Making Government work
better and cost less:
I want to make Municipal government
more efficient and less costly by allowing the private sector
to compete in the delivery of city services, such as: street maintenance
and plowing, vehicle maintenance, accounting services, and others.
Here's how it works in other cities: Services traditionally provided
by city government are examined to determine whether city government
or private business can provide those services at the highest
quality for the lowest cost. Sometimes a city unit wins the competition
by becoming more efficient; sometimes a private entity wins a
contract by proving it can do the work better for less money.
By focusing on the needs of "customers" – the citizens
– cities are achieving substantial savings while still delivering
high quality services.
Diversifying our economy:
Five years ago, Anchorage had the highest
per capita income in the nation. Now, with the decline of jobs
in the oil patch, we have fallen to below average. I believe it's
urgent we aggressively pursue new jobs at the airport by expanding
our cargo handling, storage and logistics capabilities. We also
need a Blue Ribbon Commission of business and political leaders
to work with AEDC to identify businesses we want to attract and
to make individualized presentations to bring them to Anchorage.
For too many years our political leaders have been satisfied to
have oil as our only major economic base. Now we need to show
we can compete with other cities for good new jobs.
A better looking Anchorage:
The City of Lights and Flowers is a
great cosmetic program. But it isn't enough. We need stronger
design standards for new buildings in the downtown core. We can
have a better-looking city if we insist on better
design. No more square boxes made of cement blocks downtown. We
should demand better.
Open government, and
a commitment to listen:
The reason people don't trust government
is that government simply hasn't been very trustworthy. Politicians
give lip service to open government, but find many reasons to
discuss important topics behind closed doors. Our Municipal Assembly
and departments give the impression they don't really care what
the public thinks, and appear to ask for public comment only after
they've already discussed a program and are committed to their
decision. I am committed to Open Government and Public Process
because I believe the public is smarter than the bureaucrats and
politicians. I will listen to you.
Snow machine trails:
We are a winter city with very few
accommodations for snow machines. One amenity we can provide is
to complete a simple winter snow machine trail between Anchorage
and Eagle River. I will personally negotiate with the military
for the necessary right of way to make the trail a reality.
