Published: Wednesday
September 03, 2003

Elect Barb Bigelow Borough Assembly Barbara brings a reasonable, moderate and balanced approach to local government. Please Vote On October 7th

Background:

• Alaska resident since 1978
• Co-manager of Waypoint Inn at Herring Bay
• Department manager for Health Information and Organizational Integrity at PeaceHealth KGH
• Sales Associate with Alliance Realty
• Served in many volunteer and civic positions including:
  • University of Alaska Ketchikan & Sitka Campus
  • Rotary
  • The Borough Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee
  • First City Council on Cancer
  • Director with the Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce
  • UAS Chancellors Advisory Board
  • Various Elected roles with the Alaska State Health Information Management Association
• Bachelor of Science: Health Information Management
• Masters: Business Management

VISION - The "Es" of our Economy and Community

ECONOMIC VIABILITY:

Consolidation:

Support consolidation of governments; local charter commission will determine best methodology.

Education:

Support full funding to the cap with financial accountability and controls in place. Education is key to our successful future.

Business Development:

Local Maritime Industry Development - I support actions and studies currently underway for expansion.
Bridge to Gravina - already in the planning stages and federal money appropriated.

Ward Cove: I support private veneer plant opportunity through AIDEA, no more Borough $$$ committed without community benefit.

Continue to pursue NOAA and AMHS operations in Ward Cove.

Borough should consider/continue work with the City on the development of strategies which will help entice business to view Ketchikan as desirable such as tax incentives/credits, reduced utility rates, and other "business-friendly" strategy.

Ketchikan International Airport belongs to us. I support continued local control and future ownership.

Mariculture and other resource development to include infrastructure and transportation.

Government:

Borough government should focus on water, sewer, school funding and Borough infrastructure, including school buildings.

The Borough should stay out of competition with private sector business markets.

EFFECTIVE TAXATION:

Sales Tax: No more sales tax until Borough can demonstrate fiscal responsibility (voters will most likely decide in the October election)

No Elimination of senior property / sales tax exemptions: I do not support eliminating these exemptions.

EXTRAORDINARY SERVICE:

Borough Assembly needs to work as a team whenever possible and collaborate on whole-community goals.

Support Bus System: I support the bus, privatization may be possible, bus service must continue to meet community needs.

Continued Community Planning: Continue to develop community-friendly programs such as junk car removal, sludge/compost opportunities, and green belt planning.

Planning: Is an important component of economic development.

Promote a Healthy Community: I support social service organizations with demonstrated need, the Arts, and visitor industry support organizations.

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