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Occupation: Kenai Peninsula Borough -- Purchasing

Education: College student

Previous political experience: None.

1. The arrival of Wal-Mart next spring will bring an increase in sales tax revenue to Kenai as well as an increased demand for city services, especially fire protection. What should the city do with the added revenue?

The City of Kenai, which appears to be in good financial shape, will undoubtedly see a significant increase in sales tax revenues with the opening of Wal-Mart. While Kenai has weathered the economic crisis fairly well, there are many projects and services that are still in need of funds. I believe the added sales tax revenues should allow Kenai to maintain the reduced mill rate of 4 mills, allow for adequate emergency personnel, and contribute to the necessary projects Kenai has been working on for years.

2. Now that Home Depot, Lowe's and Wal-Mart are in Kenai, how much more large commercial development should the city seek?

I don't believe the question is how much more the city should seek, but how much more will it attract? While I enjoy watching the city grow, and seeing its opportunities expand, I believe a certain level of caution needs to take place in these discussions. We cannot let Kenai's major commercial development grow bigger than our community can support. If the numbers aren't working for the corporations and they decide to pull the plug, we're stuck with the empty buildings. We should also be mindful of the impacts that these developments have on our local small businesses.

3. What is the best method for handling the growth of the already over-crowded dipnet fishery on the Kenai River? Raise the parking and camping fees to reduce demand? Limit the number of boats launched per hour at the Kenai City Docks?

I don't believe there is any simple solution to the myriad complexities this has brought Kenai. I believe that with some creativity and ingenuity, we might be able to turn what has become a bittersweet facet of our city, into something that adds flavor and economic opportunities. I'm opposed to limiting demand by asking people to take more out of their wallets. Some of the people that need this fishery the most are those that would feel the greatest burden of increased fees. Launching is already limited at the docks; the line of people waiting to get in and out. Traffic already backs up along the highway during this time, and trying to limit it even further could be disastrous. Let's focus on making the whole process more efficient with real enforcement taking place. We all know that many fish go uncounted, which hurts the sports, subsistence, and commercial fishermen.

4. What types of burial facilities should be included in the city cemetery expansion? A columbarium for cremated remains? A mausoleum? More open land for in-ground graves?

I think we can all agree that Kenai is very fortunate in the respect that we actually have a cemetery in place, and that we're not fighting over where to put it. Our current location obviously cannot support in-ground graves indefinitely, and that's why there's a proposed cemetery expansion plan in place. Kenai's Parks and Recreation Commission have recommended that a columbarium option be considered for next fiscal year's budget. This is a relatively cheap option that will extend the life of the cemetery as well as provide options until the bigger expansion project is finalized. I'm confident that the Parks and Recreation Department, along with public input, will make sure that the city provides the opportunity for its citizens to be laid to rest in a desired manner.

5. What would you like Kenai's Old Town to look like in 20 years?

My vision is that Old Town should serve as the culture, tourism, and arts hub of the city. Let us use the district to celebrate our unique history, from the tribal battles, the Russian colonization, and the beginning of our growing city. Instead of trying to "Disneyify" our history like so many other communities have done, let us showcase our history in a way that doesn't try to be a snapshot of a history that never existed, but a sector that will live on for ages. We should try to attract small businesses that add to the character of the district, attract tourism, provide casual education, and still be a place where our own residents would want to spend a relaxing day or evening.