Austin Cranford
Age: 26
How many years have you lived in Sitka and in Alaska? 11
Occupation: Information Technology
Family: Did not respond
Have you previously run for public office? When and what office?
I ran for assembly last year unsuccessfully.
Previous government or other relevant experience:
I currently serve as the Vice-President, and Acting President, of a UAS advisory board to Chancellor Palmer. Additionally, I am a member of an advisory board to President Pat Pitney of the University of Alaska System. These roles have provided me with valuable insights into governance and policy-making at the educational level.
Community involvement, past and present:
At the political level, my current involvement primarily includes participating in Assembly meetings during the public comment period, where I regularly voice concerns and provide input on various issues. Additionally, I plan to engage actively in the housing discussions that the Chamber of Commerce will be holding later this year.
Why are you running for a seat on the Sitka Assembly this year?
I’m running for the Sitka Assembly because our community deserves better. Over the past decade, we’ve seen our town decline in ways that could have been prevented. Sitka should be a thriving city, not one that is barely trudging along as it is now.
Our residents are struggling with rising food prices, unaffordable housing, and more. These are issues the city could have taken action on, but they chose not to. The Assembly must focus on the needs of the electorate.
For example, while the Tourism Task Force worked hard, the Assembly prioritized zoning in Katlian Bay over pressing issues like downtown traffic, bus services, and safety concerns. Meanwhile, the taxi issue, which has been ongoing for 4-5 years, is only now being addressed.
The city currently has forty-nine open positions, many of them critical, yet the response has been, “This is how it is everywhere.” That is simply not the case. Unemployment is up 0.6% for a total of 4.3% year-to-date, equating to roughly 7.2 million people nationwide. The city just doesn’t want to pay fair wages for fair work.
Regarding housing, the city still owns a majority of Kramer Avenue, which should be re-opened. With the proper procedures and systems in place, the landslide could have been prevented. The city has already removed post-slide language that prevented development. Meanwhile, the city should make it easier for property owners to re-develop or develop their land. While everyone wants a house, the reality is that we need to build up, not out, and our rules and regulations should reflect that.
The assembly and the city as a whole has gone too long without being answerable as to why these issues aren’t being dealt with or why its taking so long to deal with said issues. I understand govt moves slow but not ten years or more slow.
What are your top priorities if elected?
If elected to the Sitka Assembly, my focus will be on delivering tangible improvements to the lives of our residents. I believe we can make meaningful changes that will directly benefit the community, starting with these key areas:
1. Essential expenses like utilities and food should not be burdened with additional costs. Removing the sales tax on these necessities will make it easier for Sitkans to afford basic living expenses.
2. Implementing policies that either lower utility rates or cap future increases will ensure that residents can manage their energy and water bills without undue financial strain.
3. Safety is non-negotiable. Enhancing public safety through better traffic management, improved pedestrian safety downtown, and more responsive emergency services is essential. This includes implementing traffic fines for those who cross outside of designated crossing areas, which will help reduce accidents and encourage safer behavior on our streets.
4. While tourism is vital to our economy, it must be managed responsibly. Balancing the needs of residents with the demands of tourism will ensure that our infrastructure can handle the influx of visitors without compromising the quality of life for year-round residents.
5. The taxi and housing industries are crucial to Sitka’s well-being, but unnecessary regulations currently stifle growth and accessibility. Removing these burdensome rules will allow these industries to better serve the community.
6. Lastly accountability is crucial for effective governance. Conducting a thorough investigation into the city’s spending will ensure that taxpayer dollars are being used efficiently and transparently by identifying and eliminating wasteful expenditures we will free up resources for more critical needs. Additionally, implementing a yearly public release of the Assembly, Mayor, and City Administrator’s conflict of interest and finance forms will enhance transparency and build trust within the community.
By addressing these issues head-on, Sitka can become a more affordable, safe and enjoyable place.
Tourism
Do you support a cap on cruise visitation? Why or why not?
While I believe it’s essential to analyze the available data regarding cruise visitation, we currently lack the necessary information to make an informed decision. However, it’s evident that we have experienced noticeable degradation in the quality of life in our community, suggesting that some measures must be taken. We should explore options to balance the economic benefits of tourism with the well-being of our residents and the sustainability of our environment.
One of the assembly’s tasks is to draft a “Memorandum of Understanding,” or an MOU with the cruise industry, which could mean either the local dock operator or the cruise lines. Who should the city make an MOU with and what should be included in that MOU, in your opinion?
The city should pursue an MOU with the cruise lines themselves, as they play a crucial role in determining ship access to Sitka. While the local dock operator is important, it’s essential to recognize that there are other facilities, such as the city tender pier, that can accommodate cruise ships. Additionally, I understand there has been discussion of developing another pier in the future. The MOU should include provisions that address capacity limits, environmental impact, and community engagement. Establishing guidelines for sustainable tourism practices and ensuring that the needs and concerns of residents are prioritized will be vital. Furthermore, I support the implementation of seasonal or biannual town halls that the city, cruise lines, and dock operator must attend. This will provide an opportunity for open dialogue between all stakeholders and ensure that community voices are heard in the decision-making process.
As an assembly member, would you support directing the municipal attorney to help draft a citizen initiative limiting cruise tourism? Why or why not?
Yes, I would support directing the municipal attorney to assist in drafting a citizen initiative for any reason including limiting cruise tourism. Supporting citizen initiatives is a cornerstone of our republic, as it empowers residents to have a direct voice in shaping policies that affect their community. If the community feels that limitations on cruise tourism are necessary to preserve the quality of life in Sitka, it is essential to facilitate that process and ensure that the initiative is legally sound and effectively addresses the concerns of our residents. Any attempts to deny the will of the voters are incorrect and ripe with abuse, undermining the democratic process and the trust of the community.
Education
Do you support funding the Sitka School District to the maximum allowed by state law (a.k.a. the “cap”)? Why or why not?
Yes, I support funding the Sitka School District to the maximum allowed by state law. As someone who works in education through the University of Alaska system, I recognize the importance of adequately funding our schools to ensure that all students receive a quality education. It was unfortunate that the governor vetoed parts of the funding, which directly impacts our local education system. However, while I advocate for maximum funding, I also believe it’s essential to have transparency regarding where that funding is allocated. Understanding how resources are spent ensures accountability and helps address the specific needs of our schools.
The assembly has taken extra steps to bolster its support for Sitka’s schools, taking over maintenance of school buildings, taking on management of the Blatchley Pool, and funding a contract for management of the Performing Arts Center. Do you agree with these decisions? What further measures would you take as an assembly member to support the Sitka School District, if any?
Yes, I agree with the assembly’s decisions to bolster support for Sitka’s schools by taking over the maintenance of school buildings, managing the Blatchley Pool, and funding a contract for the management of the Performing Arts Center. Arts and physical activities, such as swimming, are vital components of a healthy and fulfilling life and should be actively supported.
As an assembly member, any further measures I would advocate for would be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, considering factors such as community benefit, costs, and overall impact. Prioritizing initiatives that directly enhance the educational experience and support student and community well-being will be essential in making informed decisions.
Housing
Do you see a need for further regulatory measures to ease Sitka’s housing crisis, such as limiting short-term rentals? What tangible actions can the assembly take to relieve some of Sitka’s housing stress?
I have examined the data regarding Sitka’s housing crisis, with assistance from the clerk’s office and other city departments, along with available state data. The core issue is the imbalance between supply and demand. I’ve spoken with several owners of short-term rentals, many of whom operate in-law suites to offset their mortgage costs. Without this additional income, these homeowners could be forced to leave or sell their houses.
I have no intention of making the lives of citizens harder; however, I am open to reviewing data from both sides of the debate and making informed decisions based on that information. Ultimately, the city needs to prioritize increasing the supply of new housing, including high-density options, to address this problem in the long term. Supporting policies that encourage responsible development will be key to relieving housing stress in our community.
Haulout
Sitka will open a city-owned marine haulout in 2025, but developing a full-fledged boatyard will take considerably more time and money. Should the assembly continue to appropriate resources to this as a public project?
Yes, the assembly should continue to appropriate resources for the city-owned marine haulout project. The fishing fleet is a vital source of income for both citizens and the city, and any projects that support this industry should be prioritized whenever possible. Investing in a full-fledged boatyard will not only benefit local fishermen but also contribute to the overall economic health of our community. Supporting infrastructure that enhances our fishing industry is essential for ensuring its sustainability and growth.
Labor
The city is struggling to fill a number of vacant staff positions. What can the assembly do to support filling these positions?
The city is struggling to fill several vacant staff positions, and the core issue is not a lack of applicants but rather that the city is not offering competitive wages that cover the cost of living in Sitka. The assembly should advocate for a review of the city’s compensation structure to ensure that salaries reflect the reality of living in our community.
Additionally, promoting a comprehensive benefits package that includes incentives for relocation and housing assistance can help attract qualified candidates. Collaborating with local businesses and organizations to create recruitment initiatives can also enhance our efforts. Ultimately, the assembly must prioritize addressing these compensation challenges to build a strong, effective workforce for our city.
Budget
Revenue growth in the city’s general fund has outpaced Sitka’s other enterprise funds due, in part, to tourism growth. Do you have thoughts on directing the rapid growth of sales tax revenue into projects outside of Sitka’s general fund, like harbors, water or the electric department?
Absolutely not. Any further expenditures should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, with a clear priority on spending. My proposed order of priority is as follows:
1. Maintaining current facilities and equipment.
2. Replacing vital or critical facilities and equipment.
3. Building or replacing critical facilities that have a net profit or are required for the proper functioning of industry (the airport and haulout are examples of this).
4. Paying off the city’s existing debt. For context, the projected debt payment for 2025 is $6,775,544, with the city currently owing $136,055,000 (15.21% outstanding) to the Alaska Municipal Bond Bank Authority alone.
This is entirely unacceptable. If a regular citizen spent money like the city, they would be in jail.
It’s crucial to ensure that we are responsible stewards of our finances before allocating funds to new projects outside of the general fund. Prioritizing these essential areas will help secure Sitka’s financial health and long-term sustainability.
