Palmer’s council selects three new members to replace those ousted in special election

Palmer’s city council, or what was left of it after three members were recalled, appointed three new members at its Tuesday meeting, May 17, who will serve until the regular municipal election set for this fall.

John Alcantra, Thomas Ojala and Joshua Tudor were chosen from five who had applied.

Alcantra does business liaison at the Alaska Job Center.

“I have a long history in the city of Palmer and surrounding areas. I have served on numerous boards throughout my career, and I want to offer my time and leadership skills to the council … now, with older children, I have time to commit,” he said in a statement.

Alcantra said he has substantial experience in several areas of government including in emergency response. He was the Emergency Management Director for the Kenai Peninsula Borough, worked as an education lobbyist before the state Legislature and also served private clients as a financial advisor.

“I believe this is an opportunity to provide stability and leadership for the community, its residents and businesses. As for the recent controversy over closed meetings, he said: “Transparency is on utmost importance. All public work should be done in the view and with the knowledge of the public,” he said. “Elected officials should not be discussing governance, council or legislative business in secret.”

Thomas Ojala has lived in Palmer since 2015 and is an electrical technician for the U.S. Army and is employed by ASRC Federal Services.

“I am interested in serving on the council because I have lived in and around Palmer my whole life, and I see an opportunity to serve the community and get Palmer on the right track,” Ojala said in a statement to the council.

“I feel the previous members of the council did not represent the values of the community. I feel I could be a great representative of the beliefs and principles of the Palmer community,”

Joshua Tudor has lived in Palmer for 15 years and is a small business owner. His company is North Peak IT, LLC, and as CEO he is responsible for all aspects of the business from marketing and sales to technical support for clients, and including management of a team of professionals. Tudor serves on the city’s planning and zoning commission and is currently vice chair.

“I want to give back to the community that has given so much to me. I have been raising my family here. I want to see Palmer grow but still retain what makes Palmer great, with a welcoming small town feel,” Tudor said in a statement prepared for the council.

As a small business owner Tudor has an understanding of what small businesses need, he said. As for the recent closed meetings controversy, Tudor said: “I understand that all deliberations and actions must be done in public view to meet the Open Meetings Act (requirements), but that this is also critical for democracy.

Two others who applied but who were not chosen include John Murphy and

Cecilia Bradford. Bradford is a retired Federal Aviation Agency worker who grew up in Palmer and has lived in the city for many years. She is active in community affairs as a board member of the Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union and is also active in her church, the Matanuska Assembly of God, according to a filing she did for the city council.

She applied for the council seat because she felt, “It’s time for me to give back to the community I love,” she said.

John Murphy is a project manager with Alaska Pump and Supply and has lived in the community for 11 years after moving from Florida.

“Palmer is my home and we enjoy living here. I am a Deacon in my church, the Lazy Mountain Bible Church. My family and I frequently attend Palmer events and we keep ourselves aware of what is happening in the community…I want to do my part for the city and make a difference,” he told the council in a written statement.

Murphy’s professional background gives him a unique understanding of the city’s utility issues, he said. “I (now) work with engineers and other employees to discuss and exchange ideas for solving problems as they relate to waste water and other issues the municipality may have,” he told the council.