13.0°

Occupation: Retired

Education: Seward High School/U of A Fairbanks, B.S. Biol. Science, M.A. Chemistry.

Business positions, organizations and other interests: Chemistry Lecturer, California Polytechnic State Univ., San Luis Obispo; Chemistry Instructor, Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, Calif.; High School Science Teacher, Fairbanks, 1974-1985; Seward Memorial United Methodist Church, delegate to Alaska Conference; Seward Library Museum Steering Committee; Resurrection Bay Historical Society.

Previous political office: City of Seward Planning and Zoning Commissioner, 2007-present; Kenai Peninsula Borough Planning Commissioner, City of Seward, 2008-present; Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly Flood Plain Task Force, 2009.

1. How do you plan to vote on the ballot initiative that would continue term limits for assembly members? Why?

After listening to the opinions of individual assembly members and the public, I feel that there should be no term limits for local and borough offices. There are certainly two sides to this issue, but I think that the imposition of term limits does more harm than good. The people should have the right to vote for the candidate of their choice, regardless of length of term.

2. With the grocery tax holiday and a poor tourism season, the borough's sales tax revenue is expected to decline this year. What are your budget priorities? Do you support funding education to the cap? Please explain.

My number one budget priority is education. As a retired teacher, I fully support funding education to the cap. Also essential are maintenance of borough rights-of-way and emergency services. As a landowner and a homeowner, I am aware of the impact property taxes have on my wallet. However, my highest priority is to fund education.

3. Two projects in the developmental stage are Pebble Mine and the Chuitna Coal projects. These would have huge impacts on the borough. What, if any, role should the borough play in advancing either of these projects?

I am all for anything that brings jobs to the people of our borough. I also am aware of environmental concerns about both of these projects. Adequate environmental controls must be maintained to protect our air and our waters. As to the borough's role in these projects, I think we need to keep an open mind and a high level of awareness.

4. Many service areas have trouble attracting candidates to run for their board of directors. Would you support appointed boards as opposed to elected boards? Why?

I would not support appointed boards. I think the boards of the service areas are truly local and should be elected locally. I don't want to see the borough take over local control. If there is lack of interest in running for the offices, they can still be filled by local appointments, from those who vote locally.

5. The mayor and assembly have had a rather contentious relationship this past year. How would you improve this situation?

There will be two new assembly members soon. The dynamics will change. Hopefully, people will learn to get along! I think that I am a good listener and a calm person. Perhaps just basic listening and compromise will affect change.