Jonathan Wolf
Age: 44
How many years have you lived in Sitka and in Alaska? Six Years
Occupation: I’m the co-owner and practice manager of Sitka Animal Hospital, where I work alongside my wife, Dr. Toccoa Wolf.
Family: My wife and I are raising our three-year-old son here in Sitka.
Have you previously run for public office? When and what office?
No, this is my first time running for public office.
Previous government or other relevant experience:
I’ve participated in local government processes as a resident and business owner, engaging on issues ranging from utilities to land use, and I’ve built experience collaborating with different parts of city government through my work.
Community involvement, past and present:
Through our business, Sitka Animal Hospital, my wife and I have volunteered our time to support local events and provided assistance to several local nonprofits. It’s been important to us to give back to the community that has welcomed our family, both by pitching in personally and by making our business a resource for Sitka.
Why are you running for a seat on the Sitka Assembly this year?
My family and I chose Sitka after falling in love with this community. In my work, I’ve seen both how strong and connected our town is, and also how many families struggle with the cost of living. I want to help preserve what makes Sitka special while making it more accessible so families can stay and thrive here.
Affordability for families: Keeping the cost of living manageable, from housing to groceries to utilities, and Childcare access.
Small business vitality: Ensuring Sitka remains a place where small businesses can thrive, hire, and retain workers. A healthy business environment is directly tied to affordability, because it keeps jobs strong, wages competitive, and our local economy resilient.
Ballot Propositions
Proposition 1: This fall, voters will consider a ballot initiative to amend the city’s Home Rule Charter and direct future surplus revenue from the Sitka Community Hospital Dedicated Fund toward new and revitalized athletic and recreational facilities. Do you support this proposal? Why or why not?
I support Proposition 1. The original purpose of the community hospital was to improve the health of Sitkans, and while health care delivery has changed, the principle hasn’t. Using surplus hospital funds to invest in recreational and athletic facilities is a natural continuation of that mission. These spaces directly benefit community health by giving kids safe places to play, families areas to gather, and residents of all ages opportunities to stay active. By supporting this measure, we’re making sure the resources tied to our community’s health continue to serve Sitka in a meaningful and lasting way.”
Proposition 2: Sitkans will vote on a ballot measure this fall that would require future citizen initiatives to include economic impact studies, paid for by the initiative’s sponsor. Do you support this proposal? Why or why not?
I believe it’s important to understand the impact of any ballot measure, but requiring citizen petitioners to pay for an economic study up front risks creating a barrier to civic participation. Ballot initiatives are meant to give everyday Sitkans a voice, and we shouldn’t make that voice harder to exercise.
What’s more, the petitioners for this very initiative did not include an economic impact study with their own proposal, an omission which shows how unrealistic that expectation can be. We need transparency, but we also need fairness. Civic engagement should be encouraged, not limited to only those who can afford consultants.
Tourism
Last year, the Sitka Assembly approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the local cruise ship operator. Is that MOU working? Are there any changes you would propose?
I think the voluntary MOU with the cruise industry was a real achievement for Sitka. It caps daily passenger numbers, designates quiet Saturdays, and limits large ships in the shoulder season, protecting quality of life while keeping small businesses strong. It’s important that we strike a balance so the relationship between the tourism industry and our community remains mutually beneficial. And because the agreement is reviewed each year, we can keep adjusting to make sure that we keep that balance.
What other steps should be taken, if any, by the Sitka Assembly to address Sitka’s tourism growth? Please explain.
Tourism brings important revenue, but it has to be managed so that Sitkans feel the benefits outweigh the costs. That means keeping quality of life central, listening to residents, and ensuring tourism dollars help offset community costs.
Budget
BUDGET: How do you propose funding city government (including enterprise funds, electricity, water, etc.)?
City government is funded through a mix of property and sales taxes, and it’s important that Sitkans see real value for those dollars. At the same time, the city needs to work closely with our state and federal governments to take advantage of grants and matching funds whenever possible to stretch our resources further.
For me, responsible and transparent budgeting means making sure our enterprise funds like electricity and infrastructure remain reliable and affordable, and ensuring every tax dollar is used to strengthen the foundation of our local economy. When our services are dependable and costs are fair, it helps families manage their household budgets and gives small businesses the stability they need to hire and retain workers.
School District
What’s your philosophy on school funding? Should we fund the Sitka School District to the maximum allowable by state law, or “the cap”?
I believe we should fund our schools to the maximum allowable by state law. Sitka’s students and teachers deserve strong, reliable support. I also support the efforts of our state representative, Rebecca Himschoot, to raise the base student allocation. That’s the foundation for school funding across Alaska, and strengthening it will give Sitka’s schools the long-term stability they need. Strong schools mean strong families, a stronger workforce, and a stronger future for Sitka.
Housing
What tangible actions can the Sitka Assembly take to ease Sitka’s housing crisis?
Housing is directly connected to affordability and to our business environment. Employers can’t retain staff if workers can’t find a place to live. The Assembly’s role is to remove barriers, support land use that creates more options, and work with nonprofits, builders, and employers to expand supply. If we want a vibrant small business community and stable jobs, we have to make sure the people who work here can also live here.
Policy
Describe one piece of legislation you would like to bring forward as an assembly member, and explain how you would fund it.
One idea I’d like to bring forward is adding adequate lighting to the city’s playgrounds. During the short days of winter, there are very few places children can safely play outside after dark. Adding lighting is a common-sense, relatively low-cost step that would make a big difference for families. If Proposition 1 passes, allowing surplus community hospital funds to be used for recreational facilities, this would be exactly the kind of project those dollars could support; improving quality of life, creating safe spaces for kids, and showing families that Sitka invests in its future.
