Resumé for progress

My name is Ralph Buzard and I’ve lived in Houston for six years. My wife, Claudia, and I have raised six children who all live out of state. Prior to moving here I lived in Petersburg for 28 years where I served on the city council for six and a half years. I also served nine years on the planning and zoning board and three years on the utility, library and harbor boards. I was one of the founders of the Humane Society as well.

I’m a charter member of the Susitna Rotary and member of the Pioneers of Alaska. At a recent Pioneer Convention I was given a petition for people to sign in order to get the Senior Longevity Bonus reinstated and funded.

As I said, I served on the city council for the city of Petersburg for several years. While I was a councilmember I learned how meetings are conducted according to Robert’s Rules of Order. I learned how to negotiate with other council members to achieve agreement on issues. As the chairman of the drug and alcohol board, I learned to mediate disputes. This skill has proved invaluable in dealing with opposing points of view.

Since my appointment to Houston’s City Council I’ve assisted in establishing a sales tax audit committee consisting of one council representative and two members of public. We’ve also established a human resource committee to rate and interview applicants for city positions.

I was appointed to the council seat late in the fiscal year when the budget was finalized. I was instrumental in establishing a motor pool system for the purchase, operation and maintenance of city equipment.

As a council member I would like to see the city purchase a road grader to maintain and plow snow from our roads. Heavy equipment can be obtained from state surplus for very little money. I will ensure that monies designated for roads are utilized for roads and road equipment only. I would also like to see the city applying for state and federal grants to improve our roads and parks.

I’m a retired business owner and I support the chamber in its effort to promote business in Houston. I also support the railroad extension through Houston.

I’m asking for your vote in October. Thank you for the opportunity to present my views and experience as an elected official and volunteer.

Ralph Buzard

Houston