 Candidate for Ketchikan Borough Assembly 3-year term seat - three seats open Published:
Name: George H. Tipton Candidate For: Borough Assembly Home Phone: 225-6392 Work Phone: 225-9011 Fax: 225-9420 Background: Raised in Juneau and graduated from high school in 1971. Lived in Fairbanks from 1974-1988 where I worked in construction and ran my own construction business. I moved to Ketchikan in January 1989 to run the White Pass Alaska Fuel Terminal and their Southeast Tug and Barge operation. I have also worked for Ketchikan Pulp Company, Taquan Air and I am currently the operating owner of Ketchikan Entertainment Center. I formed the Ketchikan Softball Association in 1990 and have been the President since its inception. I have also been the lower SE Alaska Softball Commissioner for the past 8 years as well as the State President for 6 years. I am on the Board of Directors of State CHARR and a 14 year member of the Elks Lodge #1429.
Experience that qualifies you for this elected position: I sat on the Borough Assembly from 1995-1998 and this after attending approximately 80% of the meetings the prior 3 years. I also sat on the following committees: Tax, Facilities, School Liaison, Parks and Rec., Airport Advisory, and Shipyard Advisory. I chaired the Board of Equalization for one year and sat as Vice Mayor for one year. I have been involved in the community and I have a proven track record of promoting jobs while taking care of needed infrastructure. Valley Park and Houghtaling remodels, Revilla roof, other school area upgrades, the rec center, pool remodels, Weiss fields and airport improvements. In addition, I was involved for the start of planning for airport terminal remodeling and expansion as well as the new airport ferry. I have proven experience with the budget process and voted against it in 2 of my 3 years I sat on the Assembly because of irresponsible items in the budget. In my previous term on the Assembly we helped jump start the dive fisheries by appropriating money towards an assessment of the industry in conjunction with the State. I voted against the Alaska Forest Creations' loan, which ultimately failed and cost the Borough $300,000 plus the $75,000 and $35,000 appropriations we gave to Saxman Seaport to make changes to accommodate the bowl manufacturing. I voted against the Bradley Reid contract because I felt we had local talent to perform the same functions. I even went to the Assembly at budget time during my 1st year off the assembly about this issue. They had already given the manager direction to look at possibly terminating the contract. They had a line item in the budget of $278,000 for phase 2 of the contract. I simply asked them to remove the line item and thus they could lower the mill rate by 3/10's, but they left the line item in even though they canceled the contract.
State at least 3 reasons why you are seeking a seat on this elected body. I believe the community needs the expertise I have to offer. I have a common sense approach for what the community wants, as I have no special agenda other than jobs and economic well-being for the better of all. A number of capital improvement projects are lagging behind and at a time when these jobs are sorely needed in the community and I feel I can get them back on track. I have always been willing to listen to all segments of the community and feel this type of voice is needed to represent all of the communities' interests.
Why should the voters elect or re-elect you? My proven past performance in many areas whether it was when I sat on the Assembly or not, reflects towards my capabilities. I get involved, ask the question when something does not seem right and I am not afraid to sometimes step on toes to get something for the community that we all benefit from. I cover a wide range of knowledge due to my involvement in sports, business and my knowledge of the budget and workings of the borough government.
List local, regional and/or state-wide issues that you believe are a high priority and state your position on each. The expansion of bus service to Saxman and Walmart. We could add a leased bus that could run just along Tongass with connections to the currently schedule buses. This was discussed during the current year's budget process but nothing was done. Completion of the intertie transmission line. The design and construction of an elementary school to replace White Cliff. The settlement of the Gateway bankruptcy issue, so we can move on and put that behind us. We need to make sure that the lands we acquire are of value for the dollars expended and have a place in the potential future development of the area, whether it be a bottled water plant, freezer facility, docks or ports, etc. If the voters approve a port authority, make sure it is set up right for efficiency and long-term gain for the community. Either fixing the current borough building or relocating due to the health and safety factors that have been existing. This can cause problems for the workers in this current environment. Continued support for the Ketchikan Shipyard as a viable employer for the community. Removal of the residential properties from the annexed area of Shoreline and put them back into their own service area. They are getting nothing that they did not already have with the annexation except increased property taxes. Continued support for the timber and fishing in industries. Continued support for increased funding for education as well as construction and maintenance dollars for educational facilities, roads, ports and harbors, etc. from the State. Curing the sewage disposal problem that currently exists for borough residents. The Borough Assembly must decide a set of goals and objectives and follow through with them in a timely, cost feasible manner. They must be flexible enough to modify these goals as the dynamics of the community dictate but within reason due to the cost, expectations or what have you.
How do you determine your position on an issue? What would compel you to change your position? If a dozen people speak at a public meeting on a controversial agenda item, the majority opposed and the minority for, what would you do? These usually intertwine. My position is usually decided by the research that has been prepared by staff, a committee, a consultant and in talking with affected parties, and keeping into mind what the community has said. What the pros and cons are, the cost both immediate and long term and what effects it might have on certain segments of the community are also considerations. I have seen both sides of the majority speaking out. Sometimes they are well versed and do represent the best interests of the community at heart. Other times they are representing a special interest, have more political or financial clout, are more organized or whatever, thus the silent majority is not truly being represented. As I mentioned earlier, you must weigh all this for the betterment of the community for their short-term needs and long-term goals.
Where would you most likely obtain more information on agenda items? Staff, a committee, a consultant,
letters to the editor, affected parties, citizens -
Who would you most likely talk to prior to making a decision that affects the entire community? Family, people at work, friends, government staff, business community, citizens. You would get a good cross-section this way.
How would you deal with people who have opposing views who want to talk to you about an agenda item or issue? I believe everyone has the right to be heard and they believe in what they think. I don't have a problem with that. If they are courteous and also respect the point of view that I or others have. Mine is usually based upon facts and research of the agenda item. There are many knowledgeable people in the community that are a resource and are much better versed in an area than I am. However, sometimes they do not always look at the overall picture of what is best for the community and that is something we have to deal with at the assembly table.
In a public meeting discussion, what would you likely do? Try to reach a compromise if it appeared that there was a benefit to both sides.
How do others view you? Reasonable, knowledgeable,
caring, strong work ethic and fair.
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