Ballot Review
Election Day
Tuesday
April 5, 2016
Prepared by the League of Women Voters of Anchorage for the
Anchorage Municipal Election, Tuesday, April 5, 2016
Assembly • School Board • Bond Propositions • Charter Amendments
On Tuesday, April 5, 2016, qualified voters within the Municipality of Anchorage will:
• Elect five Assembly members and two School Board members and
• Vote areawide on six bond propositions and two proposed Charter Amendments.
Voters residing in some service areas will also elect members to their respective service area boards and vote on amendments to
service area powers and establishing service areas.
This Ballot Review presents information about the ballot measures, as well as the Assembly and School Board candidates.
Candidates were invited to submit 100-word biographical profiles.
The Notice of Election, Notice of Polling Places, and Notice of Bonded Indebtedness will be published in the Alaska Dispatch
News on Monday, April 4, 2016, and online at www.muni.org/elections. The notices will list Assembly, School Board, and service
area candidates and polling places, as well as the text of the ballot propositions and current bonded indebtedness.
Who may vote?
Anyone registered to vote in Alaska by March 6, 2016, and who has lived within the Municipality of Anchorage for at least 30
days before the election may vote in this election.
When do I vote?
Election day is Tuesday, April 5, 2016. Vote between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. You may also vote before Election Day; see below
for information about options for early and absentee voting.
Where do I vote?
Vote at the polling place for the precinct where you live. There are several ways to determine your polling place. Your voter registration card has your precinct number; find your precinct in the notice of polling places in the Alaska Dispatch News on Monday,
April 4, 2016, or online at www.muni.org/elections. You may call the Municipal Clerk’s Office at 907-243-VOTE (8683) or State
Elections Office at 907-522-VOTE (8683).
Vote by mail, fax,
or early in-person
You don’t have to wait until Election Day to vote. You may vote by mail, vote by fax, or vote early in-person.
Applications for Absentee By-Mail ballots or Absentee By-Fax ballots must be received by the Clerk’s Office by 5:00 p.m. on
Tuesday, March 29, 2016. Applications are available at www.muni.org/elections or by calling 907-243-VOTE (8683).
Early and Absentee In-Person Voting Locations
Anchorage City Hall
632 West 6th Avenue, Suite 105
All Municipal ballots will be available.
Z. J. Loussac Library
3600 Denali Street, Wilda Marston Theater,
1st Floor
All Municipal ballots will be available.
Chugiak Senior Center
22424 North Birchwood Loop
Only ballots for Eagle River/Chugiak will be available.
Ted Stevens International Airport
Domestic Terminal – lower level, near entrance from parking garage.
All Municipal ballots will be available.
University of Alaska Anchorage
Student Union, 2905 Spirit Way
All Municipal ballots will be available.
Voting by personal
representative
Dates
March 21 – April 4, 2016
Monday through Friday
Closed weekends and Election Day.
Hours
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
March 21 – April 4, 2016
Monday through Saturday
Sunday – March 27, 2016
Sunday – April 3, 2016
Tuesday – April 5, 2016
March 28 – April 4, 2016
Monday through Friday
Closed weekends and Election Day.
Election day ONLY
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Election day ONLY
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
If you are unable to go to the polls due to age, serious illness or a disability, you may have a personal representative pick up and
deliver a ballot to you. The ballot should be picked up at your (the voter’s) precinct or an absentee voting location.
Anchorage voters hospitalized on Election Day may request delivery of a ballot by an elections official by calling 907-343-4311
by 10:00 a.m. on Election Day.
Call the Clerk’s Office at 907-343-4311 or 907-243-VOTE (8683) for more information on these options.
Voting on Service
Area bonds
Bond-related projects such as roads and parks are organized into service areas with various geographic boundaries; only taxpayers in those service areas pay for the bonded projects. Even so, State law requires a pledge of the “full faith and credit” of the
whole Municipality, which means that a bond proposition in a service area must be approved by a majority of voters throughout
the Municipality as well as by a majority of voters in the service area. For example, all qualified voters vote on the Anchorage
Road and Drainage Service Area (ARDSA) bonds, but only taxpayers in the ARDSA pay for them. In this election, this applies to Propositions 4 (APRSA – Parks), 5 (ARDSA – Roads), 6 (AFSA – Fire), and 7 (AMPSA – Police). Other bond related
projects, like Proposition 1 (Schools) and Proposition 3 (Areawide Safety), are funded areawide and paid for by all Anchorage
taxpayers.
On the Web
This Ballot Review is available at www.muni.org/elections and at www.lwvanchorage.org, as well as on Facebook: League of
Women Voters of Anchorage or Facebook: Municipal Clerk’s Office. “Like” us on Facebook and share the Ballot Review.
Candidates
Qualified voters residing in the Municipality of Anchorage may vote for a candidate listed by filling in the oval next to the
name, or writing in the name of a person qualified to hold that office and filling in the oval next to the write-in name. All seats
are three-year terms ending in 2019. Assembly member are elected to specific designated district seats. School Board members are elected at large, meaning each member represents all areas of the Municipality and are elected to designated seats. All
Assembly and School Board candidates win with a simple majority. Candidates’ names appear in random order on the ballot.
Candidates were invited to submit a 100-word biographical profile for inclusion in the Ballot Review. The profiles may be
found later in this publication.
Candidates for
Assembly
District 2 - Seat A - Chugiak/Eagle River: Amy Demboski, Nicholas Begich
District 3 - Seat D - West Anchorage: Ira Perman, Dustin Darden, Eric Croft, Adam Trombley
District 4 - Seat F - Midtown Anchorage: Ron Alleva, Dick Traini
District 5 - Seat H - East Anchorage: Forrest Dunbar, Terre Gales
District 6 - Seat J - South Anchorage: Mark Schimscheimer, John Weddleton, Treg Taylor
Candidates for
School Board
Seat A: Bettye Davis, Brent Hughes
Seat B: Kay Schuster, David Nees, Starr Marsett
Prop. 1: $49,255,000 Anchorage School District Capital Improvements Bonds
These bonds would pay for educational capital improvements: design, construction, upgrade, and renovation of school facilities; projects to extend educational facility building
life; and replacing school buses. More information about these bonds is available at
www.asdk12.org/bonds or 907-742-4153.
For property assessed at $100,000, estimated annual costs are $10.86 to retire the debt.
There are no new costs for operations and maintenance (O&M). Property owners
throughout the Municipality would be taxed for these bonds.
To be voted on by qualified voters residing in the Municipality of Anchorage. Projects
expected to be funded include, but are not limited to:
Estimated
Estimated Annual
Project
Cost
O&M
Capital Improvement Projects
Whaley School – design – improvements
$1,400,000 $0
Mount Iliamna – design – relocate program from current facility
on JBER to an existing elementary site
2,600,000 0
Districtwide Life Safety and Building Protection Projects
Abbott Loop Elementary – convert security cameras to internet protocol
63,000 0
Bartlett High – replace intercom system and exit signage
1,005,000 0
Bear Valley Elementary – replace intercom system
175,000 0
Birchwood ABC Elementary – convert security cameras to internet
protocol
63,000 0
Campbell Elementary – replace roof and improve seismic integrity
2,498,000 0
Central Middle – brace walls for seismic integrity
500,000 0
Chester Valley Elementary – convert security cameras to internet protocol 63,000 0
Chugiak Elementary – convert security cameras to internet protocol
63,000 0
Chugiak High – convert security cameras to internet protocol; replace
a portion of heating system
4,116,000 0
Project
Estimated
Estimated Annual
Cost
O&M
College Gate Elementary – replace back-up generator
District-wide – seismic study and investigation
Eagle River High – convert security cameras to internet protocol
East High – install sprinklers and improve restrooms
Goldenview Middle – replace water line
Homestead Elementary – replace back-up generator and improve
heating
King Career Center – replace roof
Lake Otis Elementary – replace exterior windows
Mears Middle – convert security cameras to internet protocol;
replace intercom
Mirror Lake Middle – convert security cameras to internet protocol;
replace direct digital building control
Muldoon Elementary – partially replace roof
North Star Elementary – convert security cameras to internet protocol
Nunaka Elementary – replace roof
Polaris K-12 – convert security cameras to internet protocol
Ptarmigan Elementary – partially replace roof and replace emergency
lighting
Rogers Park Elementary – replace roof and convert security cameras
to internet protocol
Romig Middle – convert security cameras to internet protocol
Russian Jack Elementary – convert security cameras to internet protocol
Sand Lake Elementary – convert security cameras to internet protocol
Service High – install sprinklers and replace railing
Steller Secondary – convert security cameras to internet protocol
Student Nutrition – replace roof
Taku Elementary – replace back-up generator and repair sidewalks
275,000
364,000
210,000
4,200,000
1,530,000
0
0
0
0
0
211,000
4,095,000
85,000
0
0
0
455,000
0
279,000
920,000
63,000
2,190,000
105,000
0
0
0
0
0
1,890,000
0
3,243,000
105,000
63,000
63,000
1,830,000
63,000
2,040,000
263,000
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
continued on Page 3
2
League of Women Voters | Ballot Review
Prop. 1: $49,255,000 Anchorage School District Capital Improvements Bonds (cont.)
Estimated
Estimated Annual
Cost
O&M
Project
Tyson Elementary – replace exit signage
Wendler Middle – convert security cameras to internet protocol;
replace intercom
West High – convert security cameras to internet protocol;
replace library roof; upgrade seismic bracing
32,000
0
455,000
0
4,557,000
0
Estimated
Estimated Annual
Cost
O&M
Project
Whaley Center – replace digital building controls
35,000 0
Williwaw Elementary – convert security cameras to internet protocol
63,000 0
Willow Crest – replace roof
3,525,000 0
Student Transportation
Transportation – replace approximately 27 school buses
3,500,000 0
Total
$49,255,000 $0
Prop. 2: Charter Amendment – Marijuana Sales Tax
This proposition would amend the Municipal Charter by adding Section
14.06, Retail marijuana sales tax, and amend Sections 14.01 and 14.03.
the tax increase limitation until 2019 only. The amendment would allow the
Assembly to make exemptions to the tax by ordinance.
The amendment would approve an initial five percent (5%) sales tax on
the retail sale of marijuana and marijuana products. The amendment would
allow the Assembly to adjust the tax no more often than once every two
years by up to two percent (2%), with the maximum tax not to exceed 12
percent. The proposition also specifies that revenues from the tax are outside
If approved by 60% of voters voting on the question, the amendment would
take effect upon certification of the election.
To be voted on by qualified voters residing in the Municipality of
Anchorage.
Prop. 3: $3,065,000 Areawide Safety Capital Improvement Bonds
These bonds would pay for capital improvements to public safety areawide.
For property assessed at $100,000, estimated
annual costs are $0.65 to retire the debt. There
are no new costs for operations and maintenance (O&M).
Property owners throughout the
Municipality would be taxed for these bonds.
To be voted on by qualified voters residing in the Municipality of Anchorage.
Projects expected to be funded include, but are not limited to:
Project
Upgrade E911 (Enhanced 911)
Replace ambulances
Purchase 12 LifePak defibrillator/cardiac monitors
Total
Estimated Cost
$2,000,000
900,000
165,000
$3,065,000
Estimated
Annual O&M
$0
0
0
$0
Prop. 4: $3,360,000 Anchorage Parks and Recreation Service Area Capital Improvement Bonds
These bonds would pay to construct, renovate,
and equip parks, trails, and recreational facilities in the Anchorage Parks and Recreation
Service Area (APRSA). The APRSA includes
most of the Anchorage Bowl and most of the
Hillside. The APRSA does not include Eagle
River/Chugiak, Birchwood, Peters Creek,
Eklutna, Girdwood, Indian, Bird Creek and
portions of Glen Alps, Stuckagain Heights,
Rabbit Creek, and Bear Valley.
For property in the APRSA assessed at
$100,000, estimated annual costs are $0.82 to
retire the debt and $0.76 to pay for new annual
operations and maintenance costs (O&M). The
new O&M costs would increase the Municipal
tax cap by up to $235,000.
Only property owners in the APRSA would
be taxed for these bonds. There would be
no cost to property owners in Eagle River/
Chugiak, Birchwood, Peters Creek, Eklutna,
Girdwood, Indian, Bird Creek, and portions
of Glen Alps, Stuckagain Heights, Rabbit
League of Women Voters | Ballot Review
Creek, and Bear Valley. However, because State law requires the full faith and credit of the whole
Municipality to be pledged for the bonds, passage requires approval by voters residing in the entire
Municipality as well as by voters in the APRSA.
To be voted on by qualified voters residing in the Municipality of Anchorage.
Projects expected to be funded include, but are not limited to:
Project
Estimated Cost
All-inclusive playground development
$250,000 Mountain View Community and Neighborhood Park Improvements
150,000
Mountain View and Fairview Community Garden Improvements
50,000
Taku Lake Park Re-development & Safety Upgrades 400,000
Town Square Park Safety and Maintenance Improvement
100,000
Valley of the Moon Park Safety Upgrades
150,000
Campbell Creek Trail Rehabilitation
650,000
Fish Creek Trail Rehabilitation
175,000
Multi-Use Trail Bridge Upgrades 400,000
Coastal Trail Shoreline Stabilization
400,000
Lake Otis & Campbell Creek Parking Improvement
300,000
Spenard Rec Center – Generator Replacement 250,000
Delaney Community Ctr (Pete’s Gym) – Utility Improvements
85,000
Total
$3,360,000
Estimated
Annual O&M
$17,500
10,500
3,500
28,000
7,000
10,500
45,500
12,250
28,000
28,000
21,000
17,500
5,950
$235,200
*Estimated O&M costs vary due to rounding.
3
Election Day
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
The Municipality of Anchorage is exploring a Vote by Mail election system,
proposed for April 2017, to simplify
and streamline the election process
in Anchorage. The goals of a Vote by
Mail option are to increase voter turnout, maximize voter protection, and
safeguard community resources.
Prop. 5: $36,585,000 Anchorage Roads and Drainage Service Area Road and Storm Drainage Bonds
These bonds would pay for roads and storm
drainage capital acquisition, construction, renovation, upgrades and related capital improvements in the Anchorage Roads and Drainage
Service Ares (ARDSA). The ARDSA includes
much of the Anchorage Bowl. It does not
include Girdwood, Indian, Bird Creek, Eagle
River/Chugiak and most of the Hillside.
For property in the ARDSA assessed at
$100,000, estimated annual costs are $9.76 to
retire the debt and $0.94 to pay for new annual
operations and maintenance (O&M) costs. The
new O&M costs would increase the Municipal
tax cap by an amount not to exceed $265,000.
Only property owners in the ARDSA would
be taxed for these bonds. There would be
no cost to property owners in Girdwood,
Indian, Bird Creek, Eagle River/Chugiak,
and most of the Hillside. However, because
State law requires the full faith and credit of
the whole Municipality to be pledged for the
bonds, passage requires approval by voters
residing in the entire Municipality as well as by
voters in the ARDSA.
To be voted on by qualified voters residing in
the Municipality of Anchorage.
Projects expected to be funded include, but are
not limited to:
Project
Estimated Cost
Local match for federally funded projects
$285,000
Street light improvements
800,000
Arctic Boulevard reconstruction phase III – 36th Avenue to
Tudor Road
6,800,000
Downtown/Midtown area alley paving
100,000
Glacier Street area resurfacing
200,000
Intersection resurfacing
100,000
Recycle asphalt pavement (RAP) and subbase rehabilitation
600,000
Road and storm drain improvements program
2,000,000
Spenard Road reconstruction phase II – Hillcrest Drive to
Benson Boulevard
13,800,000
Spring, Briarwood, and Greenwood Streets resurfacing
150,000
Thurman Drive area resurfacing
200,000
Pedestrian safety and rehabilitation program
800,000
Briarwood and East 74th Avenue drainage improvements
100,000
Bugle, Travis, Henderson Loop area drainage improvements
150,000
East 66th Avenue and Greenwood Street area drainage improvements
150,000
Flooding, glaciation, and drainage projects
500,000
Lakehurst Drive area drainage improvements
200,000
Ravensbruch Subdivision storm drain main rehabilitation
800,000
Storm drain condition assessment and rehabilitation program
250,000
Wesleyan Drive area drainage improvements
800,000
Windflower Circle area drainage improvements
100,000
Sylvan Drive – Old Seward to Fairweather
4,500,000
Campbell Airstrip Road mile 0.3-0.7, with pedestrian facility
2,700,000
Traffic calming and safety improvements
500,000
Total
$36,585,000
Estimated
Annual O&M
$118,600
111,600
25,700
9,200
$265,100*
* Estimated O&M costs vary due to rounding.
Prop. 6: $1,050,000 Anchorage Fire Service Area Fire Protection Bonds
These bonds would pay for capital improvements related to fire protection within the
Anchorage Fire Service Area (AFSA), which
includes the Anchorage Bowl, Eagle River
and most of the Hillside, but does not include
Chugiak, Birchwood, Peters Creek, Eklutna,
Indian, Bird Creek, Girdwood and portions of
Glen Alps and Rabbit Creek.
For property in the AFSA assessed at $100,000,
estimated annual costs are $0.24 to retire the
debt. There are no new costs for operations and
maintenance (O&M).
Only property owners in the AFSA would be taxed for these bonds. There would be no cost to property owners in Chugiak, Birchwood, Peters Creek, Eklutna, Indian, Bird Creek, Girdwood and
portions of Glen Alps and Rabbit Creek. However, because State law requires the full faith and credit
of the whole Municipality to be pledged for the bonds, passage requires approval by voters residing in the
entire Municipality as well as in the AFSA.
To be voted on by qualified voters residing in the Municipality of Anchorage.
Projects expected to be funded include, but are not limited to:
Project
Replace a fire engine – heavy rescue
Replace boiler at Fire Vehicle Maintenance Facility
Total
4
Estimated Cost
$900,000
150,000
$1,050,000
Estimated
Annual O&M
$0
0
$0
League of Women Voters | Ballot Review
Prop. 7: $3,800,000 Anchorage Metropolitan Police Service Area Facilities Bonds
These bonds would pay for capital improvements within the Anchorage Metropolitan
Police Service Area (AMPSA). The AMPSA
includes all areas of the Municipality north of
McHugh Creek. It does not include Indian,
Bird Creek, Portage, and Girdwood.
requires the full faith and credit of the whole Municipality to be pledged for the bonds, passage requires
approval by voters residing in the entire Municipality as well as by voters in the AMPSA.
For property in the AFSA assessed at $100,000,
estimated annual costs are $0.82 to retire the
debt. There are no new costs for operations and
maintenance (O&M). Only property owners in the AMPSA would be taxed for these
bonds. There would be no cost to property owners in Indian, Bird Creek, Portage,
and Girdwood. However, because State law
Project
To be voted on by qualified voters residing in the Municipality of Anchorage.
Projects expected to be funded include, but are not limited to:
Estimated Cost
Rehabilitate Anchorage Police Department (APD)
uninterrupted power supply (UPS)
Replace roof at APD Headquarters
Upgrade APD Training Center
APD evidence freezer
Total
Estimated
Annual O&M
$500,000
2,100,000
900,000
300,000
$3,800,000
0
0
0
0
$0
Prop. 8: Charter Amendment – Tax Increase Limitation
Proposition 8 is placed on the ballot through a citizen’s initiative petition.
This proposition asks voters to amend the Anchorage Municipal Charter,
Article XIV, Section 14.03: Tax Increase Limitation (“Tax Cap”) to add a
new subsection.
If approved by a majority of voters voting on the question, the amendment
would take effect upon certification of the election.
To be voted on by qualified voters residing in the Municipality of
Anchorage.
If approved, Subsection 14.03(a)(2) would state: “the total amount of tax
approved by the Assembly for the preceding year shall be the total amount
of the taxes and payments in-lieu of taxes approved by the Assembly for
collection in the preceding year.”
Pro and con statements on this proposition are included on page 7.
Prop. 9: A Proposition Authorizing the Girdwood Valley Service Area to Provide for
Police Protection Services Beginning 7/1/16 at the Sole Expense of the GVSA
Only voters residing in the Girdwood Valley Service Area vote on this
proposition. This proposition would allow the Girdwood Valley Service
Area (GVSA) to provide for police protection services, beginning July 1,
2016, at the sole expense of property owners in the GVSA. The proposition
would amend Anchorage Municipal Code 27.20.110 and 27.30.020.
For property in the GVSA assessed at $100,000, new estimated annual costs would be $118.00 to pay for police services contracted from the
Whittier Police Department. Only property owners in the GVSA are taxed
for this service. There is, and would be, no cost to property owners in other
areas of the Municipality.
The means of providing police services would be approved by the GVSA
Board of Supervisors. One option that may be available to the GVSA is
contracting with the Whittier Police Department. Under that option the
additional mill rate is estimated to be 1.18 mills. This addition together with
existing taxes in GVSA may not exceed the existing maximum 6.0 mill rate
for GVSA services.
Only qualified voters residing in the Girdwood Valley Service Area vote on
this proposition.
BONDED INDEBTEDNESS
The current General Obligation
(G.O.) bonded indebtedness of the
Municipality of Anchorage, including authorized but unissued bonds,
based on bonds outstanding as of
December 31, 2015, is as follows:
General Obligation
Bonds
Issued and outstanding
Authorized but unissued
Total
Bonds paid off in 2015
Debt Service
Payments
To be made in 2016 on
all G.O. bonds
League of Women Voters | Ballot Review
General Purpose
School
Total
$439,950,000
47,924,000
487,874,000
$35,650,000
$581,935,000
48,350,000
630,285,000
$61,860,000
$1,021,885,000
96,274,000
1,118,159,000
$97,510,000
Principal
Interest
Total
$92,755,000
$45,475,982
$138,230,982
5
CANDIDATE PROFILES
Candidates for Assembly and School Board were invited to submit a 100-word biographical profile for inclusion in the Ballot Review. Each submission was provided by the candidate and is
not endorsed by the League of Women Voters or the Municipality of Anchorage. Candidates’ names appear in random order on the ballot and are listed here in the order shown on the ballot.
CANDIDATES FOR ASSEMBLY
District 2- Seat A - Chugiak/Eagle River
Amy Demboski – Amy currently serves as an Anchorage Assembly member representing Chugiak, Eagle River, and JBER. Amy is a graduate of Chugiak High School
(1994), the University of Alaska Anchorage with degrees in Justice and History, as
well as Columbia Southern University with a Masters degree in Business with an
emphasis in Finance. Prior to being elected to the Assembly, Amy served as the Chair
of the Anchorage Budget Advisory Commission, Mayor Sullivan’s appointment to
the Chugiak-Eagle River Parks & Recreation Board of Supervisors, the President of
the Chugiak Community Council, and a Commissioner on the State of Alaska Judicial
Conduct Commission.
Contact: [email protected] • 907-301-9179
amy4assembly.com • Facebook: Amy Demboski for Assembly
Nicholas Begich – Proud Alaskan. Life-Long Conservative. Father and Husband.
Graduated from Baylor University (Bachelor of Business) and Indiana University
(MBA). Professionally, I have held positions in Finance, Marketing, Product
Development, and Technology, with budget responsibility at times exceeding 200
Million USD. As the founder of a global company with over 150 employees and with
investments in some of the Nation’s top startups, I understand what it takes to build
businesses. Anchorage is headed for challenging times, but with the right leadership we
will emerge more resilient than ever. I will help to make Anchorage a stronger, more
secure, and more vibrant community.
Contact: [email protected] • 907-350-5838 • www.nicholasbegich.com
District 3 - Seat D - West Anchorage
Ira Perman – West Anchorage resident 40 years. Married Virginia Rusch 1980. Daughters
Esther and Sara, West High School graduates. Career: Atwood Foundation, Trustee,
CEO since 2010; Anchorage Concert Association, CEO 20 years; Alaska Humanities
Forum, CEO, six years. Community Work: Governor Hickel’s Institute of the North,
Board Member, Past President; North Star Community Council, Member, Past
President; Shining Lights Award Committee, Former Member, Chair; Anchorage Rotary,
Former Member and Youth Exchange Chair; Staff to Assembly Member Ernie Hall; Led
initiative for Alaskan high school students to study Alaska History. Assembled coalition
encouraging voluntary Pre –K education. Block party grill master.
Contact: [email protected] • 907-764-6040
Dustin Darden – I’m applying to be a Assembly member in the soon approaching election, representing the West Anchorage district. I’m just a regular person that will listen
to any ideas you may have for moving this city into a direction that will be best for all of
us as a community. I have put blood, sweat, and tears into building up and maintaining
this city. I understand and respect what a hard days work is. I’m currently employed
by the Municipality of Anchorage. I Love this city, and all the people that call it home.
Thank you for your consideration.
Contact: [email protected] • 907-884-5784
www.facebook.com/dustin.darden.5.com
Eric Croft – Born in Spenard and graduating from West High, Eric Croft has lived and
served in West Anchorage his entire life. Spenard’s State Rep for 10 years, Croft partnered on legislation to protect domestic violence victims. Frustrated with political corruption, Croft authored and led statewide initiatives to reinstate campaign finance limits
and require elections for US Senate vacancies. Most recently Croft served as President
of the Anchorage School Board, building a bipartisan coalition to defend Anchorage
schools against massive budget cuts. Croft is an Assembly candidate with the courage of
his convictions, who will work with the administration to move Anchorage forward.
Contact: [email protected] • 907-258-1693 • www.croftforassembly.com
Adam Trombley – I am a 3rd generation, life-long Alaskan; married to Stephanie, have
two daughters, Tatum and Tess. I am a former Assembly member and a current Board
Member of Akeela, which is a non- profit organization offering an array of services
for the prevention and treatment of substance abuse throughout Alaska. I also serve on
the Board of Governors for the Alaska Bar Association, appointed by Gov. Parnell and
re-appointed by Gov. Walker. During my time on the Assembly I limited the growth of
property taxes and introduced robust competition into local government. I would appreciate your vote on April 5th.
6
District 4 - Seat F - Midtown Anchorage
Ron Alleva – No information received.
Contact: [email protected] • 907-229-3232 • www.allevaforassembly.com
Dick Traini – Dick first served on Anchorage’s Assembly in 1991, elected by his peers
to lead in the role of Assembly Chair more than any other member in Anchorage
history. He has worked effectively with six mayors and more than 35 Assembly members. Dick also served our country in the US Airforce for over 20 years. Despite his
experience, Dick never stops learning, earning a BA in Political Science, Masters in
Public Administration, and Certification in Urban Planning, all after his first Assembly
election. Dick Traini is proud to run for one final term of service for the people of
Midtown Anchorage.
Contact: [email protected] • 907-250-6832
District 5 - Seat H - East Anchorage
Forrest Dunbar – I’m a lifelong Alaskan, originally from Eagle on the Yukon and
Cordova on Prince William Sound. My parents both graduated from UAF, and still
live in Cordova. I moved to Anchorage during my law school summers, and remained
here after passing the Bar Exam. I’m honored to serve as an officer in the Alaska Army
National Guard, as well as the on the Scenic Foothills Community Council. I recently
helped found the Muldoon Farmers Market and Forget-Me-Not, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to reducing homelessness. I am a member of Congregation Beth Sholom, and hope
to meet you at your door!
Contact: [email protected] • 907-570-2554 • www.forrestdunbar.com
Terre Gales – Hi, my name is Terre Gales. My wife (Alyssa) and I have three children.
Our daughter Vivian is 12, our son Santino is 6 and our youngest son Bronsen is 3. We
have three dogs and three guinea pigs. We own our home in the North East Anchorage
area. I grew up in a single mother household along with my two sisters. I am an Iraq
War Veteran, a former police officer and currently work as a safety officer for the
Municipality of Anchorage. I am an active member of my church and enjoy mentoring
youth. Thank You.
Contact: [email protected] • 907-230-6253 • www.galesforanchorage.com
District 6 - Seat J - South Anchorage
Mark Schimscheimer – Mark Schimscheimer, PE, is a long-time Anchorage resident
and business leader, community volunteer, and pro-business conservative candidate for
Assembly District 6. He has extensive public and private sector experience. He and his
wife Ramona are the proud parents of one daughter, Sabrina, who attends Goldenview
Middle School, and is a volunteer ski coach with the Special Olympics. For the last 8
years Mark has served as Board Chair for the South Goldenview Road Service Area
where he’s worked tirelessly to promote better quality infrastructure. As an assembly
member, he will fight to control Municipal spending and maintain a strong, healthy
economy for Anchorage’s next generation.
Contact: [email protected] • 907-830-7322
www.markschimscheimer.com
John Weddleton – With 30 years as a business owner and 20 years of active public
service, John balances a conservative pro-business ethic with a strong understanding of
neighborhood issues. As a life- long Independent, John has consistently focused on the
mechanics, not the politics, of our community problems. John owns BOSCO’s, is on the
board of Credit Union 1, co-founded the Spenard Chamber of Commerce and is active in
the Anchorage Chamber. He was a Planning & Zoning Commissioner, Chair of the MidHillside Community Council and HALO. Experience, proven commitment and balanced
decision-making matter. That’s why John is South Anchorage’s choice for Assembly.
Contact: [email protected] • 907-770-0685 • www.weddletonforassembly.com
Treg Taylor – No information received.
Contact: [email protected] • 907-952-0610
Contact: [email protected] • 907-830-0378
www.trombleyforassembly.com
League of Women Voters | Ballot Review
CANDIDATE PROFILES
CANDIDATES FOR SCHOOL BOARD SEAT A
CANDIDATES FOR SCHOOL BOARD SEAT B
Bettye Davis – Bettye Davis has been a resident of Anchorage for over 40 years.
Education is her passion. Bettye currently serves on the Anchorage School Board and
supports equity for all students, funding for pre-kindergarten education, increasing the
Base Student Allocation Formula and reducing the dropout rate. As an Alaska State
Senator, Bettye sponsored Senate Bill 6 – Pre- Kindergarten Program; Senate Bill
3 - Funding Act for School Lunch & Breakfast; Senate Bill 9 – Compulsory School
Attendance (a bill to increase graduation rates by extending school age to 18). Bettye is
Committed and Experienced. She Cares, Listens, and Acts.
Kay Schuster – I was born and raised in Alaska, and graduated from the Anchorage
School District (ASD) and the University of Alaska. I’ve worked at the ASD for 17
years. My husband and are raising three children who all attend public school. Like
other students, they are Alaska’s future. Alaska’s achievement gap and our fiscal gap are
my two priorities. I have ideas on what to cut and make more efficient, and how to make
our kids successful. My lifelong experience here makes me uniquely qualified to serve
on the Anchorage School Board.
Contact: [email protected] • 907-351-5208
Brent Hughes – Throughout my life I have favored students over teachers and teachers
over administrators. For me, kids are absolutely EVERYTHING. My life-long mission
to “lighten the load in life” for kids has always started with a dream of major breakthroughs for KIDS, working backwards, determining a “fastest way” to achieve that
result. Consequently, I have been exceptionally lucky in pioneering math instruction
strategies that have been repeatedly showcased on TV, Radio and the newspapers while
offers to freely pilot these teacher acclaimed revolutionary breakthroughs have been
repeatedly ignored by administrators, school board members and politicians. Time to
inform the public!
Contact: [email protected] • 907-276-2467
www.timestabletricks.com/testimonials/
as well as www.timestabletricks.com/about-the-author/
Contact: [email protected] • voteschuster.com
David Nees – David Nees was born in England the son of a US Air Dad, And English
mom. Air Force life had stops in to Japan, Florida, D.C. and finally Niagara Falls. Junior
High was at London central. High School was in Dallas Oregon and graduation from
Perrydale It was here David discovered running and earned a scholarship to Pacific
University. After a earning a in BA History, and setting the school mile record, David
followed his new wife to her home of Alaska in 1979. Teaching degree from UAA,
began a 28 career in the ASD, teaching and coaching every day.
Contact: [email protected] • 907-522-1118
http://nees4schoolboard2016.weebly.com
Starr Marsett – I am proud to be a passionate advocate for education and children and
have been for over 30 years. My educational roots run deep and I have volunteered
extensively in and for our schools. I’ve been president of the PTA in many schools and
currently serve on three Anchorage School District Committees, including the Capital
Improvement Advisory Committee, making recommendations to the school board about
school bonds. Volunteering in classrooms and substituting have expanding my insights
into students’ needs. In addition to being a mom and a grandmother, I have a BS in
Business Management and sixteen years experience in the financial industry.
Contact: [email protected] • 907-240-1310 • www.starrforschoolboard.com
STATEMENTS REGARDING PROPOSITION 8
PRO STATEMENT
CON STATEMENT
Vote YES on Proposition 8 to Save Our Tax Cap. This proposition will reverse a recent
change to the Tax Cap calculation adopted by the Anchorage Assembly, allowing taxes to
increase faster than previously allowed. Passing Proposition 8 will also keep the Assembly
from increasing taxes in this way again, without a vote of the people.
The Taxman Cometh – likely more terrifying than the title of any film or book ever conceived. If you’re like us you’re slowly gathering the dizzying number of documents necessary to prepare your 2015 tax return and, with a little luck, receive a tax refund. Painful
though this exercise may be, can you imagine a scenario where you were due a refund but
didn’t receive it?
Background: In 1983 Anchorage voters approved a Tax Increase Limitation provision to
the city charter, commonly known as the “Tax Cap”. In simple terms, the Tax Cap limits
the amount of taxes the Municipality can collect each year. The Tax Cap limits tax increases each year based on new construction and voter approved debt and average change in
inflation and population from the previous five years.
Unfortunately, with respect to your municipal taxes, that scenario would become reality if
ballot measure 8 is approved.
Here’s why:
In October 2015 the Anchorage Assembly changed the way the basis for the Tax Cap
was calculated for follow-on tax years, permitting taxes to increase more rapidly, without
a vote of the people. Under this new basis, calculating next the years maximum taxes
allowed would hinge on the amount of taxes that could have been collected, instead on the
amount of taxes that were actually collected, (the method used prior to the change).
Each year the Municipality of Anchorage approves a budget and each year it is closely monitored. Departments are challenged to beat their budgets by spending less than
they’re authorized. For example, given the dearth of snow this winter we expect Street
Maintenance to come in under budget. That will allow the Assembly to refund that surplus
for the following year’s property tax bill – unless ballot measure 8 passes.
With the state currently considering adding new state income taxes and/or sales taxes and
reducing the amount of PFD payouts to solve the state budget crisis, it’s especially important that we limit the ability of local government to dramatically increase our property tax
burden.
While proponents of ballot measure 8 speak of fiscal discipline there are two ugly side
effects upon which they remain silent.
The Tax Cap has served Anchorage well for over 30 years, through both robust and
challenging economies. The change implemented by the Assembly is merely an attempt
to extract more money from Anchorage residents without justification. Please vote YES to
Save Our Tax Cap.
Submitted by former Mayor Dan Sullivan
taxcapdefenders.org
First, should it pass, departments would no longer have an incentive to underspend as that
would result in lower tax capacity in future years. Anybody who’s been involved with a
bureaucracy, public or private, has seen that sort of behavior. In short, ballot measure 8
incentivizes waste and inefficiency. That’s not good government.
Second, ballot measure 8 eliminates the ability for the municipality to provide one-time
tax relief. Here’s a specific example; during the Great Recession the federal government
provided money to local governments via state governments. Then-Governor Palin initially
resisted accepting those dollars but acquiesced due, in part, to the Assembly’s pledge to use
Anchorage’s share for tax relief. Had ballot measure 8 been in place that would not have
been possible.
Neither of us are much beloved among municipal agencies. We ask tough questions, we
don’t suffer fools gladly and we demand accountability. That’s harder than passing feelgood legislation. We concur you’re better off without this ill-conceived proposal.
League of Women Voters | Ballot Review
Submitted by Ernie Hall and Patrick Flynn, former Anchorage
Assembly Chairs and current members of the Anchorage Assembly
7
Ballot Review: Anchorage Municipal Election
The League of Women Voters of Anchorage is a non-partisan organization that promotes political responsibility
through informed and active participation in government. This Ballot Review was prepared by the League of Women
Voters of Anchorage, with funding from the Municipality of Anchorage, Municipal Clerk’s Office – Elections.
League of Women Voters of Anchorage • PO Box 101345 • Anchorage, AK 99510-1345
907-274-8477 • www.lwvanchorage.org • Facebook: League of Women Voters of Anchorage
On Tuesday, April 5, 2016, qualified voters within the Municipality of Anchorage
will:
This Ballot Review is available at
www.muni.org/elections and at
www.lwvanchorage.org,
as well as on Facebook:
League of Women Voters of Anchorage
or Facebook: Municipal Clerk’s Office.
Like both – and share the Ballot Review.
ECRWSS
Ballot Review:
Anchorage Municipal Election
PO Box 101345
Anchorage, AK 99510-1345
League of Women Voters of Anchorage
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
ANCHORAGE, AK
PERMIT NO 957
Please recycle
after the election
•
Elect five Assembly members
•
Elect two School Board members
•
Vote areawide on six bond propositions
and two proposed Charter Amendments
•
In some service areas elect board members, vote to amend powers
and vote to establish additional service
April 5
, 2016
This Ballot Review presents information about the ballot measures, as well as the candidates for Assembly and School
Board. It also describes opportunities for voting by mail, fax, early in- person or by personal representative.