KVAK’s Special Enews Edition: Valdez Municipal Election

LIST OF CANDIDATES

City Council:
 Two (2) Vacancies to Serve a Three (3) Year Term
Joseph Lally * Olivia Foster

 School Board:
Three (3) Vacancies, to Serve a Three (3) Year Term
Kalin King * Kyra Meyer * Lindsay Wesely * Kean Ownbey  * Kathleen Todd

CLICK for Larger Image

KVAK has listed all candidates registered with the City Clerk’s office in this Special Edition (above) as a free service. All the candidates were given the opportunity to purchase additional space in this Special Edition KVAK E-Mail Newspaper to present information and a picture for a nominal fee.

The following candidates have paid to participate in KVAK’s Special Election Edition. Candidate statements are published exactly as they were submitted.
Listed in the order received by KVAK.

Candidates for Mayor:

Clay Strickland

As a lifelong resident of Valdez, Alaska, I’m running for mayor to address the challenges facing our community. With a background in technical operations and a commitment to transparency and accountability, I aim to revitalize our economy, improve infrastructure, and foster a sense of community pride. Valdez has immense potential, from revitalizing our historic ties to mining to leveraging our natural resources for sustainable development. I plan to prioritize the diversification of our economy, including exploring opportunities in mining, tourism, and alternative energy. Additionally, I’m dedicated to improving our city’s infrastructure, from upgrading our airport to expanding access to childcare and recreational facilities. By working together, we can create a brighter future for Valdez, one that ensures prosperity and opportunity for generations to come.

James Devens

I’m running for Mayor because I believe I am the right candidate for the position. I have served on City Council for two terms, where I am on the highest number of committees of any member, and I am the only member to have never missed a council vote. I have developed a thorough understanding of governmental processes on the local, state, and federal levels, and have traveled to Juneau, Washington DC, and various conventions and symposiums for local government on behalf of Valdez. Through my service, I have learned a lot that would benefit the position, and made strong relationships with other local, statewide, and federal leaders, department heads, elected officials, and experts in various fields that relate to our local needs. I plan to continue to support further housing development, childcare availability, economic diversification, highway, ferry, and airport reliability and maintenance, and programs that benefit all local citizens, businesses, and non-profit organizations.

Dennis Fleming

I’m running a write in candidacy for Mayor because Valdez deserves another option. I have served on City Council for the past 10 years and believe I have the leadership expertise to work alongside Council to achieve the goals we set forth. My top priorities: work with Council on land development to increase housing; prioritize City maintenance needs; develop a clear-sighted strategy for childcare; continue to support all levels of education; and work to improve our economic outlook.
I’m a lifelong resident of Valdez, a 10-year vested member of Laborer’s Local 341 and a 20 plus year employee of Alyeska/SERVS. My work experience includes: multimillion-dollar contract management; knowledge in oil spill prevention and response; wastewater treatment certification; and facility construction and maintenance. My experience will continue to prove useful in leading Valdez into the future.
I have the privilege of being endorsed by the APEA/AFT Employee Political Information Committee (EPIC).

Tammy Jo Liddell

I am running for the mayor because I believe that we need a new vision, fresh start, new voice, leadership, a new brand of security in the future of our youth, business present/future, affordable housing and better services to the community including retired and disabled residences. I would love to see Valdez be more like Seward, Alaska when it comes to tourism, they do an amazing job. I believe we all deserve better from our elected officials and if elected, any and all monies that I personally receive will be donated to better the community between the Valdez food bank, children’s extra curriculum activities, and our seniors and disabled.

Candidates for School Board:

Lindsay Wesely

I grew up and went to school here in Valdez. I now have my own child going through our school system. We have had some of the same people on school board as we did 20 years ago. I believe it’s time for change. We need new faces, new ideas, new perspectives making decisions for our school district and that’s what I hope to bring to the table.

Kathleen Todd

I try very hard to have the education of every child in our district be my issue, but if I had to give two they would be differentiation and opportunity. Instruction needs to fit the student, neither leaving anyone behind but also not holding anyone back. We need to have lots of options : enough breadth to make it more likely that every kid can find a passion and enough depth that they can learn how to learn for the rest of their lives. There are many issues before the school board and a board member has to give all of them the consideration that they are due. Why me and why now? I think it is essential in the face of a relatively new superintendent and new principals to have someone on the board who remembers how things got to be the way they are (for good reasons or bad), who knows that there is a policy on x, who can speak to what used to be and how that worked out and why. I don’t desire to hold things back, but I do think history is important as we strive to move forward.

Kyra Meyer

There are a few main points that serve as cornerstones of my decision: 1. Listen to teachers. We have knowledgeable faculty in Valdez who have served honorably for years. They have wonderful suggestions, such as hiring math intervention specialists for HHES, and what curriculums work best for students. We should listen to them; they’re with our children daily. 2. Listen to students. Our youth deserve classes and career pathways that excite them for the future. We need to hire faculty and staff who can serve these needs and work with the local college. 3. Listen to the community. Our town has said repeatedly that what has occurred over the past year is unacceptable. The removal of reading as a class at GMS, scheduling problems, teacher and staff turnover, and so much more. A smart friend of mine once said that it doesn’t matter if you’re the best person for the job – it matters that you’re the most committed. I am ready for this challenge.