Re-election

Today was the first day to file for Assembly seats. I turned in my petitions and was approved at 9 am. I have been overwhelmed with the support people have expressed. Being on the Assembly has been a real growth experience for me.

I did an interview with the Juneau Empire and I told them this experience has really humbled me and brought me to almost-- it sounds cheesy - but a love affair with this city. I have seen so many different sides of life. I have had the opportunity to meet so many different people. Juneau is just filled with committed citizens who want to make the world a better place. It is inspiring, and it is humbling.

I think I can contribute to the effort to make Juneau a great place to live. I think I can contribute to making democracy not just a word, but a way of life-- citizens acting together, as a community.

There are a lot of challenges ahead. Capitol creep is challenging us to make Juneau more than just a government and tourism city. We need to diversity our economy and support a broader array of businesses to give people good jobs so they can afford a good standard of living. It is all linked.

I look forward to continuing to work for this great Borough.

Comprehensive Plan

The Assembly will receive the final draft of the Comprehensive Plan on August 12. http://www.juneau.org/cddftp/CompPlanUpdate.php
This is really really important for citizens to review and comment on. It will guide city land use for the next decade. Please look it over and send me (and all Assembly members your comments and suggestions.

Your Tax Dollars at Work

One of the best ways to follow what dollars the city is spending on stuff is the Contract Activity reports submitted to the Public Works Committee http://www.juneau.org/clerk/PWFCAGENDA/documents/Contracts_032.pdf
You can see the construction bids that are outstanding, the RFP's, the professional services contracts, and a whole lot more. Infrastructure is a large proportion of where your tax dollars go and this is a good way to track it. The contract activity is presented at each Public Works committee meeting and you can review it in the agenda at http://www.juneau.org/clerk/PWFC.php

Ethics and Politics

With the indictment of Ted Stevens, the concept of ethical government in Alaska has taken another hit. The indictments and convictions of state legislators, the still-to-come trial of former Juneau representative Bruce Weyhrauch, and the recent flurry of issues surrounding Alaska's Department of Public Safety Commissioner have all contributed to the unsavory reputation Alaska politics is developing.

But this diary is not about state or federal politics, it is about Juneau politics. The Assembly is insulated from many of the ethical pressures and temptations that are at higher levels of government. First, because the Assembly is legally non-partisan, party politics does not control individual actions. Each member has their position, but we are not pressured to conform to a "party line." I think that is a good thing. Second, in our council/manager form of government the ability to direct money to individual causes (earmarks) is severely limited. Most budgeting is done by city staff, and while the Assembly has the power to change anything - its practical power is much less than state or federal levels. Third, the Alaska Open Meetings Act applies to everything the Assembly does. Unlike the state legislature-- we cannot "caucus" in private. Almost everything the city does is open to the public, and that scrutiny helps enforce ethical behavior. Since our system is not perfect, it needs your scrutiny.

So please keep it up. Attend public meetings. Attend or listen to Assembly meetings. Engage in this community government process. I think it works. But not without you.