In the Tuesday, Oct. 6, municipal election, Sitka voters will elect two Assembly members, three School Board members and a new mayor, and consider the Assembly’s special elections discretion.
To help voters make informed decisions, the Sentinel is collaborating with Raven Radio to publish responses from each candidate on their backgrounds and views on key city issues.
School Board and Assembly candidates' responses appeared in the Sentinel on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively.
The mayoral responses are in this edition. Candidates are Kevin Mosher, Thor Christianson and Lisa Lane. Christianson and Mosher are currently serving on the Assembly, and they have two years and one year left, respectively, in their current terms. If Christianson or Mosher wins, the Assembly will appoint someone to fill the seat left vacant.
Kevin Mosher
Mosher, 52, is a 33-year resident of Sitka. He's served eight years on the Assembly, and ran for mayor four years ago, losing to the current mayor, Steven Eisenbeisz.
Mosher is an accountant for the urban Native corporation Shee Atika Inc. He and his wife have five children.
He filed for mayor one day after the filing period opened in July. At the time, he told the Sentinel that "coming on eight years of service (on the Assembly) I feel I could contribute really well as mayor."
Noting the upcoming departure of city administrator John Leach, Mosher said, "I'd like to provide steady, predictable, leadership during this time of change; and I want to support the community during this time."
Thor Christianson
Thor Christian, 62, is a graduate of Sitka High and has lived here consistently since the mid-1990s. He is a resource manager for Southeast Region Emergency Medical Services. He and his wife have two children, including one at Sitka High.
He has served 16 years on the Assembly since he was first elected in 1998. He was most recently elected to a three-year term in 2025, and has been on the Assembly continuously the last 7 years.
Christian told the Sentinel Aug. 3, after filing for mayor, that "I think with some of the projects that I really want to see happen, I'd be more effective as the mayor to push for rather than just an Assembly member."
"I've spent a lot of time at the table, I know the job. I know the players, and I think I could be an effective mayor," Christianson said.
Lisa Lane
Lane, 70, has lived in Sitka since 1989. This is her first time seeking public office.
Lane is retired from a career including work as a beauty salon owner and as a teacher's assistant. She and her husband perform in the band Mark and Lisa. She raised three sons in Sitka.
After filing for mayor Aug. 6, Lane traced her interest in city government to a job filming Assembly meetings for a video production company years ago.
Asked why she's running for the mayor, she said "I think the community needs a voice they can connect with."
Questions from Raven Radio:
1. Child care -- A recent report commissioned by the city shows Sitka’s child care system has the capacity to serve only about half of the young children who need it. The Assembly is considering a seasonal sales tax change to fund a $1 million-a-year plan to help address the child care shortage. Do you agree with this approach? What further steps, if any, should the city take to address the crisis?
Christianson: While I’m never excited about a new tax, we have to do something to stabilize the child care situation here in Sitka. Without stable child care infrastructure we cannot have a stable workforce, and without that workforce Sitka stagnates. We cannot count on the state or federal governments to step in so we have to do it ourselves. The seasonal sales tax is least painful way to do that.
Mosher: Child care is a major obstacle to prosperity in Sitka. Market forces alone may not fully address this challenge, and some level of public investment may be warranted. I support the city being a part of the solution. We need more community discussion about the best way to do that, and I am prepared to lead that discussion at the Assembly table. Several ideas have been proposed, and there is good momentum so far.
Lane: N/A
2. Budget -- How do you propose funding city government (including enterprise funds, electricity, water, etc.)?
Christianson: I would not advocate changing the city's funding structure in a major way. I could however see the city subsidizing some of the enterprise funds on an as-needed basis. For instance, if there is a large project that needs to be completed by one of the enterprise funds, using some general fund assets to shield the ratepayers from a large rise in rates.
Mosher: First, the city should do its best to maximize efficiency in order to keep the cost of city government down. Second, we need to maximize outside revenue from state and federal grants, low interest loans, as well as tax revenue from visitors, while being mindful about the costs of tourism. Third, I support our general policy on enterprise funds, where users pay the costs of utilities and harbors. Finally, sales and property taxes will remain critical to providing general services, including public safety and education. I support having regular community discussions about our desired level of services, and the structure of our property and sales taxes.
Lane: I am going to research the options available.
3. Schools -- Do you support funding the Sitka School District to the maximum allowed by state law (a.k.a. the “cap”)? Why or why not?
Christianson: Yes. Given the current state of the state budget, we have to step up as much as we can to shield our school system from the dysfunction in Juneau.
Mosher: Yes. Although there has been a recent increase in the base student allocation, it has not kept up with inflation. The school district has made painful cuts, and the city has taken on new responsibilities, such as maintenance of school facilities, to make sure our schools continue to offer an excellent education and critical activities, such as youth athletics and performing arts. Young families are critical to the health of our community, and to keep them here we need to continue supporting our schools.
Lane: Yes, education is the light at the end of the tunnel that leads us to a brighter future.
4. Affordability -- Affording daily life in Sitka is difficult for many, between rising fuel and grocery costs and housing and child care shortages. According to a 2024 report by the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Southeast Alaska’s overall population is projected to drop by about 17% by 2050 — or roughly 12,000 people. That’s about the populations of Sitka and Wrangell combined. As an Assembly member, how would you work to address affordability for Sitkans?
Christianson: I would use the metric “does this help make Sitka more affordable?” with just about every decision we have to make. Unfortunately, a lot of what makes Sitka expensive is out of the city's control, but everywhere we can we should be working to make Sitka an easier place to live.
I am working on housing initiatives now, and one of the reasons I want to be mayor is to push harder on getting more city land usable for housing. It takes a lot of work, with a lot of moving parts, but I believe we can positivity affect housing prices in Sitka.
Mosher: We should do everything we can to help, while acknowledging that some things are beyond the city’s control. We also need to be mindful about achieving a balance between short-term and long-term costs, and between costs and quality of life. For example, the Blue Lake Dam expansion was a major investment that increased utility rates, but now it is providing some protection from the major swings in the price of diesel.
The demographic reports show that almost all of the decline in population is among working-age residents and youth. That is a very worrisome trend. We need to focus on what we can do to keep Sitka affordable for young people and families. Subsidizing child care is an important part of that. Many Sitkans have concerns about cruise ship tourism, but it has also created opportunities for many young people to start businesses that allow them to live here year-round.
The cost of housing in Sitka is driven by our limited supply of land, the cost of materials, and a shortage of construction labor. The city can provide some relief through zoning changes, by making city land available for development of housing that people can afford to pay for. Right now, the Planning Department is working on providing pre-approved home plans. I would be open to discussing options for addressing housing affordability through our tax code as well.
Lane: I would like to see year-round residents rewarded for remaining. I would research the possibility of reducing the current base water rate from 66.91 to 35(?)
and increasing it for the seasonal lodges with multiple guests.
5. Tourism -- The commercial passenger vessel excise tax – also known as the CPV – is a “head tax” collected by the state and distributed to port cities. The funds are highly restricted, and can go only toward harbor or other infrastructure related to services or facilities used by cruise ships and their passengers. As an Assembly member, how would you prioritize spending CPV money, considering the restrictions?
Christianson: I would look for duel use projects as much as possible. I would also try and look for ways to use it that reduce the impact of tourism on Sitka’s way of life. We need the tourism industry and if we don’t work to coexist with as little friction as possible it will hurt everybody.
Mosher: First, we should continue to get reimbursed from CPV money for all the services that the city offers to tourists, including but not limited to increased police, fire, and other emergency services, as well as personnel costs associated with managing tourism.
I also support working collaboratively with the tourism industry to find other uses of this fund that will benefit visitors and tourists alike, such as Lincoln Street improvements.
Lane: Permanent public bathrooms.
Railing to prevent jay-walking from the visitor center drop off (Lincoln and Lake to the O'Connell Bridge, and from the bridge on Sawmill Creek Road to the crosswalk at the back entrance of Sitka National Historical Park.
Lights on all crosswalks.
6. Tourism -- The city has expanded its tourism management in recent years, adding a tourism commission and hiring on a new tourism director in response to growth in the sector. From your perspective, what should be the city’s role in tourism moving forward?
Christianson: We should be looking for ways to encourage conventions and independent travelers in the off season. We should be working on ways to mitigate the negative aspects of large-scale tourism. I believe if we can do this it will both benefit the people of Sitka, and improve our visitors' experience.
Mosher: The city should be very active in managing tourism. By working with residents, the tourism commission, business owners, the tourism industry at large, Visit Sitka, and city staff, we should continue to make sure that the community derives real value from tourism and that visitors continue enjoying Sitka. Not every single person will be happy, but if we work together, we can find a balance.
Lane: Encouraging we are a diverse community capable of hosting state and national conventions and retreats any time of year making all feel welcome and inclusive.
Advertising the many ways we can be reached with ease and comfort with easy access to the city, hospital, and schools.
Making our health facilities a thriving and vital reason to stay here.
7. Artificial Intelligence -- The use of artificial intelligence has proliferated over the past several years. It’s reshaping how people work, learn, and participate in daily life. What are your thoughts on using AI in your role as an Assembly member or to write legislation?
Christianson: I would be very careful before using AI to write any legislation. While doing research is necessary, and AI can be very good for that, that is as far as I would be willing to go at this point.
Mosher: I believe AI can be used as a helpful tool to work more efficiently. I have used it to help me draft Assembly memos. In those instances, I did not ask it to do everything for me. I took my notes from meetings with other Assembly members, city staff, and members of the public, independent research I did online, and then used that to help me craft a document that could articulate the purpose and flow of the agenda item. Then I reviewed the draft to make sure it was accurate and that it made sense. I haven’t used it to write legislation. As technology develops, I’ll continue to look for ways to use AI ethically.
Lane: It is a tool and should be used as a tool, it should not be claimed as original content.
8. Municipal Administrator -- The city has been looking for a new municipal administrator for about a year now. You would likely be part of that hiring decision. What qualities would you look for in a leader?
Christianson: Someone who is collaborative. Someone who the people of Sitka can trust. Someone that can lead our employees in such a fashion that we have a happy productive workforce. Someone that is comfortable being stopped at the store with questions by member of the public. Obviously they would also have to understand city government, but as we get applications that seems to be common. Much less so is someone who will be a good fit for Sitka’s unique community.
Mosher: I am looking for someone who knows how to work collaboratively with people in an open, friendly way, and who will interact with staff, the Assembly, outside entities, and the public respectfully and effectively. We need someone who has either worked as an administrator before, or who has worked in a capacity that has demonstrated and developed leadership ability, an understanding of how city government works, and the ability to learn quickly. Problem solving, financial management, and skills are essential.
Lane: I would like for our new administrator to have a passion for being here. A fiscal conservative that understands the need for sound stable infrastructure and maintenance. A communicator that can negotiate with common sense and patience.
9. Mayor -- How do you envision your role as mayor will be different from that of an Assembly member?
Christianson: I see the mayor as an advocate for Sitka. The mayor needs to be able to work with other governmental entities. As mayor I would work tirelessly to make sure that Sitka’s concerns are heard by the legislators and Congress. Sitka has done a good job with this in the last few years and we need to continue to see to it that our concerns are heard.
The mayor needs to work to bring people together. As mayor I would work collaboratively with anybody who is interested in an issue. We need to keep talking to each other, and if we do there is nothing we can’t accomplish.
As mayor I would continue to strive to keep our relationship with the Sitka Tribe as respectful and productive as possible. The Tribe is of course its own government, so we have to respect their mandates. I believe that we have a good relationship, but it can always be better. When the two governments work together, everyone in Sitka wins!
The mayor obviously officiates our meetings. I will make sure that everyone is heard and respected at our meetings. I have run a lot of meetings in my life, and I think that I have become good at making sure that everyone in a meeting feels like they have been heard.
Mosher: The mayor represents our Assembly and the community. The person in this job sets the tone for local government and presides over meetings. The current mayor has set a good example by being respectful, running orderly meetings, getting business done, supporting the administrator and city staff, and focusing on local issues while avoiding hot button political issues that divide people. I intend to follow his example.
Lane: My hope is that I will become one part of a great team that is able to guide us responsibly and with an eye on the long term goal of remaining a year round community dedicated to the success and safety of everyone.
Questions from the Daily Sitka Sentinel:
1. Recreation -- A group in Sitka is laying the groundwork for new city recreation facilities, such as an upgraded track and field complex. How do you feel about developing new recreation infrastructure and expanding capacity for recreation in Sitka?
Christianson: It would be great to have more recreational infrastructure in Sitka. The issue is how do we pay for it. While we did vote to move the excess fund from the tobacco tax to a fund for this, it will be number of years before there is any substantial amount of money in this fund. At this point we need to work on our plans so that if any funds become available from other sources, we have plans as close to “shovel read” as possible. We may also be able to use the limited funds available to us as matching funds.
Mosher: I support maintaining and upgrading Sitka’s existing facilities, including recreation and athletic infrastructure. As a community, we need a clear path shaped by public input and guided by our asset management system, which prioritizes repairs based on safety, urgency, and long-term need.
Regarding the track and field complex, I know there is strong interest in improving a facility that is difficult to maintain and can pose safety issues.
Proposed upgrades should go through a full public process and align with the recreation master plan, which is currently being developed. The advocates for this upgraded track are focused on securing outside funding, such as private grants and government programs dedicated to recreation infrastructure, rather than drawing from the city’s general fund. Given our long list of aging facilities that need repair, I support this approach.
2. General fund -- Do you think the city general fund is at a healthy level? How would you cut or add spending?
Christianson: While it would always be nice to have more money in our general fund, it is essentially sound right now. We will always have to make choices, but right now we are able to meet our basic needs. I could see using some general fund money utility relief, but not to the point where we have to cut services.
Mosher: I think we are at a fairly healthy level and we should try to stay there by being thoughtful about how we allocate our city’s resources.
3. Population loss -- What are your ideas for stemming the decline in Sitka’s population, particularly the loss of young families, and the associated decline in Sitka School District enrollment?
Christianson: This is something that will take work on many fronts. We need to work on making more housing available. We can do that by making city land available. We also need to keep working in other way such as making ADU’s easier to build and by working with the planning department to remove roadblocks to building. We also need to make sure that child care is available for young families. We need to make sure that we have schools that parents are proud to send their children to. We need to jump on efforts to encourage economic development that fits our town so that parents can make a living here.
Mosher: Addressing the affordability of housing, child care, and other cost of living issues to the extent that our city government has any control over them is key to stemming the decline, particularly with the loss of young families.
4. Lincoln Street improvements -- The city has long deferred a project of improvements along Lincoln Street. Should the city prioritize this project, and if so, what changes should be made along Lincoln Street?
Christianson: It’s time to get this done. Since the State just kicked in about 5 million dollars, we have a chance to make some real progress. It’s not that this is the only project we need to work on, but rather the one that is most ready to take advantage of the money. We have a good argument to use CPV (head tax) money on this project, so it is a good dual use of the money. As for how it should be done, that will be answered during the design process with lots of input from everyone who wants to chime in.
Mosher: Yes, it should be a priority. The assembly recently directed the Administrator to sign a letter to apply for grant funding to support Lincoln Street improvements.
The public should be very involved with the development of plans. There will be a variety of opinions about changes, and trade-offs will be required. I support a public process to get to an outcome that most stakeholders support.
5. Lincoln Street tourism -- Do you believe that the city should keep Lincoln Street open to vehicle traffic throughout the summer cruise ship season, or close the street to vehicles on some days? Why?
Christianson: Right now, yes. As long as the MOU with the cruise ship folks is working to spread out the traffic, it is busy down there, but not so much that we cannot drive (slowly) through when the tourists are in town. If that changes, we may need to revisit this subject.
Mosher: My priority on this issue is public safety. If the data shows that keeping the street open on peak days is not creating safety issues, I support that outcome.
6. Tourist restrooms -- How can the city provide adequate restroom facilities for tourists? Do you think the city should continue operating portable restrooms throughout the summer, and if so, where should the portable restrooms be placed?
Christianson: I think providing restrooms is a good idea. I hope that during the Lincoln Street rebuild project we can identify locations that don’t block off streets. The goal should be restrooms that we can use year-round.
Mosher: There is no ideal location. We should continue to do end-of-season surveys and make extra effort to make sure that as many people as possible get to share their opinion.
7. Police -- How do you see the role of public safety and policing in keeping our community safe?
Christianson: The traditional public safety departments (police and fire) are of course vital. They are the ones that answer the call at 3 a.m. I think we are blessed to have dedicated public servants in our public safety community. I think it should be said that public safety goes beyond just police and fire. We have a number of organizations like SAFV, Sitka Counseling and others and that do a lot to keep our community safe and we need to support their efforts.
Mosher: I believe the role of public safety is very important and should be supported wholeheartedly. I think a community policing model is important. The philosophy of building relationships, problem solving, visibility & accessibility, and building trust is important.
*AI disclosure: Raven Radio asked candidates if they used artificial intelligence (ex. ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini) to complete the Raven questionnaire; Christianson and Lane said no; Mosher said he "did some research and drafted it myself. Then I used AI to help me make it more concise and improve overall flow."
