Meet the Candidates - Assembly- Seat B Unexpired term until October 2014

Name: Ernie Christian

Age: 48

Occupation: Manager, Ottesen’s Inc.

What background or experience do you have that qualifies you to be an Assembly member? I have previously served on boards, committees, councils, and assembly. I am currently serving as Vice-Mayor on the City and Borough of Wrangell assembly and Vice-President on the Wrangell Cooperative Association board. I understand budgets and ask questions to make sure that I am accountable to the electorate.

Why are you running for the Assembly?

I want Wrangell to remain the best place to live in Southeast Alaska. I want to make sure it is the best home for all Wrangellites. This includes maintaining and enhancing our current infrastructure and providing a low-cost environment for families to live.

If elected, what issues and concerns will you address?

I see two main issues facing the assembly. Building an affordable, useable hospital is key to the long-term health of Wrangell. We have an aging population and we need a state of the art, affordable hospital to take care of us. Second, maintaining and enhancing our harbor and related infrastructures is a key to keeping Wrangell moving forward. The new 300 ton travel lift will continue to stabilize and grow Wrangell’s economy by providing more jobs. By providing family level earning jobs, the population in Wrangell will increase.

Briefly state how you differ from your opponent:

I have strong background in both the private and public sector dealing with budgets and other matters. I am not afraid to ask the difficult questions concerning issues and make an informed decision based on the facts. I read all the information in my packet and I have questions ready at the meeting to get clarification and/or more information. I thank you for your vote of confidence in the past and I look forward to serving you in the future.

Name: Maxlyn Wiederspohn

Age: 66

Occupation: Wrangell Medical Center Employee

What background or experience do you have that qualifies you to be an Assembly member?

Born, raised, married and raised two sons in Wrangell and now three grandchildren also live here.

Why are you running for the Assembly?

I ran for one unfinished term and feel I am learning about city running and would like to continue.

If elected, what issues and concerns will you address?

My main concerns are the new hospital complex and the loss of city funds if the tax reduction goes through. Since the reduction of sale tax will fall on home owners to make up, is my guess, and Wrangell generously gives seniors a tax break, I believe that will end or the age be raised before you get the break to help put back the needed dollars. If we keep it at 7% all Wrangell will share equally the cost of running the city.

Briefly state how you differ from your opponent:

We are no different, all helping to do the best for the City.