By Mayor Clay Koplin
For The Cordova Times
I am seeking re-election as Mayor of Cordova. I have worked hard this past term to facilitate a transition to a leaner budget and pursue new opportunities in fisheries development and tourism. These have included the first tanner crab fishery in 30 years, Saturday subsistence openers for fishermen and weekday working people, and a strong Cordova voice at North Pacific Fisheries Management Council and Board of Fisheries meetings. Points North Heli-Adventures will finally be able to ski new areas on the Chugach Forest, and UnCruise is working on their Jones Act waiver to start small cruise ship sailings in Cordova in 2020 or 2021. I have endorsed and supported all these successes at the State or Federal level. I have also supported the City Council, staff, and boards and commissions as they have developed a strategic plan, engaged in a comprehensive planning process, monitored a Borough formation assessment, and pursued harbor maintenance and renovations.
It has been a pleasure to serve you for the past three years, though the path has been rocky at times. It will not get easier in the coming years as the state wrestles with budget deficits and moves to push much of the financial burden to the local level. Even in the face of these challenges, I am optimistic that we can continue to build opportunities in Cordova. We have a strong industrial base for such a small community, but still need to coordinate our health services to best use the resources we have available and find new and creative ways to meet community priorities like adequate funding for education and a reliable marine highway service to the community.
My wife and I chose Cordova over 20 years ago; we love it and we live it. What I like most about being mayor is the opportunity to meet and spend time with more Cordovans and learn more about the rich history of our community and make the ties with our community stronger still. It would be an honor to serve as your ambassador, your advocate, and your champion for another three years, and would appreciate your vote on March 5.
– Respectfully, Clay Koplin
