On Monday, September 30th, four of the five candidates for Sitka Assembly came into our studio to discuss their ideas and positions in the lead-up to the October 7th election. Two seats are available on the assembly.

Aaron Wamsley, Lillian Feldpausch, Thor Christianson, and Tristan Guevin took questions from listeners. From roads to housing, fluoride to marijuana, these candidates demonstrated where they agree and where they disagree on a variety of issues. Hosted by Rachel Waldholz.

Candidates for the Sitka Assembly (clockwise): Steven Eisenbeisz, Thor Christianson, Aaron Wamsley, Tristan Guevin, Lillian Feldpausch. (KCAW photo/Rachel Waldholz)

Candidates for the Sitka Assembly (clockwise): Aaron Wamsley, host Rachel Waldholz, Lillian Feldpausch, Thor Christianson, and Tristan Guevin (KCAW photo/Emily Kwong)

Question 1: What can the City Assembly do to support economic development in Sitka?

 

Question 2: Maintaining roads is a big issue. Do you support the idea of a motor vehicle tax or registration fee? If not, how would you find that revenue instead? Or in addition?

 

Question 3: Would you support removing fluoride from city water?

 

Question 4: To what extent do you think the municipality should and/or can support affordable housing? And to what extent do you think the city should support the new Community Land Trust?

 

Question 5: Why is it that you can’t get boat work done in Sitka? What can the city do to change that?

 

Question 6: Are there any city services that should be privatized or cut? And if so, which?

 

Question 7: How would you recommend strengthening Sitka’s local foods system?

Part 1

Part 2

 

Question 8: Should the city increase funding for the Sitka School District? What would you do to reduce the cost of student activities?

 

Each candidate was invited to make a two-minute closing statement.