Running for an Assembly Seat
On October 6 we will hold our annual Borough elections. Three Assembly seats are up including those held by Mayor Botelho, David Stone and Sara Chambers. Ms. Chambers (Valley seat) has said she will not run for another term. The filing dates for petitions to run are from August 7-17th. http://www.juneau.org/clerk/elections/2009/2009_Regular_Election_Candidate_Page.php
Many people have thanked me for putting in the time on the Assembly, but I have received much more than I have given. First of all I love policy issues, and I enjoy spending time learning about them. That is no burden. Second, I have grown in my understanding and appreciation of our democratic process that truly gives power to the people. Third, and most importantly, I have made countless new connections and relationships with people and organizations throughout Juneau – far more than I would have on my own. I have been pushed to understand all sides of issues and to appreciate the positions of those who feel different than I do. I know some wish I was more single minded, more sure of the “right” answer to policy issues, but as with most things, the more I learn, the less I feel there is “one best way,” the more I feel it is so important to hear and understand all sides.
As I have interacted with so many people from so many backgrounds, I have also come to love Juneau, far more than I did previously. It is truly a wonderful place, filled with dedicated, public spirited people.
I am saying this because I want to encourage others to consider running for Assembly (or School Board). Yes, it is time consuming, but the rewards are great. [Just not like the New Jersey “rewards.”]
If any of you are interested in finding out more about the Assembly and what it takes to run a campaign, please give me a call and we can talk.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Monday, July 13, 2009
Well, I am back after a long road trip down south. Enjoyable, but I am also glad to get back.
Today’s (7/13) paper had an article on the Assembly partially forgiving a loan made to the Fishermen’s Memorial – chaired by Bruce Weyhrauch. If you read it you see that I opposed the loan forgiveness. I did not feel the organization had honored the contract in good faith since they had not made any loan payments since 1998 – even though they have 50K in their bank account. I was also concerned that we are anticipating budget shortfalls, and we rejected the whale sculpture funding— so why fund this one? Ah well.
I was also on the short end of an 8-1 vote a couple weeks back to fund a new position with the Juneau Economic Development Council for an Affordable Housing Coordinator. Although I support the general concept, this request was for 100K for what United Way had previously done for about 30K. I was uncomfortable with that switch and the amount of dollars. I am not exactly sure what we will be gaining.
I did support us going forward with hiring a solid waste coordinator. Juneau citizens have made it clear that waste management is a high priority. This passed with Mr. Wanamaker opposing.
On June 23 the Planning Commission approved a variance for the Mental Health Trust to waive the height restrictions for the proposed office building located between Egan and the Coast Guard Building. The full minutes aren’t out yet, but the staff report is at http://www.juneau.org/plancomm/documents/STF_VAR09-16_000.pdf
You may have noted last week that the Assembly accepted putting one of the School District’s three requested projects on the ballot this fall for bond issue funding (Gastineau Elementary). The other two projects (Auke Bay and Marie Drake) were postponed. Every bond issue approval increases our debt service and your property tax. The schools definitely need work, but I believe we need to spread this out over a number of years.
At tonight’s (7/13) Regular Assembly Meeting an ordinance amending the animal control regs will be introduced and then heard at our 8/10 meeting. Juneau loves its dogs, and I found it interesting to wade through the verbiage. New language is in italics. There’s some interesting stuff.
http://www.juneau.org/assembly/agendas/2009/2009-07-13/documents/2009-12.pdf
Hope we continue our wonderful weather.
Jonathan
Today’s (7/13) paper had an article on the Assembly partially forgiving a loan made to the Fishermen’s Memorial – chaired by Bruce Weyhrauch. If you read it you see that I opposed the loan forgiveness. I did not feel the organization had honored the contract in good faith since they had not made any loan payments since 1998 – even though they have 50K in their bank account. I was also concerned that we are anticipating budget shortfalls, and we rejected the whale sculpture funding— so why fund this one? Ah well.
I was also on the short end of an 8-1 vote a couple weeks back to fund a new position with the Juneau Economic Development Council for an Affordable Housing Coordinator. Although I support the general concept, this request was for 100K for what United Way had previously done for about 30K. I was uncomfortable with that switch and the amount of dollars. I am not exactly sure what we will be gaining.
I did support us going forward with hiring a solid waste coordinator. Juneau citizens have made it clear that waste management is a high priority. This passed with Mr. Wanamaker opposing.
On June 23 the Planning Commission approved a variance for the Mental Health Trust to waive the height restrictions for the proposed office building located between Egan and the Coast Guard Building. The full minutes aren’t out yet, but the staff report is at http://www.juneau.org/plancomm/documents/STF_VAR09-16_000.pdf
You may have noted last week that the Assembly accepted putting one of the School District’s three requested projects on the ballot this fall for bond issue funding (Gastineau Elementary). The other two projects (Auke Bay and Marie Drake) were postponed. Every bond issue approval increases our debt service and your property tax. The schools definitely need work, but I believe we need to spread this out over a number of years.
At tonight’s (7/13) Regular Assembly Meeting an ordinance amending the animal control regs will be introduced and then heard at our 8/10 meeting. Juneau loves its dogs, and I found it interesting to wade through the verbiage. New language is in italics. There’s some interesting stuff.
http://www.juneau.org/assembly/agendas/2009/2009-07-13/documents/2009-12.pdf
Hope we continue our wonderful weather.
Jonathan
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