North Anchorage Assembly candidate Q&A: Cliff Baker

The Anchorage Daily News asked Anchorage Assembly candidates for District 1, North Anchorage to answer a series of issue questions. Read all of them here.

Cliff Baker | Age: 71 | Occupation: Retired

Candidate background:

I am a disabled veteran. I have a land surveying associate’s and civil engineering bachelor’s degrees. Engineering technician for the Alaska Department of Transportation. Two and a half years professional surveyor/project development team lead for Department of Natural Resources. Twelve and a half years owner of Integrity Surveys. Twenty-five years past president, Soldotna Rotary Club and Assistant District Governor, Rotary District 5010. I helped with polio vaccination in Ivory Coast, Africa; village-safe water in Mexico; and started Rotary to Rural Alaska Health project. Served on: Central Peninsula Hospital Service Area Board for 5 years, chair 4 years; Alaska Architect, Engineer and Land Surveying Board, 8 years; National Society of Professional Surveyors, 10 years; National Council of Examiners for Engineers & Surveyors, 15 years. Past president of the Alaska Society of Professional Land Surveyors, Alaska Professional Design Council and Alaska Surveying and Mapping Conference.

Why are you running?

I believe we need to bring empathy back into government; the Assembly and the administration need to work together for the municipality.

What makes you qualified to represent District 1, North Anchorage on the Assembly?

I was an owner of a small business for 25 years and have been a member of Alaska Public Employees Association for 17 1/2 years. I have worked all over the state of Alaska and served on several boards and committees. This experience has allowed me to interact with a wide spectrum of cultures and a very diverse population. I believe I have the ability to help bridge the gap between the Assembly and the administration.

What is the most important problem facing North Anchorage? How would you address it?

Traffic/pedestrian/cycling safety. There are too many accidents between vehicles and pedestrians/cyclists, especially at intersections. Several motorists speed up for a yellow light and quite often run red lights. Cameras should be used to capture vehicles running red lights and citations should be issued. Sidewalks should be maintained throughout the winter to provide a safe place to walk.

Name one thing the Anchorage Assembly and/or Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson accomplished in the last year that you support, and why.

Position qualifications are a must for section managers to run an efficient municipality, and I believe the Assembly has been diligent in making sure qualification requirements are met. I am encouraged that the Assembly and the administration are finally working together on a compromise for the homeless.

What is your vision for what North Anchorage looks like in 10 years? What specific steps would you take on the Assembly to help achieve that vision?

I would like to see a revitalized downtown, encourage new businesses and residents to the area, improve pedestrian/cycling corridors throughout North Anchorage connecting to existing trails, making downtown a desirable destination to commute, gather and a place to live.