“Quality of Life” can be defined as the general well-being and health of both the individual and the community. I am a candidate for Soldotna City Mayor. I believe that we have an excellent quality of life here; I will work to ensure that we continue to maintain and improve on this not only for residents of the city, but for those within the region that we serve, and for visitors from around the world who come to Soldotna for all we have to offer.

We have good roads, excellent police protection, a fine library, beautiful parks, and finally a cemetery to call our own. The city administration and personnel are top-notch. The local trails system and the Kenai River provide ample opportunities for us to enjoy the outdoors at any time of year. Central Peninsula Hospital offers excellent health care. Kenai Peninsula College prepares students for employment in many high-demand fields. I believe that these health care and education systems are key components for a healthy economic base here in town.

We have seen an increase in business and residential construction. People want to live here, work here, shop here, and recreate here. The Storefront Improvement Program has been very successful. The city is also exploring additional ways to encourage economic development. We’ve all heard comments about how Soldotna is developing, and I am very proud of that. It must continue.

The quality of life that we enjoy here in Soldotna is valued by all.

There are challenges ahead. The looming vote on Kenai Peninsula Borough Ballot Proposition 1, the question of annexation, and how to address the legalization of marijuana are three that immediately come to mind. There are of course others. We will have a new mayor, and possibly three new council members, which could make addressing these issues even more interesting. I believe that my almost twenty years of experience as an elected official in local government, as well as my many years living and working in the area, will be an asset as we look to the future.

I would appreciate your support, and your vote, on October 6. Thank you.