Responses By Robert Norton
About Robert Norton

Question #1 For City Council Candidates: Published Saturday, September 7, 2002 11:30 pm

Gateway Human Services is one of the largest departments of the City of Ketchikan. As employees of the City they travel to and provide services in communities outside of the City and Borough (Metlakatla and Prince of Wales Island). If elected, would you support this practice to continue and expand or do you believe that more focus should be placed on providing services to City and Borough residents?

Robert Norton - Response to Question #1: Published Monday, September 16, 2002 1:00 pm

I believe that Ron Adler and his staff at Gateway Human Services are currently doing an excellent job of serving the youth and adults within the City of Ketchikan, the Borough, Metlakatla and Prince of Wales Island. If elected, I will support the continuation of these services at a quality level. As far as expansion goes, that is still a question mark. Until it is clear on what that plan may be, I can't make a qualified decision. However, if the services provided to other expanded areas don't impact the ability to perform these services at a high level in the City and Borough, it may be possible. Keep in mind that with new technology it is now feasible to video-conference with individuals in outlying areas without having to spend for the costs of travel. In the future this may take a greater role in providing services outside of our community.

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

What is the most serious challenge facing the City Council and how would you address this challenge?

Robert Norton - Response to Question #2: Published Monday, September 16, 2002 1:00 pm

The most serious challenge facing the City Council would have to be the economy. While the Council has done a very good job in keeping property and sales taxes in check while providing beneficial services, it is still a very precarious time in our history. In order for Ketchikan to survive the current downturn in our economy we will need to support projects that have the potential to turn matters around. I believe that Alaska Ship and Drydock holds a tremendous potential as far as being a huge part of our future. The City and the Borough must solidify the purchase of the shipyard from A.I.D.E.A., whether it be by an outright purchase or lease. Once that is accomplished, an agreement can be reached with the operator, plans for the second ship lift can be finalized and the possibility for additional jobs will be secured.

In light of the fact that we have lost so many resource oriented jobs, it is imperative that we do whatever we can to develop other opportunities. In order to attract any potential business we have to provide adequate power. That's why the Intertie is very important for us in order to have a guaranteed source of power for the future. We have always been able to offer quality of life in Ketchikan but we need to be proactive in developing an infrastructure that will sustain future businesses. I am a strong proponent of finishing the Intertie project to insure our energy needs.

I don't have all of the answers but we do have to do whatever is necessary to make our community viable again in the wake of reduced state funding and the loss of so many resource oriented jobs.

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