KCAW AI Disclosure
Candidate: No
Name: Lisa Lane
Age: 70
How many years have you lived in Sitka and in Alaska? Since 1989
Occupation: Retired
Describe your family: Healthy, happy, and generous
Community involvement, past and present:
I volunteer at the Pioneer home, performed for and I have participated in the Shriner’s benefit for the children’s hospital , the school district
Have you previously run for public office? When and what office?
No
Previous government or other relevant experience:
N/A
Why are you running for the mayor’s chair this year?
I think the community needs a voice they can connect with
What are your top priorities if elected?
Housing, taxes, utility rates, education and child care
Childcare Shortage
A recent report commissioned by the city shows Sitka’s childcare system has the capacity to serve only about half of the young children who need it. The assembly is considering a seasonal sales tax change to fund a $1 million-a-year plan to help address the childcare shortage. Do you agree with this approach? What further steps, if any, should the city take to address the crisis?
N/A
Budget:
How do you propose funding city government (including enterprise funds, electricity, water, etc.)?
I am going to research the options available
Schools:
Do you support funding the Sitka School District to the maximum allowed by state law (a.k.a. the “cap”)? Why or why not?
Yes, education is the light at the end of the tunnel that leads us to a brighter future
Affordability:
Affording daily life in Sitka is difficult for many, between rising fuel and grocery costs and housing and childcare shortages. According to a 2024 report by the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Southeast Alaska’s overall population is projected to drop by about 17% by 2050 — or roughly 12,000 people. That’s about the populations of Sitka and Wrangell combined. As an assembly member, how would you work to address affordability for Sitkans
I would like to see year round residents rewarded for remaining. I would research the possibility of reducing the current base water rate from 66.91 to 35(?) and increasing it for the seasonal lodges with multiple guests.
Tourism:
The commercial passenger vessel excise tax – also known as the CPV – is a “head tax” collected by the state and distributed to port cities. The funds are highly restricted, and can only go toward harbor or other infrastructure related to services or facilities used by cruise ships and their passengers. As an assembly member, how would you prioritize spending CPV money, considering the restrictions?
Permanent public bathrooms
Railing to prevent jay walking from the visitor center drop off (Lincoln and Lake to the bridge, and from the bridge on SMC to the crosswalk at the back entrance of Totem Park )
Lights on all crosswalks
The city has expanded its tourism management in recent years, adding a tourism commission and hiring on a new tourism director in response to growth in the sector. From your perspective, what should be the city’s role in tourism moving forward?
Encouraging we are a diverse community capable of hosting state and national conventions and retreats any time of year making all feel welcome and inclusive
Advertising the many ways we can be reached with ease and comfort with easy access to the city, hospital, and schools.
Making our health facilities a thriving and vital reason to stay here
Artificial Intelligence:
The use of artificial intelligence has proliferated over the past several years. It’s reshaping how people work, learn, and participate in daily life. What are your thoughts on using AI in your role as an assembly member or to write legislation?
It is a tool it and should be used as a tool, it should not be claimed as original content
Municipal Administrator:
The city has been looking for a new municipal administrator for about a year now. You would likely be part of that hiring decision. What qualities would you look for in a leader?
I would like for our new administrator to have a passion for being here. A fiscal conservative that understands the need for sound stable infrastructure and maintenance. A communicator that can negotiate with common sense and patience.
Mayor:
How do you envision your role as mayor will be different from that of an assembly member?
My hope is that I will become one part of a great team that is able to guide us responsibly and with an eye on the long term goal of remaining a year round community dedicated to the success and safety of everyone
