Write-in candidate seeks election to borough assembly

Dale Parkinson fell in love with Wrangell about 13 years ago, he said, after he won an Alaskan cruise from the university radio in Long Beach, California. Eight years ago he and his family visited Wrangell again on vacation, when they found a home for sale at 3.5 mile on Zimovia Highway. Parkinson said he and his family spent increasing amounts of time in Wrangell over the years and, in August of 2016, they made a permanent move to the island. Now Parkinson is running as a write-in candidate for the borough assembly.

"I want to serve the community and island of Wrangell. The office of assemblyman is, for me, not one of politics of political power, it's an opportunity to serve," Parkinson wrote in response to several questions. "I want to make certain that the needs and views of the citizens of Wrangell are represented in the borough government. There are exciting things on the horizon for our community and I want to be a part of crafting the direction by which we approach that horizon."

This is the first time running for any political office, Parkinson said. He said he was shocked that nobody had stepped in to run for the second open assembly seat, and that he felt it was the right time to run.

"In a representative form of government, unfilled seats mean underrepresented citizens."

He said that, if elected, one of his main goals will be to see the new hospital being planned is built as quickly "as is safe and practical." He also said that two areas where he felt improvement was needed was in communication between the government and the people, and the retention of Wrangell's youth. Parkinson said that young people are vital to the strength of the Wrangell community, as well as the variety of cultures found in it. He added that if he is elected as an assemblyman, he would exercise power with care. His experience with bureaucracy, thanks to 20 years of experience as a government contractor, has given him important insight that he said would make him a good representative of Wrangell.

"I'm for small, responsive, respectful government," Parkinson wrote. "If elected, I want to hear from you, both what you like about Wrangell and what you would like to see improved. I'm a write-in candidate so please write in 'Dale Parkinson' and fill in the bubble next to my name."

Election day is Oct. 2.