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Mim McConnell (Campaign photo)

My name is Mim McConnell, and I am running for office of Mayor of Sitka, because I am a proven leader who respectfully listens to all sides of an issue, helps find answers that everyone can live with, and leads the community on the chosen path, taking the necessary actions to reach our common goals.

I have lived in Sitka steadily since 2000 and in Southeast Alaska since 1975. My three children live here with my five grandchildren attending Sitka’s public schools. My husband, Mike McConnell, and I rent an apartment, own a small sailboat for recreating and subsistence gathering, and have always lived our years in Southeast Alaska as year-round residents. I own Shelter Cove Publishing, which provides web and graphic design services for local businesses, agencies and nonprofits, and I publish “Sitka Through Four Seasons,” a well-established visitors guide. Mike is a retired commercial fisherman, a self-published author of two Alaskana books, and is owner of Blue Heron Guitars, a stringed instrument repair home business.

My activities over the years show my dedication to leadership in areas that contribute to a quality life. They include local municipal and state government, school board, workshop presenter, commercial fisheries, subsistence council, socioeconomic issues, and business and community planning. I am a strong advocate for the people of Sitka, know my way around our legislative halls and am skilled at lobbying for our community. I feel confident about Sitka’s ability to thrive in the future, and am committed to working to make life better for the citizens of Sitka.

Today is a point in time when Sitka needs a mayor that will look at all the possibilities for economic growth, and be creative and open to new ideas. When we bring people together and build on the assets that we have, we can do a great deal to grow and build an economy that works today and in the future.

As mayor, I will bring my decades of experience serving on boards, commissions, assemblies and councils, combined with my strong fiscal management skills to help Sitka remain the vibrant community we all love.