Candidate profile: Margaret M. Gilman: Assembly District 2, Kenai

Residence: 216 Susieana Lane, Kenai, AK 99611

Mail address: Same

Contacts: 283-0860, mbgillman@gci.net

Age: 40

Years in the borough: 1971

Family: Husband, Blaine Gilman, and four children

Occupation: Educator

Education: High school graduate, University of Notre Dame graduate in 1986

Previous elected office: Kenai Peninsula Borough Board of Education (2001-present)

Organizations: Our Lady of Angels Parish Council

1. Do you support Propositions 4 and 5? Why?

I do not support Proposition 4. The proposition as written would restrict the borough from spending anything over $1,000,000 on capital improvement projects, including projects which may have pass through funding from the state and federal governments. It is not necessary to have borough voter's approval in situations where borough money is not being used.

I am opposed to Proposition 5. The assembly, by previous voter approval, has the power to establish the sales tax rate at its current 3 percent rate. Borough services such as schools, roads, and garbage cost money to pay for them. A fair distribution between sales and property tax is appropriate.

2. Do you support Propositions 1, 2 and 3? Why?

I am concerned about having a tax which specifically targets only one sector of the economy. All businesses in the Kenai Peninsula Borough benefit from tourists visiting our area and their needs may be more appropriately addressed through the sales tax. There is a need to fund tourism marketing on the peninsula but the proposition as written does not guarantee that the revenue generated from this tax will be used for that purpose.

Proposition 2 is a local issue which should be determined by the voters in that service area.

I will be voting no on Proposition 3 because there is no up-to-date cost estimate for this project. In order to responsibly determine whether or not to build a project of this magnitude, price must be considered as part of the criteria. Once a current price is established and funding sources are determined, I would be in favor of considering this project again.

3. Should the borough consider assuming new or expanding existing powers? Why?

As the borough's population continues to grow, there may be situations in which assuming new or expanding existing borough powers may be necessary in order to meet the needs of borough citizens. The assembly must have voter approval before assuming any additional powers.

4. What actions would you recommend if faced with declining borough revenues, increased expenses and a fund balance that is near its recommended lower limit?

All expenditures of borough government must be scrutinized in order to determine their value, benefit and efficiency in delivering the necessary services to borough taxpayers. The assembly must develop a balanced budget which does not include spending money from the fund balance in order to balance the accounts. The fund balance must be healthy enough to allow for emergencies or a downturn in the economy. The fund balance must also be maintained at a healthy level so our bond rating is not adversely affected.

5. What makes you the best candidate for the job?

As a parent of four school-aged children I have a vested interest in working diligently to assure that the economy of the Kenai Peninsula Borough and the quality of life on the peninsula provides opportunities for future generations. Professionally, I have 12 years of experience teaching children in 6 of our school district's elementary and middle schools. I have served as a staff assistant to Alaska's Congressional Delegation, thus allowing personal contact with our state's leaders and increased knowledge as to the needs of borough citizens. My four years on the school board have provided much practice in dealing with budget cutting and making tough decisions in what may be no-win situations.

6. What do you see as the important issues in your district and what will you do about them on the assembly?

The most important issues facing the citizens of Kenai are jobs and the development of the economy. Kenai is heavily reliant on the oil and gas industry. As an assembly member, I would work with other community and state leaders to assure that a local spur to the natural gas pipeline is included as part of that project. Additionally, all our natural resources including land, fish and wildlife must be managed in an environmentally sound manner so as to assure their continuation for both residents and visitors to enjoy.