Palmer mayoral candidate speaks of changing city

Spectrum, by John Combs

Thank you for this opportunity to express my point of view with your readership. As a member of the city council these past four years, I have genuinely appreciated the scope and professionalism of reporting the Frontiersman has afforded our community with regards to issues facing the city of Palmer.

One year ago, I was elected to my second three-year term on the Palmer City Council. During my service on the council we have focused on the basics: Strengthening water services, improving our library and supporting our building and public works sector.

We are also adding a public ice arena and have created a neighborhood parks ordinance. I consider these items as fundamental as any. We need a place to live, a place to work and we need a place to engage in recreation.

As the mayor of Palmer, I intend to continue in this manner, guiding the council to do the best possible job for the community.

When the city council voted to pursue the Southwest Utility Sewer and Water Extension, in effect, we made this our highest priority; there is a specific timeline for this project. The voters in the city of Palmer are being asked to approve a $2.3-million bond to cover the cost of our share of this improvement.

Additionally, the city has also listed this development as our number-one priority with the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, requesting $2 million dedicated to this particular responsibility.

If we are successful in obtaining the Alaska DEC grant, it will lower the amount of the bond monies needed to fulfill Palmer's obligation.

I am definitely in favor of incurring less debt if we have the opportunity to do so. However, if no Alaska DEC grant is forthcoming, it will be necessary to make use of the entire bond amount to avoid near-depletion of our water and sewer fund.

Whatever the direct cost is to the city of Palmer, it is recoverable from those who will directly benefit from the extension.

Perhaps just as important as the service the Southwest Utility Project will provide is a physical presence for the city of Palmer that encompasses two points of our natural boundaries. Our most difficult task ahead is dealing with the rapid increase in population in the immediate area. I am determined to face zoning, annexation and traffic issues directly and reach solutions that are beneficial to the majority of our residents.

A lot of citizens have asked me to please try to keep Palmer "Palmer." That phrase is almost indefinable, but many of you have probably heard it and know what it means. We have a unique opportunity at this point in time to maintain our cultural identity and still welcome new residents and businesses to our community. This is an opportunity that will pass this way only once. I believe Palmer is much more than just another city, it is a model of the best Alaska can be.

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of individuals who care about Palmer just as much as I do. But there is not one single person anywhere who cares about it more. As your mayor, I will do my very best to keep Palmer "Palmer."

John C. Combs is a candidate for Palmer mayor.