals. I am willing to change my position based on new information.

Pam Melin

Q: Would you support annexation of areas outside of Palmer into city limits? If so, which areas would you support annexing and why?

A: Volunteer Yes, Forced NO!

Q: If elected, how would you work to assist local businesses as a member of the Palmer City Council?

A: I will work to be their COI and advocate. More importantly, a good trusting partner.

Q: If elected, what changes would you support within the policies and procedures of the Palmer Police Department, if any?

A: Change recommendations should come from leadership in Public Safety based on data and evidence in their findings and from the Council in how to ensure the highest level of safety.

Q: If elected, how would you plan to use your time in office to improve the city of Palmer?

A: Listen to the constituents and market. I will use my time wisely to find ways to partner with businesses and community leaders to discuss and solve real problems not perceived problems or personal agendas.

Q: Why did you decide to run for City Council and why do you feel Palmer residents should vote for you?

A: I decided to run because I care about this city and I have a passion to engage in the challenge.