Palmer/Wasilla city council questionnaires

Editor’s note: The Frontiersman sent out a series of questionnaires to local political hopefuls, asking them why they’re the best candidate. The following is the third part in our series of answers leading up to the Oct. 6 election. Today’s answers come from candidates for the Wasilla City Council and the Palmer City Council. In Wasilla, Clark Buswell and Timothy Burney are running for Seat B, while David Wilson is unopposed. In Palmer, five candidates (Pete LaFrance, Kenni Linden, David Fuller, Kenneth Erbey and Richard Best) are vying for two seats on the council, with the top two vote-getters earning spots:

ALVAH 'CLARK' BUSWELL III

Age: 64

Office Sought: Wasilla City Council seat B

Profession: Contractor and business owner

Previous Elected Office Held (If Any): Wasilla City Council

Why did you decide to seek elected office? My term on the planning Commission was expiring and I wanted to continue to serve The City of Wasilla.

What do you see as the central issues of the campaign? The retention of the one percent sales tax is the key issue.

What specific plans or goals do you have to address those issues? To vote to cut City services if the tax is not retained.

Why should voters vote for you? I have the experience as the incumbent to know what is needed to keep the city in good financial order.

What distinguishes you from your opposition? The time I have spent on the Wasilla Planning Commission, the Borough Board of Adjustment and Appeals and as a Wasilla City Council Member and Deputy Mayor under two Wasilla Mayors I have the experience while my opponent does not appear to have had any experience in the public sector.

What else would you like voters to know about you? I am proud of our community and have constantly voted to support those issues that keep our community growing and being the hub of commerce for the Valley.

TIMOTHY BURNEY

Age: 46

Office Sought: Wasilla City Council

Profession: Construction Project Manager

Previous Elected Office Held (If Any): None

Why did you decide to seek elected office? I have found that government at all levels, is quick to decide on what happens with revenues from tax dollars without educating the community. I am running for office to put an end to the seemingly clandestine way the City decides to spend our money.

What do you see as the central issues of the campaign? That the City is prepared to keep the tax rate as is. That the City has not informed the community of keeping taxes at an increased rate. That the City seems to have no desire to stop increasing spending when the residents of Wasilla struggle to balance their own check books.

What specific plans or goals do you have to address those issues? My goal is to provide to the community more information on how the City allocates the budget and what the priorities are for the future. I plan to fight against tax increases and fight against the frivolous manner in which the City spends our money.

Why should voters vote for you? I will fight for lower taxes and decreasing the City of Wasilla’s annual budget while still maintaining essential services.

What distinguishes you from your opposition? I am not entrenched in the deals of the past in City Council. I am not the type of person who will go along to get along. If I see, and most importantly the community feels, that their tax dollars are not being spent in the best interest of Wasilla, I will fight to keep spending in check and taxes at a reasonable rate.

What else would you like voters to know about you? I honorably served my country for eight years in the United States Naval Construction Battalions.

PETE LAFRANCE

Office Sought: Palmer City Council

Age: 39

Profession: Teacher/School Administrator

Previous Elected Office Held (If Any): None

Why did you decide to seek elected office? I decided to seek elected office in an effort to contribute to the community that has given me so much. I was born and raised in Palmer and have a deep love for this city. I will work hard to ensure that the city government is running efficiently and properly serving its citizens and business community.

What do you see as the central issues of the campaign? Throughout the state of Alaska, municipalities are beginning to face the effects of an economic reality in which oil is below fifty dollars a barrel. Palmer is no exception. It is imperative that we do all that we can to diversify our economy and ensure that Palmer is well positioned to prosper during these uncertain times.

What specific plans or goals do you have to address those issues? We need to do everything we can to ensure that our city council is cohesive and productive, and fosters a closer relationship with citizens and business owners. We are all in this together. We need to make sure that we are investing in infrastructure that increases Palmer’s livability – things like good roads, public safety, sidewalks, trails and parks go a long way towards welcoming new citizens and businesses while also attracting tourist dollars. We must also take a hard look at bigger, more innovative projects like reinvigorating the Matanuska Maid block and bringing the train back to downtown.

Why should voters vote for you? People should vote for me because I am a problem solver who will listen and work hard to make Palmer stronger. I will do everything that I can to increase public participation in the city government and fight for all of those important little things that take cities from good to great. I am genuinely interested in hearing the ideas of citizens and seeing more people become engaged in the public process.

What distinguishes you from your opposition? In all honesty, I believe my opponents are good folks with the best interests of Palmer at heart. The unique strength I would bring to the council is my ability to bring people together to find the best possible solutions for complex problems.

What else would you like voters to know about you? I am not an ideologue. I despise political bickering and like to get things done. I will be a tireless advocate for this city and will bring a friendly face to the city council.

KENNI LINDEN

Age: 28

Office Sought: Palmer City Council

Profession: Community Field Organizer

Previous Elected Office Held (If Any): Matanuska Susitna Borough School District School Board, Student Representative and Representative Elect 2004-2006

Why did you decide to seek elected office? I love Palmer. I was born and raised here, I graduated from Palmer High with an International Baccalaureate Diploma, and I went to college out of state. I brought my husband to Palmer because I believe this is the best place to live and raise a family. We bought a home around the corner from where I attended elementary school, and I love living in our friendly and walkable community. I look forward to advocating for increased community engagement, providing a fresh new perspective, and working to increase Palmer’s potential to be the best place to live, work, and play.

What do you see as the central issues of the campaign? Increasing community engagement is one of my top issues. The City of Palmer had a dismal 13.4% voter turnout during the 2014 election. I have spent many hours during this campaign meeting with voters face to face. I want to hear voter concerns and encourage better voter buy-in. I would also like to see better walkable corridors. Specifically, I see a need for a pedestrian crossing between North and South Valley Ways, across Arctic Ave. This would provide a safe connection between the elementary schools side of Palmer, with the bike path near the youth center and bike park.

What specific plans or goals do you have to address those issues? There are many simple ways of increasing community engagement. The easier we make information and public input accessible, the more likely those that aren’t already plugged into city government will be able to participate in important decision making. I’d like to see the City of Palmer committed to reaching out to residents on a more regular basis. This can be done through surveys sent out with city water bills, and creating a database of voters similar to the PFD registration system, where residents are able to leave comments and vote on pertinent issues without having to physically attend meetings.

Why should voters vote for you? My passion and commitment to making our community a better place for everyone, will shape my tenure as a council member. I will actively listen and work constructively with my colleagues. As small Palmer business owners, my husband and I are both actively involved in the community. I will encourage innovative solutions to economic and sustainable development within the city, while also working to better maintain and improve our green spaces and parks. I would like to see a Palmer that encourages more active community events such as Active Soles’ Monday night Happy Run, and year round outdoor events.

What distinguishes you from your opposition? The most obvious differences between myself and my opponents, are my gender and age. At 28, I am the youngest and only female candidate running for Palmer City Council. I am fortunate to be a third generation Palmer resident with a worldly perspective. I have had the great privilege of living and traveling abroad while studying in college. Currently, I am on the board of directors with Radio Free Palmer, our community supported radio station. I have volunteered to stream Palmer City Council, Borough Assembly, and Mat-Su School Board meetings as a station volunteer.

What else would you like voters to know about you? I am a member of the YWCA and the Alaska World Affairs Council. In the past, I served on the Gifted Education Task Force and I was the first student to serve on the Mat-Su School District Curriculum Council. I am familiar with parliamentary procedure and Robert’s Rules of Order. I am an avid reader, and I greatly enjoy taking advantage of Palmer’s recreation facilities from the public tennis courts, to the bike paths and trails near my home. I enjoy supporting local Palmer businesses and I’m inspired to become a better gardener by the work of Grow Palmer.

DAVID K. FULLER

Age: 43

Office Sought: Palmer City Council

Profession: Alaska Air National Guard

Previous Elected Office Held (If Any): None

Why did you decide to seek elected office? I have been a resident of the Mat Su Valley since 1983 and graduated from Palmer High School in 1990. I love Palmer’s small, home town atmosphere and want to see it thrive and grow into the 21st Century. I want to find solutions to Palmer’s issues and be not be a complainer on the sidelines.

What do you see as the central issues of the campaign? I feel that the biggest issue of this campaign is how can Palmer grow and thrive during our State’s economic woes. I grew up in Palmer in the 1980’s when the price of oil crashed and witnessed firsthand Palmer’s main street businesses empty and shuttered. I feel the city can weather this situation and still provide essential city services through prudent fiscal decisions. I also believe that the issue of Palmer’s water and waste water utilities serving venues outside of city limits must be discussed in the realm of future annexation.

What specific plans or goals do you have to address those issues? The City could save money by bringing all of the departments under one roof. Currently they are spread out around the city. Moreover, the City should do more to promote businesses to establish brick and mortar outlets in Palmer. This can be accomplished by promoting and expanding events like Colony Days/Christmas, and The Summer Garden and Art Fair as well as, developing new events that cater to unused venues around town. All in all this would not only increase the sales tax base but promote pride and esprit de corps amongst the citizens of Palmer.

Why should voters vote for you? I am transparent and honest. I will listen to what voters have to say and do my best to serve their trust. I am not in this for anything else but to make Palmer a great place to work, live and play. I will not pass the buck and I will be accountable for my bad decisions as well as my good ones.

What distinguishes you from your opposition? I am literally someone new to the political scene and accessible. I am vocal and I am visible in the community, whether I am selling raffle tickets at a Miner’s game or taking tickets at a Palmer High School Sporting event, people see me and what I do. I am here for the citizens of Palmer.

What else would you like voters to know about you? I joined the USMC in 1990 and was honorably discharged in December of 1997. Since then I have been a Youth Team Leader at the Alaska Military Youth Academy and a dispatcher for an Anchorage trucking Company. Currently I am a full time member of the Alaska Air National Guard serving the Alaska Air Defense Sector. I have been a community volunteer and active Member of the Palmer Lion’s Club since 1999 and am the recipient of the 2013-14 Melvin Jones Fellowship. I am also married with six daughters ranging in age from 22 down to seven.

KENNETH ERBEY

Age: 56

Office Sought: Palmer City Council

Profession: Computer Specialist

Previous Elected Office Held (If Any): Palmer City Counci (4 Terms)

Why did you decide to seek elected office? As a 37 year resident and neighbor, it’s my honor and privilege to seek a fifth term on the Palmer City Council. This is an exciting time for the City of Palmer and the surrounding Community. Palmer is growing, and changing with that growth. The trick is balancing that growth with preserving Palmers unique identity. We just hired a new energetic City manager, and I would like to share my 12 years experience on the Council with him to meet that balance.

What do you see as the central issues of the campaign? Palmer is “Alaska at its Best”. That didn’t happen by accident. The most important issue of ANY campaign…not just this one…is preserving Palmer’s unique small town and historical identity. Growth is inevitable, and with growth comes headaches such as traffic and overwhelmed and aging infrastructure (such as water and sewers). This is going to be a particularly challenging time for Palmer considering the bleak financial situation that the State of Alaska currently suffers. So, the central issue now is meeting the needs of the City with a very tightened budget.

What specific plans or goals do you have to address those issues? Palmer is on the verge of some very major changes. For many, their first introduction to Palmer is while driving the Glenn Highway. The Glenn will be expanding to 4 lanes through Palmer. These 4 lanes must maintain a “Main Street” feeling that attracts people, and not a “Freeway” that rejects people. The same must be done with the Bogard extension. Palmer is growing and needs attract more business and jobs… not the low-wage big box-store type, but professional careers like those related to health-care attracted by our Hospital, and Aviation careers attracted by our Airport. The City must make sure there are roads and water and sewers to meet the demands of not only these businesses, but of the population growth that comes with them.

Why should voters vote for you? Again, Palmer is “Alaska at its Best” and that did not happen by accident. It has taken a lot of work by some truly dedicated people. Serving as a City Councilman is very demanding. Extremely difficult decisions have to be made that affect thousands of people. It is a responsibility that takes dedication and should never be taken likely or on a whim. Palmer is facing some specially challenging issues in the very near future. I am running for my fifth term, and bring 12 years of experience, and I believe that experience is just what the citizens of Palmer need at this time.

What distinguishes you from your opposition? The largest distinction is my experience. I believe that I have earned the respect of the citizens and employees of the City of Palmer… that I have been elected to serve as their Councilman for past 12 years bears out that fact. I have a proven track record (and I am very proud of that record). As a City Councilman, there are no questions or guess-work when it comes to my ability to serve the citizens of Palmer.

What else would you like voters to know about you? I love Palmer. I grew up as a Military Brat and moved from town to town every 3 or 4 years. I moved to Palmer in the late 70’s, and Palmer has been my HOME ever since. I commuted to Anchorage every day for over 30 years. People asked me why didn’t I just move to Anchorage? Those people just don’t get what it is about Palmer.

“Palmer…Alaska at its Best !!!”

RICHARD BEST

Age: 46

Office Sought: Palmer City Council

Profession: Mechanical Field Engineer

Previous Elected Office Held (If Any): Palmer City Council

Why did you decide to seek elected office? I had been involved in community groups, discussions and the Palmer Planning and Zoning Commission, being involved in our community and engaged in the discussions of how we go forward is just who I am.

What do you see as the central issues of the campaign? It’s a difficult time fiscally for our state right now so fiscal responsibility.

What specific plans or goals do you have to address those issues? Palmer has always operated very frugality so that is a plus however we do need to engage with community groups and our State Representatives to reassure our community has what is needed.

Why should voters vote for you? I’m involved, engaged and I truly believe Palmers City motto, “Palmer is Alaska at its Best”

What distinguishes you from your opposition? Experience and a track record of involvement in our local government, community groups and years of discussions listening to the concerns of our citizens.

What else would you like voters to know about you? I’m a born and raised Alaskan, family man and I love our community.

* Note: Wasilla councilman David Wilson, who is running unopposed, did not submit a questionnaire.