Election 2024: Local candidates for city races answer Frontiersman questionnaire

Candidates for local elections to be held on October 1 had the opportunity to submit answers to the Frontiersman candidate questionnaires as part of our 2024 election coverage. The Mat-Su Borough Assembly, Mat-Su School Board, and other election information will be covered later this month.

Not all candidates replied. We have included every response that was submitted. Responses are in alphabetical order.

City of Palmer

There are two open council seats for three-year terms up for election, with five candidates vying for the spots

John Alcantra

I grew up in Palmer and surrounding area but after living in Juneau, Soldotna and Eagle River, we purchased our home in Palmer in 2004 and raised our four children here. One is still in High School at this time. 20 years plus inside the city of Palmer!

I have been on the Palmer City Council since May 2022. I ran for the Alaska State Legislature in 1992, and served as a staff person in Juneau from 1984-1990. I have also worked for the Kenai Peninsula Borough, The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and NEA-Alaska.

We need to finish the Library and continue with the nuts and bolts operation of the city. If re-elected, I will continue to advocate for Palmer in all venues and will work with our Juneau delegation and with Alaska’s Congressional delegation to find funding for our priorities. I look forward to continuing my hard work on behalf of the city I love.

Victoria Hudson

Since I have experience as a successful business owner and entrepreneur, I understand both the complexities and challenges facing small businesses, from methods to successfully navigate economic issues, marketing, and budgets, to the constraints of successfully negotiating long term employee satisfaction indices. As a previous business owner and entrepreneur, I understand the infrastructure and the concerns that all businesses face, and I’m a strong advocate for small business. Currently I’ve chosen to be a stay-at-home wife and mother, a career choice that is sometimes even more complex and important.

I have strong family roots here in the beautiful Matanuska-Susitna Valley, which was why my husband and I chose Palmer as our home two years ago. In keeping with the moniker “Alaska at Its Best”, we have a strong desire to assure Palmer keeps the historical charm, strong sense of culture, and unique atmosphere it’s known for. I believe we’ve all seen what trying to effect radical changes without the input and endorsement of a community can do to a beautiful city.

While I don’t have experience in politics yet, I believe that is one of my main strengths. My inexperience doesn’t mean I have not spent endless hours doing my research and meeting with many local business owners and landowners in our city to find out what is happening, what this city needs, and asking for ideas of how I can make a positive impact. I also have a deep understanding and appreciation of the value of service to the community. I volunteer for charitable outreaches in my church and other settings on a regular basis and I find immense satisfaction and joy in that. My inexperience in the political realm means voters gain a fresh perspective, and an openness to ideas. Palmer residents can be assured I will decide issues based on what the facts substantiate, not simply hearsay, propaganda, or unproven speculation. I believe all sides of any issue need to be considered, utilizing every instrument at the council’s disposal, from community input to on-site evaluation, especially on issues like the railroad crossing on Fern or the pedestrian crossing on E. Arctic Ave. Citizens of Palmer as well as all of the valley can rely on me to use my strong moral sense of what’s wrong and what’s right before I cast any vote on their behalf.

As a firm believer in historical charm, I believe Palmer stands supreme for what it offers in uniqueness, friendliness, and small-town Alaska appeal. I feel we really must incorporate the unique history of the town and capitalize on it with as many businesses as possible. Whether that means farmers market locations, adding historical farm tours to the existent city museum tour, placing eye-catching signage at city entrances to highlight what we offer…whatever that might be. The future is limitless and I’m open to suggestions and ideas. There could be all kinds of untapped opportunities to create some great business models utilizing our historical charm. Any business generating has to juxtaposition with the concerns many business owners and residents have voiced regarding the parking and congestion issues in the downtown corridor. I would support and endorse the creation of specific plans to increase parking that benefit the businesses and consumers of Palmer. Another priority of mine is upholding public safety and security. Toward that goal, I would not support plans for a homeless shelter anywhere in the vicinity of downtown Palmer. I also promise to support our police and business owners by having strict laws regarding the homeless and vagrant issue that so many business owners and residents have brought to the attention of the city council numerous times in the past.

Aundra “Omega” Jackson

I’ve lived in Palmer since 1998 and my public service started well before then. Leading the Mat-Su Martin Luther King, Jr. Foundation since 1982, I've coordinated and supported transformative community events celebrating MLK and Juneteenth. Applying my multidisciplinary expertise, I serve on the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church trustee board, driving positive change. Through involvement in Big Brother, Pop Warner football, Alaska State Fair, and Arctic Winter Games, I foster community cohesion. As a homeowner, my focus is on initiatives promoting collective well-being, including fair water distribution, freedom of information, road maintenance planning, neighborhood watch expansion, and infrastructure upkeep, while promoting city council and police accountability and strategic tax levies to drive community growth.

If elected, my goals are to address rising homeowner water costs, pro-rated water usage should replace the flat 5,000-gallon base rate. This benefits the library's design and budget. A dedicated section for sensitive materials should be created instead of banning books. Priorities include road maintenance planning, snow removal staffing, neighborhood watch expansion, and removal of dormant downtown railroad tracks. The city manager should prioritize road and sidewalk maintenance, focusing on snow. Palmer City Council and police must uphold ethics and oath standards. I support a temporary tax increase to fund capital projects, ensuring voting rights for all residents.

The remaining candidates include Nathan Bradford, Jameson Corbin, and Aundra “Omega” Jackson.

City of Houston

There are three seats on city council up for election, Of note, as Houston is a second-class city, the residents do not vote for the position of Mayor. Once the council is certified, they determine the Mayor and Deputy Mayor.

Carter Cole

I been in the Construction Industry many years and work in various positions Include Plumber, Mechanical Administer, EIT, CDT, and Project Manager. And I also served as the Mayor of Houston for the last 2 one-year terms.

I lived inside of Houston boundaries since 2014.

I have been a Public Works Director for two Municipalities, a Councilmember, and Current Mayor of Houston.

If re-elected, I would finish implementing the 5-year roads plan that we have started, continue to create opportunities for young people in our local area, upgrade parks and trails by partnering with organizations like Rotary, United Way, Mat-Su foundation, and others, for better quality of life for all our residence. Continue work on the transportation network for Houston. Continue to upgrade the necessary Public Works equipment and IT needs for the city. This will let our City of Houston Employees have the needed tools to work more efficient.

Wayne Oliver

I am a 31-year resident of Houston with over 30 years of experience as an Electrical and Instrument Designer, focusing on North Slope projects. My qualifications include a Bachelor of Science in Business, a Certificate in Electrical Technology, a Private Pilot License, and an Alaska Certificate of Fitness as an electrician.

Since 2008, I have supported City Council members and community initiatives behind the scenes. I authored and sponsored Ballot Proposition H2, passed by voters last year, which provides seniors and disabled veterans with an additional property tax exemption. Additionally, I recently argued before the Mat-Su BOAA to successfully maintain the rights of Morvro Lake residents to use personal watercraft on the lake.

Although I am not a career politician and have no aspirations for higher office, I am committed to offering an independent perspective on the City Council. My understanding of the Houston Municipal Code, Alaska Statutes, and constitutional rights equips me to make meaningful contributions in advocating for residents' rights and advancing effective community governance.

My primary goal is to preserve the rural character of Houston while ensuring that our city’s government reflects the will of its residents. I believe that maintaining and improving our roads is essential, and I will work to ensure that road maintenance and infrastructure are top priorities. I will also advocate for increased transparency and public involvement by ensuring that meeting agendas and public notices are posted in accessible, high-traffic areas, and that the city adheres to both the Houston Municipal Code and Alaska Statutes.

In addition to infrastructure, I am committed to protecting the rights of our residents and fostering a respectful and open dialogue within the community. Whether it’s addressing public safety concerns, supporting our seniors and elders by connecting them with available resources, or ensuring responsible financial management, I will work diligently to serve the best interests of all residents.

By focusing on these priorities, I aim to ensure that Houston remains a vibrant and well-functioning community where everyone’s voice is heard and respected.

The other candidates running include Kent Mitchell in Seat D, who is unopposed, and Laurie Faubert in Seat G running against write-in candidate Callie Courtney.

In Wasilla, incumbents Cathy Cottle and Stuart “Stu” Graham are running unopposed in their seats for three-year terms, ending November 2027.