I graduated from Sitka High School in 1957, the USMA in 1962 with a commission in infantry. Career highlights: 40 months in Vietnam, six in Germany where I commanded a battalion and brigade, and six in DC. Was administrator for the CBS for nine years where along with the assembly, led our response to the closure of pulp mill and eventually the transfer of the site to the city with no liability thanks to attorney T. Cole. I have served several years as the senior warden of St. Peters Episcopal Church and was on the board of trustees of Sheldon Jackson College when they closed. With the help of John Holst and other members we transferred the campus to the Sitka Fine Arts Camp and Sage Building to Sitka Sounds Science Center. Been married to Deborah Dickinson for 53 years. My children are Shellie Dunn, Sydnie Wallisch, and Matthew Paxton.
I am a life-long Sitkan and proven problem-solver that knows and cares about our community. We have problems to solve as we face a challenging future. As a past City Administrator, I focused on economic development while fully appreciating the value of our small-town atmosphere and quality of life. But as your Mayor I will not be another City Administrator. Instead I will work with the Assembly on policies that will make Sitka’s future successful and sustainable. My focus will be on sound fiscal management and community involvement – both keys to making the right decisions as we move forward together.
