6 on the City of Houston ballot

On Tuesday, the residents of the City of Houston have an opportunity to head to the polls to vote for 3 positions for the City Council, with 2 candidates for each spot.

Each candidate had the opportunity to respond to questions posed by the Frontiersman.

Below are responses to questions submitted, and candidates listed alphabetically.

Mike Adams

My name is Mike Adams and I’m running for Seat G of the Houston City Council. My wife and I have lived in Houston for 8 years. We raised our family in Wasilla for 16 years prior to our move to Houston and we lived in Kodiak prior to Wasilla.

I was elected last year to a one-year term to finish out the previously vacated Council Seat. In that brief time, I learned a lot and now have a much better understanding how to navigate through the City process to effect change. Unfortunately, that one year was not enough time to initiate the changes I believe we need.

I strongly believe our City Council needs to change direction and focus on building infrastructure, specifically roads and utilities. Our existing infrastructure is not conducive to growth; to initiate growth and facilitate these changes our City needs to actively build and develop more commerce and revenue streams. I think our City needs to be more active in competing for State and Federal funds to alleviate the burden on our taxpaying residents. I would like to see the City become more diversified and move away from our current reliance on residential property taxes and the marijuana industry. We are perfectly located to maximize the Parks Highway traffic to grow and explore other opportunities to increase our revenue.

The Will of the people should be of the utmost importance in all matters before the City Council and every decision must be vetted to ensure it is in the best interest of the residents. The people of Houston need more representation as to what they want or need within their respective neighborhoods. I believe City Council should work for the people and with the people on every issue, regardless.

David Childs

I have been a resident of the Mat-Su Valley since 1983 and have lived in Houston since 2005. I am an educator of 27 years, chairman of the History Department at the school where I teach.

I believe that it is my duty to be more involved and this is my chance. I am excited to be a candidate for, and participate in, the process for election to the City Council.

I have an agenda to improve the function of our city, but ultimately my platform is about actually listening to the voice of the people and engaging with them on building a stronger community that meets the needs of all of my neighbors. In a true democracy, the power lies in the hands and voice of the people and they should be respected first and foremost. The people of Houston want to grow our infrastructure as well as properly maintain the infrastructure we have. There is an immediate need for obtaining funds from the state to grow our local economy and bring resources to the people in order to offset costs to the citizens of our city for important things like future extensions of natural gas pipelines and consistent road maintenance. I am also an advocate for taking care of the elderly and veterans in our community. Community health and safety are very important to me. My own agenda is second to your voice. What you communicate to me as your goals will be the issues I bring to our Council meetings. I want to make our community stronger and better.

Lisa Johansen-She did not return her questionnaire.

Gina Jorgensen-has been serving on City Council for 10 years. She did not return her questionnaire.

Sandy McDonald

I am Sandy McDonald, and I am running for seat F on the Houston City council. As wife, mother and grandmother, with family here in the Mat-Su and in Virginia and I’ve called Houston my home for 17 years, and have lived in Alaska for 35. I have homeschooled our 6 children and have been an active volunteer in many aspects of life here in the valley and in Anchorage.

This past year I served Houston residents as Chair of the Land Use Advisory committee; and previously (2007-2008) as a Council member Deputy Mayor, Acting Mayor and Mayor.

I’ve served as a 1st Lieutenant in Civil Air Patrol, as the Moral Leadership Officer; formally volunteered at our local radio station KAGV 1110 AM. I’ve led women’s Bible Study classes for 16 years; been active in administering church events such as Fall Festival, Vacation Bible School and other events; I’ve cared for the elderly; been a costumer for Valley Performing Arts; and was a professional roofer.

I am not afraid of hard work, having proved that over the years in volunteer services. I will fight for your rights as a resident and property owner in Houston.

Houston, I am your choice if you are ready for a change. A change of attitude and concern for what means most to you like roads, safety and basic services – where you live, work and play. I will work for you!

My main goals would be for financial transparency, better roads and to continue to advocate for the quality fire services that we have grown accustom to and benefited from.

Paul Stout-is currently serving his 4th term on City Council, and has been serving since 2010. He did not return his questionnaire.

Voting will be held Tuesday, October 4 at Houston City Hall. Voting hours will be open from 7:00 am-8:00 pm.

Contact the Frontiersman at news@frontiersman.com.