I envision mandatory recycling of any material that has a market for the product. We as stewards of our land and air need to make every effort to conserve the resources we use. Juneau can learn lessons from many other communities that currently have comprehensive recycling programs (both voluntary and mandatory). It is not necessary to re-invent the wheel but it is imperative that the Assembly promote a program that works within for our community. Secondly, I would like to see the Assembly take an advocacy role for any business that would like to develop local uses for recycled materials.

Budget deficits will be the most challenging, and possibly most time consuming, task of the Assembly. I commend the Assembly for the foresight and direction they have taken in the past.  That being said, I would like to address deficits across the entire city budget in order to minimize or eliminate drastic cuts in personnel and services. My priorities will be that of public health and safety, water/sewer/waste management, public transportation, and recreation. I feel these services allow Juneau to be the vibrant community that attracted me and others to make this our home.

The jobs are here but affordability is a challenge to keeping young adults in Juneau. Currently, a young person, or couple with a new family cannot afford to rent or own a home.  To buy a home defined affordable by the Affordable Housing Commission ($250,000), a household would have to make at least $90,000 per year (36 percent of gross income).  That is not realistic for a young adult. Many are living in substandard, overcrowded conditions or working more than one job to live here. The CBJ needs to take a leadership role to assure affordable housing for all income levels.

A comprehensive waste management plan must remain priority of the Assembly.  The decision to hire a solid waste coordinator is a good start.  The community cannot allow the current methods of waste disposal to continue. Several alternatives have been proposed by city staff and waste-to-energy incineration shows the most promise. However, regardless of which alternative is chosen, I would like to assure that the waste management plan address disposal of medical waste and pharmaceuticals. Too often unused and expired medications are flushed into Juneau’s water and sewer system. This needs to be addressed in any plan implemented.

Affordability is a key component. Individuals considering higher level exempt positions will keep their primary residence and, if allowed, will work elsewhere because the cost of living in Juneau may be too expensive to maintain two households. Secondly, developing a capital ambassador program to work with the Governor’s office welcoming new staff and assisting them with issues/concerns related to living in Juneau would prove beneficial. Juneau has a special charm and if a person is invited and spends time in the community, outside of the State Office Building or the Capital, they’ll see all that Juneau has to offer.