Meet the Candidates - The Assembly

Christie Jamieson, running for one of two three-year seats on the Assembly a write-in candidate

Occupation: Owner of CLJ Consulting and The Squawking Raven B&B.

Why do you want to sit on the Assembly?

"I have local and state government work experience, and I believe I can be an asset in the decision-making for our community's future. I'm ready to take on another challenge for the next three years."

At the moment, what do you feel is Wrangell's most pressing concern, and how should the assembly address that?

"The biggest concern is our road system. With state budget cuts and an aging ferry system, our Southeast transportation needs are in jeopardy. Our schedules have been compromised. I believe that each community affected by this inconvenience, including Wrangell, should lobby heavily on the state level, and demand newer ferries and better schedules. We were not prepared to compromise on transportation. Another very important concern is the transboundary mining on our Stikine River. We need to continue fighting the fight for saving our river."

In light of continuing budget concerns at the state level, how well-prepared is Wrangell to meet the challenges posed by future cuts, and what ideas might you have for the assembly to keep the borough on a solid financial footing?

"This is a tough question, however, I think Wrangell has been preparing itself for quite some time, and we are financially sound for the next few years. We should continue each and every year to find ways to save money and prepare for the worst. Wrangell has already seen the bad times in the late 90s and we have survived when some communities have not or are still struggling. We need to continue to limit our services, possibly freeze salaries, and I hate to say this, cut personnel and double up duties with our employees, but it will take the community to pull together each and every year to succeed in our efforts. There is no shame in becoming more self-sufficient. Wrangell has been fortunate that our community members do pull together already, and help fill the gaps where needed as far as assisting others. We just need to do more. For example, finding more grants to apply for, lobbying our legislators more for our city projects, advertising more for Wrangell with our tourism. We are doing a great job now, please do not misunderstand me. We just need to do more! Advertise our marine service center more. This will bring in more clients and increase our economy and keep it healthy!"

Becky Rooney, running for reelection to one of two three-year seats on the Assembly

Why do you want to sit on the assembly again?

"I was initially elected to an unexpired term of one year. I feel that I am just now grasping how the process works and I want to continue to serve Wrangell for another three-year term."

At the moment, what do you feel is Wrangell's most pressing concern, and how should the assembly address that?

"I believe one of our most pressing concerns is the cash flow of the hospital. The assembly needs to help ensure that they are able to meet payroll and pay their bills. We have taken steps to assist the hospital to do that by supporting the hiring a new CFO, allowing for an interest-free line of credit from the city to the hospital, and voting to hire an outside firm to help with the complicated and burdensome billing process. We need to keep a close eye on the progress of all three of these remedies so the hospital doesn't find itself short of cash."

In light of continuing budget concerns at the state level, how well-prepared is Wrangell to meet the challenges posed by future cuts, and what ideas might you have for the assembly to keep the borough on a solid financial footing?

"I think Wrangell has been managed conservatively in the past and because of this we are prepared to meet the challenges of reduced spending by the state. We do have some reserves we can tap into if we need to. But even though we have a savings account the assembly needs to be very careful when deliberating on new expenditures or increasing our debt load. We need to be constantly asking ourselves, "Can we incur that debt or reduction in savings without impacting the services the citizens of our borough need?'

David Powell, running for reelection to one of two three-year seats on the Assembly

Occupation: Manager of the Bay Company

Why do you want to sit on the assembly again?

"As a long-time resident of Wrangell, I feel that I could represent the people of the community so that their ideas and concerns are heard."

At the moment, what do you feel is Wrangell's most pressing concern, and how should the assembly address that?

"Wrangell's most pressing concern continues to be economic development, especially during this time of dwindling state revenue. We need to find resourceful ways to boost our economy."

In light of continuing budget concerns at the state level, how well-prepared is Wrangell to meet the challenges posed by future cuts, and what ideas might you have for the assembly to keep the borough on a solid financial footing?

"The Assembly needs to be very diligent with the budget process. Alternate revenue sources need to be explored so that we can maintain current programs and funding levels. Wrangell has done a great job in bringing revenue to town via the marine center. We need to look at further expansion of the boat yard, boat storage facilities and seafood processing plants. The partnership between our public schools and the University of Alaska Tech Prep program needs to be encouraged and expanded so that our youth can find employment and raise families in their home town."