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.
How long have you resided in Cordova?
3.5 years
Why do you consider yourself to be the best candidate for the job?
I think I am the best candidate for city council because I am level-headed, hardworking, and enthusiastic. Additionally, as a young non-homeowner and female professional in the non-profit sector, I would provide a different perspective in the decision-making process that is not otherwise represented. I care about Cordova and I would love the opportunity to continue serving the community in this capacity.
What organizations, boards, committees or other volunteer positions have you served, and which are you currently serving?
I am currently serving as a City Council Member, as a Parks and Recreation Commissioner, and as a Ducks Unlimited Committee Member. In the time I have lived in Cordova, I have volunteered for the Cordova Family Resource Center as a Girls on the Run Coach, the Copper River Watershed Project, the U.S. Forest Service, Cordova Arts & Pageants, Salmon Jam, and Bidarki Recreation Center as a youth soccer coach.
What would be your top priority as a city council member?
As a city council member, one of my top priorities would be to increase citizen engagement, especially that of younger adults, in local government at all stages of the process.
What steps need to be taken to balance the City of Cordova’s annual budget, including taxes and programs funded?
I believe that we, as a community, need to come together to find solutions so we can fund our schools at previous levels, fund afterschool and summer activity programming for Cordova’s kids, fund maintenance and repair of equipment and infrastructure, and build capital so we can implement new projects to make Cordova an even better place to live. Moving forward into the next budget cycle, we need to make sure we include stakeholders from all sectors of the community in the strategic planning and budget development processes to ensure public buy-in and support.
What are the three most important issues city council is currently addressing? Please prioritize them (1 being most important).
- Economic sustainability
- City and waterfront planning
- Harbor infrastructure upgrades
What can be done to create new business and encourage existing business to expand locally?
Maintenance and improvement of flight and ferry access to Cordova, especially during the summer, is an absolute must for economic growth and stability. Additionally, there is so much creativity and talent in our community and I would like there to be a platform within the city that could provide resources and support for individuals wanting to start a new business.
What would you do to make Cordova safer?
As a city councilor, I will advocate for the funding of after school and summer programming for Cordova’s youths. We also need to address the issue of substance abuse in Cordova. As a city council member, I would be open to working with community members to find and develop effective solutions to this problem.
