By SHANNON HAUGLAND
Sentinel Staff Writer
Three more Sitkans have submitted their names for consideration for an open seat on the Assembly, bringing the number of applicants to six.
Gregg Dunn submitted his letter of interest Friday, and Carol Voisin and JJ Carlson turned in theirs this morning. Previously letters were received from Richard Wein, Drew Thompson and Steve Lee.
The deadline for submissions was noon today, and the Assembly is scheduled to make the appointment at its meeting Tuesday night. The appointee will fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Rebecca Himschoot, who has been elected to the Alaska House of Representatives.
The replacement will serve until the city election next October.
City Clerk Sara Peterson said today that the process in the past has been for the Assembly to nominate all who have applied, and to discuss the candidates before voting their choices. Peterson said she calls on Assembly members in random order to state their choice, and usually it takes more than one round of voting before one candidate achieves a majority. She said it took two rounds of voting before Tim Pike was chosen on Oct. 5 as the replacement for Dave Miller.
In his letter of interest Gregg Dunn said he possesses skills that would lend to a “teamwork-like atmosphere” on the Assembly. He said he’s politically an independent, but believes in “small government and letting people decide what is best for them.” He cited affordable housing, and prices on groceries, utilities and fuel as examples of areas needing attention.
Dunn is a wildlife biologist for the U.S. Forest Service.
“I have lived here for seven years, and have watched this city go in the wrong direction with how business is handled,” he wrote. “I want to show the people how we can take their ideas and let them run, instead of squashing growth.”
Carlson was born and raised in Sitka, and recently returned after 17 years with a design degree from Montana State University. She works for the nonprofit Center for Community, does design consulting work, and helps coach Sitka Skippers.
“I bring a listening ear, and an open mind to my creative problem solving,” she said. “I excel at keeping the big picture in mind while working through the details.”
Voisin, who applied for the previous opening, cited her eight years on the city council of Ashland, Oregon; her educational background; and her volunteer service in Sitka as assets. She is a member of the new Sustainability Commission.
Her letter said that with her experience she could be of assistance addressing such issues as keeping the budget balanced; supporting the Sustainability Commission’s goals to decarbonize Sitka and increase electric capacity; making decisions on the impacts of tourism on quality of life; and reaching out to the under-served and under-represented members of the community.
The appointment is one of the last items on the agenda of the Assembly meeting, which starts at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Harrigan Centennial Hall. The new member will be sworn in immediately and participate in two items on the agenda.
Other items are:
– a report on “The Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership project,” a federal program to help remote and island communities increase their energy resilience. There will be a comparison of renewable energy resources in Sitka, long-term planning needs, and strategies to bolster energy resilience and minimize the impacts of rates and climate.
– updates to policies and permitting at Harrigan Centennial Hall. The ordinance passed on first reading three weeks ago, and includes a sealed bid system for issuing permits for the plaza, and outfitter space behind the hall. Permits also will be required for commercial vehicles dropping off and picking up.
– liquor license renewals for a number of businesses, an RFP for leaseholders for the Marine Service Center, and a commission appointments.
