Curbside recycling is good, but for recycling to work we need to put more energy into re-using our own recyclables. We need programs to encourage entrepreneurs to invest in small manufacturing facilities where recycled paper, plastic, glass, etc. are the primary raw materials. Waste management is a regional as well as a local problem. I will continue to explore ways we can collaborate with other Southeast communities to solve this problem. I am confident we can protect the environment and create jobs. “Reduce! Reuse! Recycle!”

In my profession as senior accountant for the Alaska Permanent Fund, I see the benefits of diversification and wise investing. My primary goal is to be a good manager of your money. Juneau has been fortunate to have good financial management and is in better shape than Anchorage and many other cities down south. We need to continue a careful and balanced approach to our budget.   I will look for budget savings that do not threaten core city services, make moderate use of our reserve funds while looking for management efficiencies, and help Juneau focus on building a sustainable economy.

Solid education, good jobs, affordable housing, and an active community life for our young adults are critically important if we expect Juneau’s economy to thrive as we baby boomers retire. That is why I support opening the Kensington Mine and expanding the Legislative Plaza. We need a North Douglas Crossing to open up buildable land for housing and industry which will create new jobs.  Additionally, revitalizing the Valley malls would provide opportunities for cultural events, live music, book readings, community classes and exercise, which will attract young people, support local business and promote business growth.

We need to take action now to address our waste management problem. It is clear we cannot continue on our current path indefinitely. The landfill is growing. The birds it attracts endanger the airport and pollutants threaten our wetlands. We need to partner with Waste Management and Arrow Refuse to find solutions, and we should consider options like a new incinerator, increased recycling or a southeast regional waste processing facility. This is not a new problem, but we need to act.

We can fight capital creep by making Juneau a great place to live and raise a family. We can do this by building our economy, promoting affordable housing, strengthening our neighborhoods and enhancing our schools, while preserving our world class recreational environment. We can further partner with UAS to train a top-tier workforce of young skilled Alaskans to build Juneau businesses ready to take on the jobs of tomorrow. Finally, to enable all Alaskans to access their government, we need to enhance our transportation infrastructure and actively promote tools like Gavel-to-Gavel.