Hal Smalley House District 9 Democrat
At age 65, my grandmother, after teaching for decades, graduated from college. A decade later, I graduated from the same school. Her dedication and enthusiasm about education were great motivators. I was a lot younger when I received my degree, but I only did it by working nearly full time while attending classes.
Coming to Alaska was the dream of a lifetime. A special student teaching program brought us to Alaska for three months in 1970. After that, we packed and headed back North, committed to spending our lives here.
We chose Kenai in 1974. Since then, we raised two sons, finished a log house and I've carried on my grandmother's tradition and taught more than a generation of our community's children. Coaching also became part of the Smalley tradition.
Name: Hal Smalley
Candidate for: House District 9
Age: 53
Occupation: Retired educator
Family: Susan, wife of 32 years, father of Kris and Brian
Education: Bachelor of Science and MAT
Organizations: Kenai Elks Lodge, Kenai Moose Lodge, KPFA, UCIDA, Kenai River Sports Fisherman's Association, Kenai and North Peninsula Chambers of Commerce, Kenai Peninsula Habitat for Humanity, Challenger Learning Center, KPBSD Vocational Committee
Interests: Hunting, fishing, hiking, biking, singing, wallyball, family and friends
Previously held offices: Kenai City Planning and Zoning, Kenai City Council, State Representative (1998-present)
Expected cost of campaign: $30,000
Best way for voters to reach me: home phone -- 283-7469; campaign -- 283-9171; fax -- 283-6029; e-mail -- hsmalley@alaska.net
Having participated in student government in both high school and college, it was natural to get involved in our local community and in local government.
Just talking about what should get done was never enough for me.
During my time of public service with the city of Kenai, we did get a lot accomplished and kept property taxes down. I learned a great deal about seeking out and listening to people's concerns. I gained experience in working with budgets and I learned how to work with people of differing views to reach goals.
This background is important if you believe what Henry Ford said, "You can't build a reputation on what you are going to do." Experi-ence and a history of getting things done are two important factors in choosing leadership.
I am committed to continuing to work hard to make government more accessible and responsive. Our office continues to respond to hundreds of your concerns.
When I ran into roadblocks related to getting money in the budget for the North Road Maintenance Station and for getting a piece of legislation passed that would save the borough money during reapportionment, I found allies and got the work done.
I said that one of my priorities would be jobs. That's why I was committed to working with British Petroleum, encouraging them to establish a Gas-to-Liquid pilot program here. Our office also helped mediate a royalty dispute between Tesoro and the state. These relate to jobs.
There are a lot more areas where we have been able to work together to make our community a better place to live, but there is also much more to be done.
I've only been your representative for one term, but I believe that what I've done, what I've learned and my ability to work with both parties can continue to serve you well.
And thank you for receiving me at your homes. I hear so many great comments when we visit.
One of my favorites is a vote of confidence from a man who gruffly said, "I didn't vote for you last time, but you're doing a good job. I intend to vote for you 'cause you don't fire someone who is doing a good job."