13.0°

Occupation: Attorney and small business owner

Education: J.D. 1980 Boston University Law School; BA 1975 Tufts University

Business positions, organizations and other interests: Molloy Schmidt LLC, Member & Attorney; West Import & Export, LLC, Member & C.F.O.; Peninsula Home Health Care, Board Member, 1990s; United Way, Fund-raising Committee Member, 1980s; Women's Resource & Crisis Center, Board Member 1980s.

Political and government experience: City Council, City of Kenai, 2005-2009; Commissioner, Parks & Recreation, City of Kenai, 2005; Law Clerk, Kenai Superior Court, 1980.

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?

We face uncertain economic times; after Walmart's opening, we will not know immediately what our net gain will be from Walmart sales tax revenue. We should not grow the City's budget substantially; we need to be certain of our revenue. However, we can expect that after Walmart opens in April 2010, we will have increased service demands on our police and firefighter/EMTs. As a City Council member, I spoke in favor of additional firefighter/EMT positions in this year's budget, because since 1994, service demands increased 100%, yet no new firefighter/EMT positions were added.

If re-elected, I will continue to advocate for sufficient public safety funding, especially additional firefighter/EMTs to deal with increased demand, caused by increased traffic and retail growth. The City should be fiscally conservative, but not at the expense of adequate public safety funding.

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

We have had steady growth in commercial development during the past four years. In the next two years, other new businesses will want to build and open at Walmart's out lots. This new commercial development will significantly increase traffic and service demands in Kenai.

The City has more land on Marathon Road, and private land exists in Central Kenai and on Bridge Access Road that could be developed, but we lack some of the necessary infrastructure to support more large commercial developments. We should not unwisely rush to add more large commercial developments without additional planning and public input. The City does plan to make water system improvements, but weak areas include inadequate road infrastructure past Swires Road toward Soldotna. The City needs to look very carefully at the next steps. More planning is essential, including planning relating to infrastructure development; buffer zone implementation to screen residential areas, etc.

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?

As a City Council member, I receive many complaints from Kenai residents about the ever-increasing impact of this state-mandated fishery. However, I do not support raising parking or camping fees, or limiting the number of boats launched at the City dock. The City needs the advocacy of our state legislators, and a seat at the table with the State agencies that regulate this fishery, to obtain a State enforcement presence during the fishery, and financial assistance towards the City's increased costs caused by this fishery.

Each year, the City refines its plan for the dipnet fishery. Next year, we need our plan to address increased impacts on neighboring residential areas. For example, we should consider restricted parking hours, or an overnight camping ban, on neighborhood streets such as Toyon Avenue or South Forest Drive, during July. The City should also partner with other land owners to expand off street parking.

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?

Although the existing cemetery has a projected life of ten years, the city's Advisory Cemetery Committee has been doing an excellent job planning for needed future expansion. The Committee's recommended site for cemetery expansion is a 3-acre city-owned lot on Float Plane Road, west of the existing cemetery.

The Committee's proposed design, resembling an amphitheater, has an inner circular area with flags, military representation, benches, a shelter, and a raised platform for services. There is an area for approximately 4,000 in-ground plots. There is an area for columbaria (structures for cremated remains), situated so that the in-ground plots are visible. There is an expansion plan for more columbaria. Since 70% of all burials today involve cremations, the columbaria plans are a wise choice.

I support the work of the Advisory Cemetery Committee. If re-elected, I will be pleased to work with the Committee towards adoption of Kenai's cemetery expansion plan.

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

In 20 years, Kenai's Old Town should embody the historical gem that it is. Old Town is now a vibrant mix of Dena'ina history, Russian history, homesteaders, artists, residences, small businesses and nonprofits. With Fort Kenay, Russian Orthodox Church, Art Guild, Kenai Performers, Kenai Visitors & Cultural Center, Peninsula Oilers, Historical Society, VFW, historic homes, other housing, professional offices, restaurants and other small businesses, Old Town has the foundation to become a true city center. By enhancing Old Town, we can better tell the story of our heritage and history. Right now, we can expand the walking trail system to connect to other parts of the city, enabling folks to enjoy our scenic panorama. Equally important is completing the Bluff Stabilization Project so we still have Old Town. In 20 years, Old Town could be a place that draws both local folks and visitors from around the world.