Editor’s note: Cordova’s regular election is set for March 6, in the Cordova Center. Voting hours are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. in Community Room A. Candidates are running for three-year terms on seat D and E on the Cordova City Council. The Cordova Times gave the same questions to all the candidates. These are their answers.
1. How long have you resided in Cordova?
a. Born and raised, lifetime resident.
2. Why do you consider yourself to be the best candidate for the job?
a. I always participated in my parents’ businesses here in Cordova, either out on the fishing grounds on our tender, or here in Cordova at the fish processing plant and later in the hotel and restaurant. I know what it means to see a bad season, and what work is involved in running a business in Cordova. I think this helps me have a perspective that would be beneficial to the Council’s deliberations. I’m a critical thinker that likes to listen and keep an open mind.
3. What organizations, boards, committees or other volunteer positions have you served, and which are you currently serving?
a. I’m not currently serving any other boards. I know that being a council member takes up a lot of time and dedication. At this point in my life I know I can commit to the three-year term and will be here year-round.
4. What would be your top priority as a city council member?
a. 1. Year-round jobs
b. 2. Fully funding our schools and basic services
c. 3. Keeping costs of living affordable
5. What steps need to be taken to balance the city of Cordova’s annual budget, including taxes and programs funded?
a. Balancing the budget is getting more difficult with state and federal contributions being cut every year. We need to prioritize funding our schools and departments that provide basic services. Cuts can be made, but only if we have a plan. If something can be done in a more cost saving or time savings matter, we need to be looking into that. The balance is always, and always should be, between taxes and cuts. It is important to balance what is essential, and what is most equitable.
6. What are the three most important issues city council is currently addressing? Please prioritize them (1 being most important).
a. 1. Funding of city services and taxes on businesses and residents
b. 2. Disposal and use of city property
c. 3. Strategic plan
7. What can be done to create new business and encourage existing business to expand locally?
a. Improving on the current relationship with existing business owners and the Chamber of Commerce. They are the entrepreneurs we have and have proven themselves. Keeping businesses here keeps jobs and money in Cordova that benefits the whole community.
8. What would you do to make Cordova safer?
a. I think what most Cordovans love about this place is it’s a safe place to live. I believe we could benefit from a more holistic approach that included a Public Safety Commission that brought our city, tribal government, mental health, school, police, medical professionals, and community members together to discuss the safety issues of our small community. We are the experts of our town. If we put our heads together, work together, we can do amazing things.
