Jim Glendening: It’s about what’s best for Kenai

  • By Jim Glendening
  • Monday, September 28, 2015 9:07pm
  • Opinion

My life experiences have well prepared me to serve the citizens of Kenai as a member of the City Council. I have raised my family in our beautiful city, worked in oil and gas industry, owned a small business, served as a Planning and Zoning Commissioner, and volunteer with local service organization. My voice will be strong, yet balanced, always protecting the quality of life for our veterans, children, senior citizens, residents, and local business owners.

The beauty of a small town is with a can-do attitude, good foresight and a plan to remain a thriving city. With the Alaska LNG facility proposed within the next few years, it is very important for us to plan ahead. Planning that will include development at our Municipal Airport, and protecting the airport reserve. We will need to plan for and install infrastructure that will attract business and residential development within Kenai. Our administration and council will need to make sure we don’t have a community that did not think of the future without planning ahead.

Our commercial fishery is one of the cornerstones of Kenai. We need to always remain supportive of the industry, and encourage responsible management so that it will remain a thriving and stable asset to the families that depend on the resource.

Kenai sits in the mouth of Kenai River; the river provides such beauty and heritage for our visitors and residents. The Kenaitze settled on the banks of the river generations ago. Kenai is their home, I value their contributions and the continued influences they have upon our entire community. During the past several years, their vision to serve and provide quality services to the Dena’ina people is becoming a reality. The Kenai City Council has been very proud to welcome the Dena’ina Medical Clinic, Elders Center, and the many expanded tribal services in the Old Town District. As a city councilman, I will be very proud to continue working with their council and administration bringing services to their members.

The fastest growing segment of our population is senior citizens. Their programs deserve careful planning to assure that their special needs are met. Not just for their nutrition program, but also the services that assist them to remain independent and livening in their own homes. The Kenai Senior Center is a shining star throughout the entire state of Alaska.

Veterans are also a fast growing population, I will always support them. The sacrifices given for our freedom cannot be expressed enough. They can always count on me to listen and take actions that represent their views.

I am ready to help guide Kenai in planning, revision of the Comprehensive Plan, Alaska LNG project, maintaining a sustainable budget, and economic development that will secure a positive future for Kenai.

You can count on me to be accessible, effective, and committed to the future of our great city. I would appreciate your vote on October 6th.

IT WILL NEVER BE ABOUT ME, BUT WHAT IS BEST FOR KENAI!