Knackstedt: Council should make better use of advisory panels

  • By Henry Knackstedt
  • Tuesday, September 30, 2014 9:38pm
  • Opinion

The city council needs to utilize to their fullest extent the men and woman who volunteer for the City of Kenai commissions and committees. Decisions are being made by council without benefit of the commissions that have the first hand knowledge of the subject. I believe working directly with the commissions will provide the best solutions to many of the city issues. As city councilman I would work with commissions, and also with city administration, to provide the most considered and complete legislation before presenting it to council.

It is my intent to work through the City Manager’s office to see the Kenai bluff erosion project completed. With the bluff stabilized, properties such as Millennium Square and many smaller lots within and adjacent to the Historical District would become desirable for development, reconstruction, and renovation. With the expected renewed interest in Old-Town, a city center-like area could be created which would be an attraction for residents and tourists.

I am very excited about the prospects of oil and gas development, and the potential for a natural gas pipeline virtually in our back yard. The City will benefit greatly from the opportunity available to us. We can and should encourage responsible oil and gas industry support businesses in appropriate locations.

Our city is in need of a community biking/walkability plan to map existing and proposed routes between city parks and other destinations, such as local businesses, points of interest, and the beach. The plan could showcase city assets, and identify needed walks or paths between destinations. With a plan like this in place, grants can be secured to pay for new trails and walkways. This is a long range vision of mine for our city.

I would very much appreciate your vote on October 7th.

More in Opinion

Photo courtesy Kaila Pfister
A parent and teen use conversation cards created by the Alaska Children’s Trust.
Opinion: Staying connected starts with showing up

When our daughter was 11 and the COVID lockdown was in full… Continue reading

Juneau Empire file photo
Larry Persily.
Opinion: The country’s economy is brewing caf and decaf

Most people have seen news reports, social media posts and business charts… Continue reading

Patricia Ann Davis drew this illustration of dancing wires affected by air movement. From the book “Alaska Science Nuggets” by Neil Davis
The mystery of the dancing wires

In this quiet, peaceful time of year, with all the noisy birds… Continue reading

A vintage Underwood typewriter sits on a table on Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022, at the Homer News in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)
Letters to the editor

Protecting the Kenai River dip net fishery? Responding to a letter by… Continue reading

Larry Persily. (Juneau Empire file photo)
Opinion: Poor Southcentral spending decisions matter to everyone

Too many residents, business owners and politicians of Southcentral Alaska — we’re… Continue reading

This mosaic image shows combined passes from NOAA 21, Suomi NPP and NOAA 20 satellites. All show the auroral oval during the geomagnetic storm of Nov. 11-12, 2025. Vincent Ledvina, a graduate student researcher at the UAF Geophysical Institute, added the typical auroral oval to the image before posting it to his Facebook page (Vincent Ledvina — The Aurora Guy). Image by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Vincent Ledvina.
As the dark season begins, more light

It’s November in Fairbanks, when the sun reminds you of where on… Continue reading

Conrad Heiderer. Photo courtesy Conrad Heiderer
A vintage Underwood typewriter sits on a table on Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022, at the Homer News in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)
Letter to the editor: Protecting the Kenai River dipnet fishery

The Kenai River dipnet fishery is one of Alaska’s greatest treasures. Attracting… Continue reading

Charles and Tone Deehr are photographed with their daughter, Tina, near Dawson City, Yukon in 1961. Photo courtesy Charles Deehr
Red aurora rare enough to be special

Charles Deehr will never forget his first red aurora. On Feb. 11,… Continue reading

Larry Persily. (Juneau Empire file photo)
Opinion: New service takes the crime out of being a bagman

Used to be, a bagman was the guy in the movie who… Continue reading

A vintage Underwood typewriter sits on a table on Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022, at the Homer News in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)
Letter to the editor: An ode to public workers

I recently attended a local event in which we had some state… Continue reading

Larry Persily. (Juneau Empire file photo)
Opinion: Candidates should pay a penalty for false promises

A lot of time, energy and legal fees have been spent on… Continue reading