Responses By Mike Salazar
About Mike Salazar

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Question #1 For Assembly Candidates: Published Saturday - September 7, 2002 - 11:46 pm

If elected Borough Mayor, what role would you take to address improving the relationship between the Borough and the School district?

Mike Salazar - Response to Question #1 - Published Sunday - September 8, 2002

The Mayor should appoint at least 3 assemblymen to act as a committee and work with the School Board and Superintendent to resolve as many budget issues as possible before submitting to the whole assembly. More communication is always helpful in understanding both groups point of view.

Question #2 For Mayoral Candidates: Published Tuesday - September 10, 2002 - 7:00 pm

Do you think the voters should eliminate term limits for the Borough Mayor? If so, what would be the benefits to the community?

Mike Salazar - Response(s) to Question #2: Published Tuesday - Sept. 10, 2002 - 10:45 pm

The City eliminated term limits a few years ago. The fact that you have to run for office every three years even without term limits, is the voters' check and balance. You have someone that has followed all the issues for some time. If he is reelected.

Question # 3 For Mayoral Candidates: Published Tuesday - September 10, 2002 - 7:00 pm

Should the Borough Mayor be paid more for his service? If so, what amount would you consider appropriate.

Mike Salazar Response to Question # 3: Published Tuesday - Sept. 10, 2002 - 10:45 pm

The Borough Assembly decides the Mayor's pay. I personally think he is compensated fairly.

Question # 4 For Mayoral Candidates: Published Tuesday - September 10, 2002 - 7:00 pm

What do you believe is the primary job responsibility of the Mayor?

Mike Salazar - Response to Question #4: Published Tuesday - Sept. 10, 2002 - 10:45 pm

To Make sure the meetings are conducted in a statesman like manner. To insure the Public is fully heard. That any assemblyman does not harass the public during public comment. All matters are fairly discussed by the assembly and a conscience is reached. Please see my profile and look at the excerpts from the Mayor's Handbook. The full duties of the mayor are explained here as well as the full Mayor's manual. I think the editor has provided a link to the full text of the Mayor's handbook.

Question # 5 For Mayoral Candidates: Published Sunday - September 15, 2002 - 1:30 pm

If elected Mayor of the Ketchikan Gateway Borough, will you be in Ketchikan most of the time and be able to attend meetings as scheduled and be available to the public?

Mike Salazar - Response to Question #5: Published Sunday - September 15, 2002 - 5:05 pm

Yes. You can check my Assembly's attendance record with the Borough Clerk.

Question # 6 For Mayoral Candidates: Published Sunday - September 15, 2002 - 1:30 pm

Is remaining a resident of Ketchikan in your future plans?

Mike Salazar - Response to Question #6: Published Sunday - September 15, 2002 - 5:05 pm

I have been a resident of Ketchikan for over 59 years and plan for another 59.

Question # 8 For Mayoral & Assembly 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?

Mike Salazar - Response to Question #8: Published Thursday - Sept. 19, 2002 -10:45 pm

I did not vote to lend the money to Gateway or pay anything to the creditors. I voted for the 2.5 mil Debtor in Possession loan to secure land that should have been secured by the prior Assembly. I was able to reduce the payment to creditors from 100% to 80%, which still amounted to around 5 million dollars. Once in this situation the only way I could see for us to get our money back was to get our hands on as much of the property in Ward Cove as we could. I now feel the money is invested in the land. I personally contacted Alaska DOT (Ferry System) showed them the 800 foot Dock in Ward Cove. They now will moor the MV Columbia in Ward Cove for the winter. This will help bring in revenue. They have said if it works out well for them that next year there is a possibility that we will get 2 additional Ferries for winter lay up. The total invested so far is + 20 million. I think we can develop Ward Cove into a World Class Industrial and marine facility for small boats Cruise Ships and the Veneer Mill operation. If elected Mayor, Ward Cove Development and revenue enhancement will be one of my top priorities.

Question # 9 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.

Mike Salazar - Response to Question #9: Published Thursday - Sept. 19, 2002 -10:45 pm

NO, I have never been arrested for anything. I think my past Community & Military service as outlined in my biography speaks for itself. It is published on this site. I have lived in Ketchikan for over 55 years. My Children and Grandchildren live in Ketchikan.