The Anchorage Daily News asked candidates for the April 2 election to the Anchorage Assembly to answer a series of questions on issues facing those bodies. We’re publishing select responses daily. The answers were fact-checked when facts were cited and edited for spelling, grammar and clarity. For more questions and to see all the candidates’ answers, click here. For School Board candidate surveys, click here.
Q: What important issue would you like to discuss here?
DISTRICT 2, SEAT A: CHUGIAK-EAGLE RIVER
Oliver Schiess
Our city has been moving in the right direction in terms of paying down debts, lowering interest rates, and reducing crime. I would like to highlight how harmful Gov. Dunleavy’s budget proposal would be to our economy and overall public safety. Mass layoffs in turn lead to increased crime, lower home values, and a decreased quality of life for Anchorage residents. I urge all citizens to contact their legislators to oppose these budget cuts which jeopardize Alaska’s future.
Crystal Kennedy
As a member of the Eagle River Chugiak community, and as one who frequents JBER, it is often surprising that the rest of Anchorage doesn’t recognize that as a municipality we are made up of more than one city and several small towns. We each have our own identity and in some cases, we have our own road board, Parks and Rec board and a volunteer fire department, all functioning with a great deal of autonomy. We can’t lose sight of that as we address the issues within the greater municipality.
DISTRICT 4, SEAT F: MIDTOWN
Meg Zaletel
The importance of neighborhoods and knowing your neighbors cannot be underscored enough. Active streets with engaged neighbors are safer. I’ve knocked on over 1,000 doors and my neighbors have expressed a strong desire to feel like they are part of their community and to know the people who live nearby. By developing opportunities for community hubs, we can foster connected neighborhoods.
Christine Hill
Anchorage is a world class city and we need an Assembly that is constantly working to make our city attractive for future growth and quality of life.
Ron Alleva
Apathy, 40% of the Assembly seats went unchallenged. This is a dangerous thing for our democracy. Cost of a campaign puts a lot people out of running, plus they given up on the political system. More involvement must be taken.
DISTRICT 3, SEAT D: WEST ANCHORAGE
Kameron Perez-Verdia
Did not answer.
Liz Vazquez
Did not answer.
Dustin Darden
Youtube cellphone towers and the effect on the body. What’s with the chem trails now days ? If the ingredients on vaccines are printed for you would you believe it? D.U.M.B.s, deep underground military bases. Do dinosaurs still live in aqua ducts in the Amazon? Are lasers the new thing? And so much more. Just say no to the chip.
DISTRICT 5, SEAT H: EAST ANCHORAGE
Forrest Dunbar
The Dunleavy budget is the single largest threat to public safety, jobs, and home values in Anchorage. If it passes, we will see mass layoffs and deep cuts to services, resulting in another recession. It will mean larger class sizes, higher costs for seniors, and young people leaving the state. It includes slashes to the AWAIC shelter for survivors of domestic abuse, the Pioneer Home, and WWAMI. I urge our legislators to take a balanced approach and protect the well being of their constituents.
DISTRICT 6, SEAT J: SOUTH ANCHORAGE, GIRDWOOD, TURNAGAIN ARM
John Weddleton
The questions here would suggest Anchorage is a gloomy place to live. Sure, we have some big challenges. Crime and homelessness are coming to define our city. But that’s not Anchorage. Anchorage is a wonderful place to live, to do business, to raise a family and to play.When I moved to Anchorage, I was drawn to the amazing mountains and the huge natural space. In my 30 plus years here, I see steady improvements. More restaurants, better roads, more and better trails and parks. This list is long.