Matt Hunter is one of four candidates running for two open seats on the Assembly. The municipal election is Tuesday, October 6, 2015.
Matthew Hunter is one of four candidates running for two open seats on the Assembly. The municipal election is Tuesday, October 6, 2015.
My name is Matthew Hunter. I am a lifelong Sitkan and I am a candidate for the Sitka Assembly.
Sitka is the only place in which I wish to live. Our amazing natural surroundings and our genuine, caring people make our home the best city in the world.
Alaska is facing an uncertain financial future and this places the state’s municipalities on awkward footing. Sitka has relied heavily on state funds for many years. We have enjoyed these monies and spent them on new infrastructure and operations without saving enough to make these roads, buildings, and services sustainable.
Today Sitka is healthy, yet some things must change in order for us to continue to enjoy life as we know it. Next year’s anticipated State cuts will force us to pay more or get by with less. This means painful compromises, but we will get through it together, and Sitka will emerge stronger than ever. We have faced worse situations in the past; the closure of Sheldon Jackson College and the collapse of the timber industry both threatened to upend our community. Each time Sitka adjusted, becoming more robust than before the crisis. Now we Sitkans have a new opportunity to prove our resilience. I am excited to be part of the solution and to see where we all end up.
Your next city assembly must face the fiscal challenges head on. As one of your assembly members, I will make each decision with the future health of our community foremost in my mind. I hope to be here 50 years from now to see how it all works out.
Due to the renovation work at Harrigan Centennial Hall, municipal elections will be held in two precincts this year. Precinct 1 is at Grace Harbor Church located at 1904 Halibut Point Road. Precinct 2 is at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church located at 605 Lincoln Street. Polls will be open from 7am to 8pm. Absentee/advanced voting will be available weekdays from 9am to 5pm at City Hall (3rd floor) beginning September 21 and will continue through October 5.
