I’m Amy Bethune, and I would like your support for a seat on the Assembly.
I’ve called Alaska home for 26 years — 12 of those in Southeast — and my family moved to Sitka four years ago. I’ve been married to Steve Bethune, a wildlife biologist for the Department of Fish and Game, for 24 years and we have two daughters who I homeschool — Autumn, in 6th grade, and Cedar, 4th. We made the right decision to settle in Sitka, and are here for good!
I have a Bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and work experience in Alaska’s visitor industry, accounting, and the nonprofit world, including Habitat for Humanity and rural leadership development.
Like many of you, I’m deeply concerned about our community and economic struggles right now as we work to fully re-open for business, and am interested in solutions to support our local businesses and help re-grow a strong local economy that is responsible, vibrant and supported by a sustainable business-friendly environment. The cost of living in Sitka is a real issue for many, including my own family, and I support efforts to control cost and increase income opportunities so that our families can continue to live and thrive here. I am in favor of efforts to increase financial transparency in government and reduce our burdensome debt load.
I love our country, Alaska, and this city. I have great confidence that we can bridge the various issues that currently divide us and come together in recognition that we actually have much more in common than that which separates us. We can work together — treating each other with courtesy and respect — to create solutions to our challenges, and prioritize personal liberty while balancing regulation in a fact-focused way.
I do welcome your input. I’m a good listener, and I don’t care who gets the credit for good solutions!
