The Anchorage Daily News asked candidates for mayor and the Anchorage School Board in the April 3 election to answer a series of questions on issues facing the city and the Anchorage School District. We're publishing their responses daily. The answers were fact-checked when facts were cited and edited for spelling, grammar and clarity.
In this part, candidates for mayor talk about why they want the job.
Ethan Berkowitz
Age: 56
Occupation: Mayor of Anchorage
I want to continue serving as mayor to finish the job I've started. We have made great strides towards making Anchorage a safe, secure and strong community for all residents. My goals today are the same, and I still believe I can provide the stable, experienced, and principled leadership to navigate these uncertain times. What I've learned since taking office makes it more clear than ever that this is a great city, and that the people of Anchorage have the will and the skill to overcome the challenges we face and take advantage of the opportunities ahead.
Rebecca Logan
Age: 54
Occupation: CEO for the Alaska Support Industry Alliance
I believe that I have the skills that Anchorage needs at this time to move the city forward without crippling Anchorage residents with taxes and without jeopardizing public safety. The city needs a Chief Operating Officer who can be deeply involved in the day-to-day management of city operations to look for efficiencies before reductions and to involve the current city employees in the discussion on what needs to be done. The city also needs a leader who is a strong advocate in Juneau to work with state legislators to craft public policy that is helpful, not harmful, to Anchorage.
Dustin Darden
Age: 34
Occupation: Union carpenter, handyman and maintenance worker for the municipality of Anchorage
Until someone is physically stopping me I'm going to do everything I can to help. I believe in miracles I think miracles could help everything that is missing or broken not only the individuals of Anchorage but as a fully restored municipality of habitation as well. Prayer changes things, anyone can do it. I enjoyed meeting other candidates applying for mayor they're all good people that bring something to the table. The beautiful thing about America is we the people make the choices in the ways we want our government to operate. Today you are the boss in choosing an applicant to lead this city, but today could be the day the greatest miracle I know could happen to you and it ain't a mayor.
Nelson Godoy
Age: 59
Occupation: Retired accountant
I am running for mayor as an independent candidate with the vision to make the Municipality of Anchorage a model of a safe and prosperous city. I believe we need to be working together to empower the community where all local government departments utilize the resources available to address residents' questions and concerns to make real change.
Timothy Huit
Age: 57
Occupation: Roofing contractor and transportation worker
To create a better city then we now live in…where citizens can feel safe, secure, and equal and live together without fear or flight…where children and adults alike can dream big and see their dreams come true…where working hard is cherished, and laziness is loathed.These are some of the things i want for our city.
Paul Kendall
Age: 71
Occupation: Retired businessman, security consultant; current political and energy activist
1..To make Anchorage our capitol (within 30 days). 2. To demand all of our original PFDs funds taken from us be returned with accrued interest (within 30 days). 3. To camera up our community by holding regular extended and unhurried public town hall meetings with free speech and open microphones (immediately). 4.Simplify our recall of public officials process (within 30 days). 5. Discuss one sole accounts payable department for all state expenses for tracking and trailing (immediately). 6. A boatload of reviews and reconstructions of the ways we Anchorage citizens conduct our community business affairs and issues.
Matthew Mendonsa
Age: 58
Occupation: Retired/disabled floral delivery worker
I wish to serve my city and bring common sense conservative ideas to best serve the city.
Ron Stafford
Age: 68
Job: Transportation consultant
I think we need to bring a little bit more common sense and reality back into politics. I thought the mayor's office might be a good place.
Jacob Kern did not respond to the questionnaire.
[Read all the responses from mayoral and School Board candidates.]