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Natural gas clears the air
Borough must stay involved
Published October 18, 2009
I was glad to see the voters decide to keep the fine particulate issue in-house. It was the right decision. In my opinion it was the only way keep our concerns from falling on deaf ears.
Alaska can insure its own
Catastrophic coverage is needed now
Published October 18, 2009
I do not believe we will see significant change in U.S. health care policy this year despite the intense debate. Perhaps there will be an end to “denial of coverage based on pre-existing conditions” if everyone is forced into coverage, adding generously to the premium-rich number of insurance company clients.
Alaska at a tipping point
Oil and gas drive, but how long?
Published October 11, 2009
When Ebenezer Scrooge was confronted by the ghosts of the past, present and future, he was changed.
Plastic bags add up quickly
Bag fees discourage bad choice
Published October 8, 2009
The problem of single-use plastic grocery bags seems trivial until we add up the bags we carry home annually in Fairbanks.
Road plan nears comment deadline
State document guides projects for four years
Published October 6, 2009
October 16 marks the deadline for public comments on the draft State Transportation Improvement Plan
Sales tax needed for city
Published October 4, 2009
The controversial Fairbanks sales tax issue has again made its way to the ballot this fall. It is an issue that never fails to draw extreme controversy from a vocal opposition and yet carries enough faith in its supporters to not go away.
Air quality must be improved
Published October 4, 2009
A hot issue on the upcoming ballot concerns the looming fine particulate air quality problem. The draft ordinance — introduced by the mayor’s office last month but shelved by the Borough Assembly in response to public outcry over strict wood smoke regulations — is not on the ballot.
Air quality is the state’s job
Published October 4, 2009
This Tuesday borough voters will be faced with a choice that was too difficult for our Borough Assembly to make — the choice of whether or not our borough government should take on the responsibility of researching, analyzing, modeling and controlling air quality as it relates to fine particulates under 2.5 microns in size.
City has a good tax mix
Published October 4, 2009
Our city is very fortunate in many ways. Unlike other cities, we have little debt, and it will disappear in a few years. We finished our last fiscal year with a $1 million surplus, and we have $4 million in our unrestricted general fund balance. Even though our population has not grown in 20 years, we have added 36 employees since the deep cuts made in 1990, a growth of 24 percent. We are no longer below the national average in police and fire staffing.
A vote to repair Fairbanks’ leaky faucets
Published October 3, 2009
One of the many rewarding aspects of my job as manager at Mobil 1 is meeting tourists who come in during the summer months. Inevitably, the conversation turns to questions about the winter and why on Earth we stay here.
A government that represents the voters
Published October 3, 2009
The Fairbanks North Star Borough and its residents face multiple issues on a global basis and personally through cost of living increases.
Quality of life is key to Fairbanks residents
Published October 3, 2009
A week or so ago, I spent a beautiful fall morning on a western Alaska river fly fishing for monster rainbow trout. In close proximity that morning were several brown bears who were similarly focused on their fishing.
Preparing Fairbanks for the future
Published October 3, 2009
When my fellow candidates for the borough mayor’s seat strongly criticized my position and promise to have gas here in two years, I redoubled my resolve that it can be done.
Challenges aren’t problems
Mayor must help economy, energy and environment
Published October 2, 2009
During the past 16 months, I have wondered if a non-politician could be elected mayor, even in a nonpartisan race. We soon will know the answer to that question.
Experience needed to lead the borough
Published October 1, 2009
I believe the mayor of the Fairbanks North Star Borough has three main tasks: to be a strong manager of our borough’s employees and services; to be a good steward of our community’s taxpayer dollars; and to be an effective leader for residents, willing and able to solve our borough’s issues.
