Name: Penny Vadla

Age: N/A

Occupation: Retired teacher

Family: Husband, Bruce; children, Kaitlin and Brett

Education: Master's degree inpublic school administration

Organizations and special interests: Delta Kappa Gamma, NCA and NCTE

Previously held elected office: None

1. How much residential development should the City allow in the commercial district? Should the high-value commercial district be preserved for businesses?

It is not really so much a question of 'how much' residential development should be allowed in a commercial district; rather, it is a question of should residential development be allowed in a commercial district at all. This question is of utmost importance as Soldotna revisits its "1995 Comprehensive Plan for the city" in an effort to update the plan. This comprehensive plan as written clearly states 'a vision for the city of Soldotna.' At issue is the development of one of Soldotna's most important areas: the 'Main Street of Soldotna' that runs parallel to the Kenai River. With the recent building of condos in the area and the impending possibility of more such structures, it is imperative that the city address usage in this area as well as other areas zoned commercial.

2. What can be done to expedite building a city cemetery? Should the city manager be given a firm deadline to start building it?

The building of a cemetery is long overdue. The cemetery issue was addressed again at a council meeting this spring; and as a result of that testimony, a task force was established to research suitable areas. The committee is comprised of local citizens who are looking into possible suitable areas that would provide a large enough piece of land so that a well-planned cemetery (one with expansion in mind) can be created that provides a place of serenity and respect for our loved ones. Once a tract has been selected, I am confident the council will expedite this process. Proper planning, coupled with research on cemetery development will ensure that a 'quality' cemetery is developed. While firm deadlines are often desirable, proper planning and development really provide for greater success.

3. What can Soldotna do to get the Kenai River off the impaired water body list? Is enough being done already?

The fact that the Kenai River is on the impaired list in the first place is a travesty that probably could have been avoided if stronger restrictions/regulations had been in place and, more so, enforced.'Special interest groups' have always had too much impact on the decision making process regarding the Kenai River, and it is imperative that the Department of Fish and Game, Kenai River Management group, the Kenai River Watershed Forum, and other governing groups take action and institute measures that protect the river so that it is removed from the 'impaired list' and never on it again. The Kenai River has experienced rapid growth along its riverbanks and increased outboard motor usage within its waters. Both of these areas need to be addressed. The Overlay District regulations regarding growth and the commercial/sport fishing usage patterns need to be scrutinized and reformed.

4. How can the city ensure Birch Ridge Golf Course is not sold to a developer? Should it be zoned recreational or be restricted to some similar use; should the city purchase it?

Birch Ridge Golf Course provides a much needed recreational experience for residents as well as visitors to our community. The health and well-being of any community is enhanced when city leaders provide a multitude of cultural, social, economical, and recreational activities that promote a community experience. Birch Ridge Golf Course is one place in Soldotna that provides such an activity. The Birch Ridge Golf Course should not be sold to a developer because development of this land would eliminate just one more recreational activity within our community. As it currently stands our community needs to continue to look into providing recreational landscapes within our area to form more of a 'sense of community'. Currently, we have some great bike paths, skiing/running areas, horse/rodeo areas, and athletic fields that promote quality of life within our community. We, as a community, need to maintain and promote that quality of life.

5. Should property taxes or sales taxes be raised to pay for public servants' pensions under PERS? What other solutions to the PERS unfunded liability situation should the city explore?

Until 2006, PERS was a defined benefit plan established between the employer and the employee as part of the hiring process. Both the employer and the employee made contributions to this retirement system during the employees employment period in order to cover the employee's retirement benefits. The PERS funding growth consists of these employer/employee contributions coupled with investment earnings. The state and the employer chose the investment funds in which to invest. Some of these investments were sound investments while others were not as sound. Because of some questionable investments and a volatile market, some of the fund earnings had a poor return. It is the responsibility of the state and the employer to honor commitments made to the employee. Public servant's pensions need to be protected as the public servant entered into the agreement in 'good faith' and the employer/state should honor said agreement.