Kevin Knox is one of five candidates running for two open seats on the Assembly. The municipal election is Tuesday, October 4, 2016. (Emily Kwong/KCAW photo)
Kevin Knox is one of five candidates running for two open seats on the Assembly. The municipal election is Tuesday, October 4, 2016.
I’m Kevin Knox and I’m running for Assembly. We all serve our community in different ways – contributing as individuals, as families, businesses and organizations. I ask for the privilege to contribute to our community by serving on the Assembly.
Where some people see catastrophe and hard times, we need to seek out opportunity. Sitka is a remarkable place. My family moved to Sitka in 1973, when my father accepted a position with Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital. I attended Sitka Public Schools, the same schools that my mother Kara taught in for more than 20 years. I graduated from Sitka High in 1989 and from Western Washington University in 1994. I lived in Seattle, working in diverse settings, including youth services for homeless teens, the American Cancer Society, and as a commercial pilot.
In 2010, after my first wife Beth passed away from cancer, I returned home to Sitka to be near family and reconnect with my roots. Since coming home, I built my own house, coached for the Baranof Barracuda Swim Club, worked as a deckhand in the geoduck fishery, and as a carpenter and crew with Weiland Construction. I’m married to Maggie Gallin and we have an adorable son named Theo. Since Maggie’s return to work, I’ve enjoyed being a stay-at-home dad for the past two years. I’ve served on the BBSC and Southeast Alaska Aviation Association Boards, including as President.
For three years I’ve served on the Port and Harbors Commission and as Chair for the past year. Serving on the commission, I have learned about our harbor system, as well as Sitka’s general infrastructure and budget. I have listened to and taken part in the discussions involving our school district budget and the Citizens’ Task Force.
As of late, to best prepare myself, I have been taking time to meet with representatives from various segments of our community to learn more about the needs and concerns of private businesses, nonprofits, and city department managers.
Key to me in representing Sitka on the city assembly is to be responsive and conversant about the issues important to our community. Equity, fiscal and program sustainability will be at the forefront of my mind. As a community, we need to make sure that those living on the edge are not squeezed out and that our community remains an affordable place to live. I also understand that our city infrastructure is aging and needs to repaired and replaced.
As an Assembly member, I will bring a positive, hard-working attitude. I value being hands-on in making decisions. I will read every packet and I will listen and talk with those impacted on both sides of the discussion.
I look forward to expanding on my experience and personal philosophies as they pertain to issues in Sitka in the upcoming forums and then the Assembly table. I won’t proclaim to know all the answers. Rather, I will work with our community to find the opportunity we all desire to keep Sitka remarkable.
Municipal elections are Tuesday, October 4th, 2016. Precinct 1 will vote at Grace Harbor Church located at 1904 Halibut Point Road. Precinct 2 will vote at 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 Monday, September 19th and will continue through Monday, October 3rd.
