September 28, 2018
Friday PM

Editor, Sitnews

I first met Dan Bockhorst when he arrived in Ketchikan as the new Borough manager. I was impressed with his commitment to the taxpayers of Ketchikan as he was not only having a new house built, but was shopping locally for the fixtures, appliances, and materials for his new home.

Sometime later I contacted Mr. Bockhorst about the senior citizen tax exemption issue - what were the legal guidelines for the ordinance and were seniors informed as to what was within the scope of the privilege? (It is sometimes a battle with customers when explaining to them that they could not use their exemption for rental property, nor for gifts). I was again impressed. Within a week Dan and his staff provided new brochures and store posters explaining to those over 65 what was and what was not allowed. I later realized that no matter what the issue, Mr. Bockhorst was always able to provide research on both sides for almost any concern in Ketchikan, or in the State of Alaska.

I am voting for Dan as I have found him to always be unfailingly honest and concerned about the tax payers of Ketchikan. Like Dan, I believe that our local government is unable to provide for every demand, especially in Alaska’s unstable financial situation.

The 14,000 people of Ketchikan are varied in income and needs. Every time someone advocates for higher property tax I wonder how that will feel to hardworking families - both parents struggling to provide for their children. If renters, can they afford the higher property tax passed on to them from owners and then the additional sales tax on that higher rent? For many in Ketchikan it is a financial uphill battle and housing is expensive - pushing those families into assistance programs is not in the best interest of our community.

The pot of money is finite and for every increase in spending for one sector, another will lose. Promising everyone everything is untruthful and undeliverable. If elected, Dan will be but one vote on the Borough Assembly -- however, no matter what the issue I know he will come to the table well prepared to represent all the residents of Ketchikan.

Hannah Ramiskey
40+ year Ketchikan resident

Name
Ketchikan, Alaska

Editor's Note:

The text of this letter was NOT edited by the SitNews Editor.

Received September 26, 2018 - Published September 28, 2018

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