KVAK recently presented the following two questions to Valdez City Council candidates:

1. What are three main challenges for City of Valdez in the next

five years? As a Council member, how do you plan to address these challenges?

2. What experience do you have with budgeting, investments, and finance?

Here are their unedited answers.

Doug Davies

#1. I see the top three issues as follows:

1. Responsible regulation of commercial marijuana businesses.

2. Development of sustainable, diversified business opportunities.

3. Responsible, accountable stewardship of our communities’ assets.

#2.  My degrees are in accounting and industrial management.  As a maritime consultant I have had intense experience in contract development and administration of multi-million dollar projects.  I have always worked to deliver the product on time and at or under budget, the vast majority of the time successfully!

Dennis Fleming

Dennis Fleming is a lifelong resident of Valdez and 1989 graduate of Valdez High School.  Following his high school education, Dennis attended college in Arizona and Alaska.  He began a 10-year career with Laborers Local 341 in 1990, working with Alyeska’s maintenance and construction industry, transitioning through the ranks to General Foreman. In 2000, Dennis accepted a technician position with Alyeska, eventually working his way into the SERVS oil spill response organization.  During his tenure with SERVS, Dennis has managed a multi million-dollar maintenance budget and has been responsible for working with members of the various communities in Prince William Sound to train fishing vessel crews in oil spill and emergency response.

Dennis’ goals include:

-Smart spending of tax dollars and a hard look at the city’s operating budget

-Strengthening the city’s economic base with a focus on increased year-round tourism

-Supporting the continued aesthetic improvements that will make Valdez an attractive place for people to visit and live

Dennis enjoys spending time with his family, fishing, exploring Prince William Sound, volunteering and coaching youth and junior high basketball.  Dennis is married to Jennifer and together, they are the proud parents of two daughters, Mason and Jillian.

1. What are three main challenges for  City of Valdez in the next five years? As a Council member, how do you plan to address these challenges?

Declining Tax Revenue: As tax dollars from TAPS begin their gradual decline, our city budget will need to reflect that reduction.  I plan to research how the city funds and operates current and future projects, and encourage smart spending and encourage managers to complete projects under budget.  Another way to bring in new revenue is to encourage economic growth expecially with new business.  I would like to see the Council encourage more small business opportunities that will build on local assists, such as fishing, sightseeing, snow machining and skiing.

Increase Tourism:  Valdez needs to market its unique character and landscape to increase tourism, especially during the slower seasons.  Expanding the trails systems for summer and winter use would be beneficial.  Support individual and group activities that bring in people that wouldn’t normally travel to Valdez.  For example, the youth basketball tournament held in April that included 50 teams.  This gave a much needed economic boost to local businesses before starting the summer season.

Fiscal Management:  The taxes we pay go to numerous services within our town.  I will make sure those services are cost effective, yet meet the needs of the community. I will review and monitor the spending brought…   READ MORE

2. What experience do you have with budgeting, investments, and finance?

My experience working with budgeting and finance include managing multi million-dollar maintenance budgets while working with SERVS.  My responsibilities included establishing the budget annually and managing it throughout the fiscal year.  I was also responsible for managing projects, making sure they were completed on time and within the budget allocated.

David Jonas

Born to be different, from an early age I set out to change the world in which I live through community service and support.  Thankfully I was born into a long line of community activist, so confidence and the willingness to study was something I never lacked. My mother Mary Jonas served in the country of St. Lucia as a teacher of English and Technology. Her mission was to boost literacy, independence, and the working class rates in the community of Castries.  As a child I embraced my mother’s teachings, values which lead me to begin taking a deeper look into the things that affected my family and our community.  By the age of thirteen I had begun to taking a stand publically for my beliefs and values.

I currently work with the youth of Valdez through my Underground Youth Sports Leagues organization (Stitches, football, soccer, skiing, and more). I am employed with Valdez City School District and continue working with the youth there as well.

I feel through my upbringing, passion to improve, willingness to work and energy that I can help make a positive difference as part of the Valdez City Council team.

In the next five years I believe that Valdez is sure to grow. Our Community is a beautiful place with great, hardworking people. The only way to make that a possibility is to increase affordable housing here in Valdez. As a council member I would encourage the committee to assess our current housing situation and seek opportunities that are economical to resolve this issue.

Valdez has the potential to be inviting for new businesses within the next five years.  However businesses currently struggle with higher than average shipping cost. I believe that if elected to council I will be able to work with our team of Council Members in efforts to reduce the cost of shipping from larger organizations within our state.

We could begin to see the sale of Legal Marijuana in our community. I will work with Council to create or strengthen existing programs that would empower the youth in our community to stay on track and off drugs.

Budgeting:

I have taken several financial based courses during college.  I manage my own small business here in town which calls for continuous detailed budgeting and tons of planning and negotiating.

Chris Moulton

I have lived in Valdez for about 10 years and am concluding my second term on Council. Originally, I came to Valdez as a sea kayak guide (3 seasons on the Sound) and have worked the past 6 years for Prospector Outfitters as a Retail Buyer. My wife, Heidi Franke, and I live with our crazy husky-mutt Nukka in town. If not at the store or Council chambers, you can find me out on the Sound or in the mountains; where I pursue my many hobbies including fishing, hunting, biking, paddling, and pretty much anything that gets me outdoors.

1. What are three main challenges for City of Valdez in the next five years? As a Council member, how do you plan to address these challenges?
   
   1. Money from TAPS settlement: Too much money at once can be a problem, as we prepare a plan forward Council needs to be cognizant of how we are spending money. Most of it is restricted to debt service, so there will be a push to take on more debt. Non restricted money will come with the temptation to build and spend: I would like to see a good chunk of that money set aside for major maintenance- for our aging buildings, streets, and sidewalks. Also more money put aside to maintain our current harbor and future costs associated with the new harbor.
   

   2. Commercial Cannabis: Although I am a proponent of commercially available cannabis, I do have worries about its implementation and development as a legitimate business in town. Alaska statute gives municipalities a lot of control; we can implement the business and change regulations as we go if problems arise, ordinances are not written in stone. As a small community we have had open discussions on the topic and feel we can find common ground to move this industry forward in a responsible manner.
   

   3. Economic Diversification/Cost of Living: I believe these two items are very…  READ MORE

2. What experience do you have with budgeting, investments, and finance?

Currently, I am the Chairman of the Audit Committee and sit on the Valdez Permanent Fund Committee. I have been through multiple budget seasons with different city managers, finance directors, and council members. These experiences have greatly grown my understanding of governmental finances. Also, as a retail buyer, I am responsible for managing a multimillion dollar budget for my departments.

Darren Reese

I was born in Ardmore, Oklahoma. Growing up, we moved with the oil field booms, living in several states from Alaska to Texas.  I graduated high school in Ansley, Nebraska and joined the United States Marine Corps one year later.  After the Marine Corps, I went to college and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering.

After college I worked for an electroplating company, owned a steakhouse restaurant in central Nebraska, then moved to Valdez.  My wife and I lived in Valdez for 19 years.  I am currently employed with The State of Alaska as a Department of Transportation foreman.

3 main Challenges

• Rebuilding Infrastructure. I feel we need to start rebuilding the infrastructure in Valdez.  We haven’t had a major pavement project in years and some buildings are not getting the attention that is needed to keep them up to date.  I feel we need to take care of what we have before we are adding to it.

• Low Cost Housing. I feel now is a great time to eliminate this problem.  I look at Aleutian Village, not as a problem, but as an opportunity to expand the availably of low cost housing.  I think that making good land, close to town for housing would be great thing to do.

• Managing Finances. I feel that now is the time to complete little projects that will provide jobs and increase the overall economy of Valdez.  What I don’t want, is to only invest in big projects that will take all of our income to make payments.  I don’t want to be payment poor, which means we won’t be able to take advantages in the future because we won’t have room in our yearly budget.

Experiences with budgeting, investments, and finance.

My budgeting experiences start with being a production manager for Lincoln Plating Co.  I managed a zinc plating process that included annual budgeting for chemicals, employment, and equipment updates as a percentage of the total sales generated by the line.  This meant I had to track and forecast all costs to what the income would be for my lines.  As DOT foreman I budget for supplies, equipment, and personnel.

Jim Shirrell

My wife Pam and I have lived in Valdez for 26 years. Both Pam and I are retired and have elected to make Valdez our home in retirement.  I retired from Alyeska Pipeline Services Company where I worked in commercial services as a financial analyst, buyer, contracts, and marine services sector (SERVS) manager all in Valdez Alaska.  Pam retired from the State of Alaska where she served as Valdez’s public health nurse for 18 years.  We have a son, Jim, who was born and raised in Valdez graduating from the Valdez public school system.    We remain active as volunteers in community services. I serve as the Treasure and former President of the Valdez Senior Center Board of Directors.  As a current Council Member I serve on The Valdez Permanent Fund Committee, City of Valdez Audit Committee and one of a Council’s Representatives to the Alaska Gasline Port Authority (AGPA).

1. What are three main challenges for  City of Valdez in the next five years? As a Council member, how do you plan to address these challenges?

As a current Council person I try to represent the people of Valdez, I am committed to an open and responsive city government.  A government that is honest, efficient and committed to continuous improvement in the delivery of services.

We, working together have an incredible opportunity in the next 5 years to re-vitalizing our community.

To achieve this

• Diversify the economy by investing in infrasture that will drive private investment and support local business profitability and growth. The new harbor is an example. The vision of Valdez as the destination for outdoor recreation in Alaska for both summer and winter must be advanced
• Provide quality education for our children.  The increase in programs using partnerships with industry, Prince William Sound College and Public School system to provide training and access to entry level employment positions to industry.
•  Provide quality affordable healthcare. This means enhancing services and choices. Every trip that can be avoided reduces the cost to the resident, creates jobs and increases dollars spent in Valdez.
•  Reduce the cost to live in Valdez by reducing the costs of energy and goods & services.
• Improve the quality and quantity of housing across family income ranges

2. What experience do you have with budgeting, investments, and finance?

I hold an  MBA from Atkinson Graduate School at Willamette University and have 30 years of work experience in the commercial business sector with the banking, oil and mining industries.  I have served on the Valdez Permanent Fund Committee for approximately 15 years.  Over the last 20 years have served on the Valdez City Council 5 terms that translates to 10 budgeting cycles.  And in the course of 26 years while serving as a board member on the Valdez Chamber, VCVB and Valdez Senior Center have gained non profit budget and policy experience.

Nate Smith

Nate Smith is a 40-year Alaskan and 5-year resident of Valdez. He started his professional career at the Alpine Pad on the North Slope as a laborer and quickly advanced to foreman. His safety minded work practices were noticed by many and was awarded numerous awards from his employer and Conoco Phillips. Nate then turned to the environmental profession, which took him to the most remote parts of Alaska conducting high profile remediation projects under the Army Corps. of Engineers. As a working Site Manager, Nate again advanced rapidly to Site Safety Manager, Contractor Quality Control Representative, Assistant Project Manager, and finally Project Manager.

Currently working as a Response Coordinator for Alyeska Pipeline Service Company, Nate along with his beautiful wife Jennifer and son Nash continue to bring a youthful perspective along with a positive can do attitude to the community of Valdez.

1. What are three main challenges for the City of Valdez in the next five years? As a Council member, how do you plan to address these challenges?

Nate foresee’s challenges for both the City of Valdez and the Community.

The three main challenges facing the City of Valdez are:

1. Continued Economic Enhancement looking towards sustainability.

2. Fiscal Discipline, ensuring that approval of expenditures are appropriate, measurable and practical.

3. Uniform Enforcement of Municipal Codes without prejudice.

Challenges facing the Community of Valdez are:

1. Housing. Considering the three percent vacancy rate and the pending displacement of residents, affordable housing development and construction will be a priority.

2. Implementation of Marijuana Regulations.

3. Braided river gravel extraction to protect residents and uplands from erosion.

As he has for the last three years, Nate will continue to address these challenges with dedication, diligence, integrity, compassion and a high regard for public input.

2. What experience do you have with budgeting, investments, and finance?

Nate’s professional background managing primarily firm-fixed price Federal Government contracts within the 5 to 7million dollar range will lend the insight needed to make appropriate and decisive decisions as a councilman. Under his contract management and on-site supervision these projects continually came in under budget and on time. Effective estimating, budgeting, planning and execution along with innovation and efficiency identification are keys to project success. Scope, time, cost, quality, human resource, risk and procurement management experience is what he brings to the City Council.

As always, Nate thanks you for your support!!

Ruth E. Knight

(Candidate for Mayor)

57 years of age

Family: Married to Alan Sorum for

34 years, have a daughter and son–‐in–‐law, Elise and Tyler Sorum–‐Birk who live and work in Juneau–‐Douglas, Alaska

Residency: moved to Valdez December 1999 from Wrangell, Alaska.

Current occupation: Teacher, Associate Principal, and Home School director employed by the Valdez City School District. My husband and I also have a small business and I am in charge of the bookkeeping.

Currently serve on: Providence Valdez Health Advisory Council (Hospital Board), VCS Health Care Committee, VCS Curriculum Committee, PTA Playground Committee, APEA—AFT EPIC Board of Directors, Alt. and RCAC–‐ Information and Education Committee, USCG Auxiliary

Past service: Valdez City Council (1 term) and Wrangell City Council (1 term), Voter Registrar, Girl Scout Leader, Boy Scout Merit Badge Counselor, Cub Scout Den Mother, Coached Gymnastics, Softball/Baseball, and Volleyball, VAFT President and Negotiator

Education: B.S. –‐ Cellular And Developmental Biology from University of Arizona in 1980, Teaching certification K–‐8 Elementary and 7–‐12 Biology 1982, M.A. –‐Education Administration from Northern Arizona University in 1987

1. What are three main challenges for City of Valdez in the next five years? As a Council member, how do you plan to address these challenges?

• Diversifying the economy
• Finding answers to the housing shortage
• Shipping, construction, and energy costs

All three of these concerns need to be answered for allowing Valdez to thrive. One Councilperson or Mayor cannot make a big enough difference acting alone, so the first thing to do is to ensure the council and administration work as a team and leave any personal agendas or past baggage behind.  Open and honest dialogue needs to happen on a regular basis and all public servants have to understand that if anything is to be accomplished, citizens need to be listened to, treated respectfully, and encouraged to help make decisions.  I will work to have the public process open to all.  “Thinking outside the box” and not being afraid to look at new ideas and approaches will be necessary to figure out ways to encourage more industry and business to start-up, expand, or relocate to Valdez.  Opening up more land will allow building of new, affordable housing which is essential to growth.  Finding ways to cap or reduce energy and shipping costs will be something that I will ask to be a priority for the city.

2. I understand and have been involved in the budgeting process at both the city level and in schools for over 25 years in different roles. I was an elected councilperson in Valdez and Wrangell. These communities have a permanent fund investment portfolio with which I am both familiar and comfortable.  The administrative positions I have held required me to develop, present, and defend my department’s budget and keep the spending within the budget.  We have an excellent finance team at the city and I am hoping to have the opportunity to work with them. Valdez is an exceptional place both geographically and financially and the next 5 years will be critical for finding a way forward to create a sustainable future.  I care deeply about Education, Health Care, and Economic Diversification.  My belief is: Stronger Education and Health Care Systems = a Stronger Economy and more Employment.  I won’t back down from doing the right thing even if it is hard.  Complacency will kill Valdez!!!  Please show you care about Valdez’s future by getting involved and voting on May 3^rd.