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Given the current economic situation in the country, it's no surprise that each of the six candidates vying for three open seats on the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly mentioned finances when asked about the most crucial issue facing the borough.

Loss of jobs, declining industry, education funding and controlling spending topped candidates' lists of important concerns. Though the problems and solutions were varied, a need to address the borough's economic outlook was shared by each individual.

District 1, Kalifornsky, 3-year term: Gary Knopp, unopposed

Current Assemblyman Gary Knopp, who's running unopposed, said there's not one major issue facing the borough, but several. The loss of industry and jobs, the economy's impact on small businesses and energy are some of the important concerns the borough has to deal with, he said.

"It's a combination of a lot of factors," Knopp said.

The borough should support the fact-finding and permitting stages of projects such as Pebble Mine and the Chuitna Coal project, he said. Though he's not necessarily in favor of green lighting those projects, Knopp said he does support testing the feasibility of each.

Overall, there's not a simple fix for the problems facing the borough, he said.

District 6, East Peninsula, 3-year term: Sue McClure vs. Edgar Blatchford

Two candidates are seeking to fill a vacancy to represent the east peninsula once incumbent Ron Long leaves office.

For Sue McClure, the budget is the most important issue the assembly has to deal with, in particular, funding education.

McClure cited the contention that surrounded last year's debate over funding education to the cap, saying, "I'd like to see that not happen again this year."

Last year in the months leading up to the approval of the budget, the issue brought out droves of school district employees, who packed the assembly chambers meeting after meeting, emotionally arguing for full funding. McClure, who's in favor of funding to the cap, said she would like to see an open-minded discussion on the topic, rather than what took place last year.

"A lot can be accomplished if you just calm down and talk," she said.

In addition to education, the borough has an obligation to provide its citizens with other services, McClure said.

"We can't just stop providing or we might as well not have government," she said.

Like McClure, Edgar Blatchford said education ranks first on his list of importance for the borough.

"I strongly believe the state of Alaska has a commitment to share its revenues, particularly from the North Slope," Blatchford said. That could be a way to ensure adequate funding for education is provided, he added.

Economic development, too, is a concern. Blatchford said jobs in the oil and fishing fields need to be created.

"We have to seize every opportunity that comes along," he said. "There's lots of opportunities in this era of globalization."

District 9, South Peninsula, 3-year term: Jesse Clutts vs. Tom Clark vs. Mako Haggerty

Creating job opportunities and economic growth for the peninsula is essential for Jesse Clutts, who is seeking the chance to represent the south peninsula once current Assembly President Milli Martin steps down.

"If we don't have that growth we're going to have a decline in population," Clutts said.

Fewer people living on the peninsula means less revenue. The borough needs growth so the tax burden can be spread out among the residents, he said.

If elected, Clutts said he would do all he can to promote the borough, which would encourage development and investment in the area.

"I would put an 'open for business' sign out," he said.

Declining tax revenues and continued, committed expenses pose the biggest challenge for the borough, said Tom Clark.

If elected, Clark said he would champion aggressively controlling spending in all areas. Essential needs must be defined and prioritized, he said.

"You need to define what you can do and what you can't do," Clark said.

To combat a decline in revenue, Clark said taxes can be raised or economic growth can be promoted.

"I think the borough should have a role in that," he said about the latter solution.

Maintaining borough services without increasing taxes is a main objective for Mako Haggerty.

"I believe that the borough needs to act as a partner with businesses to help develop and maintain some of our traditional industries," Haggerty said. He cited fishing and tourism as two of those industries.

The borough should work toward a future that provides inexpensive, plentiful energy to its residents, he said.

Funding our school district should be watched closely, Haggerty added.

Rather than reacting to budget shortfalls, we need to be proactive and make up the difference before we get there, he said.

Mike Nesper can be reached at mike.nesper@peninsulaclarion.com.