Published: Saturday
October 04, 2003

Merrill Stulken PO Box 1538 Ward Cove, AK Phone: 247-2855

Responses to KEA Questions
Borough Assembly Candidate Questionnaire

1. What do you think is the Assembly's responsibility for funding the school district?

Being aware of the limited funds available and wisely allocating those monies. In working out a solution, it will be necessary to enlist the cooperation of the administration, teachers, and parents to cooperate with economic priorities during these financially strapped times.

2. Do you plan to lobby the legislature for more funding for public schools?

If elected, I would support any effort to increase funding for schools, outside of increasing taxes.

3. What are your top three funding priorities borough-wide?

My focus in coming to the Borough Assembly is to work hard creating higher paying income, new year round jobs to support families, and creating an environment for small business growth.

Turn Ward Cove into a private tax paying venture rather than a government owned enterprise.

Promote Gravina access and bridge.

Cooperate with Southeast communities to push for a hard-link to the mainland. This is crucial for our community's long-term growth and prosperity 10 to 20 years from now.

4. Recently, there has been a perception that the assembly and the school board have not been working together effectively. How do you plan to address that problem/perception?

I agree, the assembly and the school board have not worked as well together as they could have. It is important to listen and understand all the viewpoints presented on any issue before making an informed decision.

5. What do you think are the top two strengths of our school district?

1. The dedication of our teachers in that they work hard to educate our children.
2. The public is supportive of education and they are aware of the genuine needs of the school district.

6. What do you think are the top two problems of our school district? If elected, how do you plan to help solve them?

The most obvious problem at this time is the temporary funding short fall, and an overall lack of respect between the administration and the teachers. Hopefully, through unbiased listening, to both sides of the issues, I can help promote an atmosphere of cooperation and understanding.

7. If elected, do you plan to become more involved in the public school system, and, if so, how?

The issues of cooperation, understanding, and listening to all sides would start the processes in motion for everyone's benefit. My job, if elected, is not to micro-manage, or do someone else's job.

8. What has been your involvement with organized labor, bargaining contracts, and evaluating employee's?

Having been self-employed the last twenty-eight years, since 1975, I've hired, and managed many types of individuals. Working well with people requires sincerity, honesty, and integrity. Maintaining these qualities and using them are always challenging, but I continually strive to show respect and appreciation to the individuals who work for me. These are values I live by, and an attitude that I would bring to the Assembly if elected.

9. When you need information about the Ketchikan public school system, where will you go to obtain your information?

Our children are grown and I have therefore been relying on other community members to work through issues with the school system. Now, as an assembly candidate, I would ask for input from all parties. If elected to the Borough Assembly, I would support full funding for the schools. I would encourage open, sincere, honest communication with staff and administration to assure the highest level of education is made available to our children.

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