  Responses By George H. TiptonAbout George H. Tipton
Question #1 For Assembly Candidates: Published Saturday - September 7, 2002 - 11:46 pm Do you consider yourself to be pro development and if so, what type of economic development do you favor and what type of development are you opposed to?
I favor all types of development. In todays society many protections are already in place to insure that the majority of issues would be viewed prior to commencement and/or completion of a project. These can be a balanced situation so that a majority can benefit.
Question # 2 For Assembly Candidates: Published Tuesday - September 10, 2002 - 7:00 pm Given less funding and the likely need to further cut services, what services would you reduce or cut first?
I believe we need to look at the bus service ridership due to the subsidy that is being paid to operate it. I also believe the following departments with in the Borough need to be looked at for potential cuts: Planning, Public Works, Parks & Rec. These are some of the biggest in the Borough and the tough questions would need to be asked. Is the community willing to live with less? If so, then cuts are needed. If not, then the status quo would remain. However, the govewrnment has grown too much in the last 15 years and we must look at additional revenues sources or cut the general government.
Question # 3 For Assembly Candidates: Published Tuesday - September 10, 2002 - 7:00 pm What is the most serious challenge facing the Ketchikan Borough and how would you address this challenge?
Increasing employment opportunities in the area. This can be accomplished through Capital projects in the short term but also obtaining an Operator for the Veneer Mill, getting NOAA secured into the Ward Cove area with the vessel & uplands needs, working at getting other tenants for Ward Cove & helping with the expansion of the Shipyard.
Question # 4 For Assembly Candidates: Published Tuesday - September 10, 2002 - 7:00 pm Should the voters eliminate term limits for the Assembly? If so, what do you think would be the benefits to the community?
Question # 5 For Assembly Candidates: Published Tuesday - September 10, 2002 - 7:00 pm Should the Assembly members be paid more for their service? If so, what amount would you consider appropriate?
You do not run for the paycheck. While I think the small amount they are paid for their service is fine, you are in the position to provide service to & for the community and that is the reason you should be in the position.
Question # 6 For All Candidates: Published Wednesday - September 18, 2002 - 7:40 pm During the interviews of the school board candidates on KRBD, the issue of violence in our schools was brought up as a reason that some parents are seeking alternatives to education other than public schools. I'm concerned about the level of abuse that seems to occur in the schools and wonder what thoughts the school board and borough candidates have about adopting a policy of zero tolerance in our schools for any form of abuse including verbal as well as physical and sexual.
It is the School Board's decision to set policy for the schools. The Borough Assembly is the funding source. While I would agree that a zero tolerance policy would probably be the best, the Assembly cannot set this as a policy. We can, however put forward capital dollars for security features that may help alleviate some of the problems that are ongoing.
Question # 7 For Assembly & Mayoral Candidates: Published Thursday - September 19, 2002 - 2:30 pm The Gateway Forest Products bankruptcy has dominated front page news over the years, and has consumed tens of millions of dollars of Borough money. How do the candidates feel about the past decisions and future consequences of this issue?
The past is the past & we should learn from it. I felt we could have watched the initial $7M loan closer such as we did with construction of the Indoor Rec Center, to insure there were not the significant cost over-runs that occurred. I am in business and have been affected by the economy like everyone & I feel there is a risk being in business & the bailout of the local businesses should not have occurred (the $5.5M). We have a great industrial area to begin to market. Get an Operator for the veneer mill. Get NOAA set up with the dock & upland facilities for their vessel that will be stationed here. This will create some revenue streams to offset the maintenance, utility & insurance costs that the Borough will be seeing. There are many other possibilities with the location and we have a KEDA Board that is looking into those possibilities.
Question # 8 For Assembly Candidates: Published Thursday - September 19, 2002 - 2:30 pm What are your views regarding the timber industry and fishing industry?
When I was on the Assembly before we helped finance an assessment for the Dive Fishery so it could further expand & that proved to be a very good decision for everyone. We need to try to keep as much of an employment base as possible & these two industries are & have been & will continue to be, an integral part of it.
Question # 9 For Assembly Candidates: Published Thursday - September 19, 2002 - 2:30 pm Given that the borough is so rich in land what are your thoughts on returning some of the land to the landless Indians of Ketchikan?
I did not know that the Borough was so rich in Land. I believe that the Borough should sell some of its land to get it back on the tax rolls but I do not understand "returning" some of the land to the landless Indians. Would that not be at the expense of the remaining taxpayers and is that fair to them? I have understood it is the Federal Government's responsibility to make land available for this group.
Question # 10 For Assembly Candidates: Published Thursday - September 19, 2002 - 2:30 pm Recent news reports indicate that Washington state is experiencing one of the largest unemployment rates in the Nation . How can Ketchikan compete with cities and counties in Washington state that are trying to attract new business and industry?
We have many resource based possibilities for industry just as they have in Washington and it is just doing a good job of marketing the area and reflecting on our positive values. One of the biggest things we have is the lower cost of our electricity for industry and a very good transportation infrastructure
Question # 11 For All Candidates: Published Thursday - September 19, 2002 - 2:30 pm Our community focuses on the importance of 'Youth Asset Building' - I would like to know that our elected officials set a good example. Have any of the candidates been charged for any serious violations of the law other than for minor traffic tickets.
I believe this to be a very personal question, as people can make mistakes, atone for them & learn from them, then they are no longer of great importance. However, I have never had any serious violations of the law or I could not hold a Beverage Dispensary license in the State. I have also been involved with youth sports for the last 30+ years, so my record of Asset building speaks for itself.
|
||
