For the last three years, he was the main communications and public affairs spokesman for the APD, the department's go-between with news reporters. He retired in October to run for mayor.
Honeman made the news as well in 2007 when, off-duty and out for dinner with his wife, he wrestled to the floor and arrested a man who attacked another diner, a recent Bartlett High graduate.
Honeman, 48, pitches himself as the only candidate who's actually run for mayor before. That campaign, in 1987, also involved a large field of candidates and ended with Honeman out of the running.
He started work with the police department as a community service officer, and graduated as a sworn officer in the academy class of 1990.
As a candidate this time around, Honeman says he'd try to keep city spending under control but reminds voters someone has to pay for important city services like public safety and education. He's one of several candidates who are warming to the idea of a city sales tax, even though such propositions have failed at the ballot box time and again.
In Honeman's case, he proposes a seasonal, summertime sales tax that exempts prescriptions and expires after three years unless voters agree to extend it.
Q. The biggest problem facing Anchorage is ...
A. Increasing Property Taxes! The thing I have heard almost unanimously before filing and while campaigning -- are the property tax increases and the belief that municipal government and the ASD seem to ask for increases every year. The current budget gap will be resolved -- as previous administrations have also faced budget gaps -- which were dealt with accordingly. We must diversify our revenue sources in order to provide better consistency.
Q. Give one example of the kind of development you think Anchorage needs more of, and one Anchorage needs less of.
A. More: Boeing considered building a heavy-maintenance shop supporting cargo and passenger airlines. It is important for Anchorage to maintain a healthy industrial land base so we will be attractive to these types of industries. Our current land use regulations are allowing industrial lands to be encumbered by hotels and retail centers keeping us from being able to attract large industrial or manufacturing developments. Less: site condos (substandard housing design -- road width -- no neighborhood feel.)
Q. What, if anything, should the city do about the prospect of more bear attacks in city parks this summer?
A. Increased education and monitoring, stronger enforcement of "nuisance garbage ordinance" (in the spring/summer), work with State Fish and Game on strategies to address bear activity and immediate response to agitated wildlife.
Q. Do you support lowering property taxes by starting a sales tax?
A. Yes -- but with some conditions. I have a specific plan 1) Seasonal -- May 1 to Sept. 30, 2) sunset every three years approval by voters only, 3) 3 or 4 percent exempting prescriptions and $100 maximum per purchase, 4) tied to direct reduction to property taxes. Most important -- no increases or decreases can be made by elected officials -- only by the vote of the people.
Q. Should the city support construction of a Knik Arm bridge? Why or why not?
A. Yes. This bridge would be private/public in construction, operation and maintenance. It is a long overdue project that has been considered as a viable and workable solution to the Mat-Su/Anchorage interconnect for many purposes. This bridge would mesh well with light rail and a proposed ferry system that would allow many years of growth potential and ease traffic congestion and save energy consumption overall.
Q. Are you for or against doing away with the I/M program for vehicles?
A. Yes, for. This program has served its purposes. We have the necessary health and safety codes to address individual emissions issues with vehicles. However, the MOA would continually monitor the environmental air quality to ensure Anchorage is in compliance with EPA standards.
Q. Would you take a voluntary pay cut before you ask any employee to take one?
A. Yes -- I am committed to earning half pay for the first year -- and will not take full pay in any year that any city employee must also take a wage cut.
Q. Not counting Anchorage, name your three favorite cities. Why do you like them?
A. Seattle -- Underground city and history -- their waterfront. Chicago -- What history, great transportation system (the "L") the requirement that ALL buildings in downtown must have a different architectural look. Eugene, Ore., -- great trails systems, University of Oregon, great town feel.
Party affiliation: Non-partisan/undeclared
Date of birth: Jan. 12, 1961
Employment history: Special assistant to chief of Anchorage Police Department, 2006-08. Anchorage Police Department -- commander/lieutenant 2002-06, sergeant 1999-2002, senior patrol officer 1989-99, community service officer 1986-89. People Mover assistant parts warehouseman 1985-86. Federal protective officer 1983-86. Servair heavy-equipment mechanic 1983. U.S. Army heavy- equipment repairman 1979-83.
Education: Bartlett High School in 1979. Attended Anchorage Community College, the University of Alaska Anchorage, and Wayland Baptist University part time seeking bachelor's degree in criminal justice 1980 through 2002. Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command 2003.
Military service: U.S. Army 1979-1983 combat engineers -- heavy equipment. U.S. Army Reserves Active 1983-1985 combat engineer.
Spouse name: Valerie
Children: Sean and Cynthia
Web site: www.honemanformayor.com
E-mail: honemanformayor@gmail.com
This week's Q&As List of profiles we are publishing in alphabetic order: Monday: Matt Claman Tuesday: Eric Croft Today: Paul Honeman Thursday: Walt Monegan Friday: Sheila Selkregg Saturday: Dan Sullivan Paul Honeman
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