Candidates 100324 GBOS

1	*Can you explain the difference between Girdwood Trails Committee and Girdwood Nordic Club?*
	SEAT B
	•	David Chadwick	Trails committee is a subcommittee for the GBOS whereas the other is a non-profit
	•	Ryan Schlueter	The Girdwood Trails Committee is a subcommittee of the Girdwood Board of Supervisors whose role is to plan, develop, and maintain Girdwood trails whereas the Girdwood Nordic Club is a local non-profit corporation supporting the development and management of Girdwood trails for not only Nordic skiing, but year-round use
	•	Russ Stahla
	SEAT C
	•	Tim Cabana	yes
	•	Bryan Epley	The Trails Committee is a subcommittee of the Board. The Girdwood Nordic Club was set up to engineer, construct, and maintain trails on HLB land north of the Hotel Alyeska. The trails will be four season trails available to hiking and mountain biking, but constructed to Nordic competition standards. I believe HLB has already granted an easement and most of the funding is in place to construct the first loop.
	•	Karen Zaccaro	Yes

2	*Do you support funding for SAGA for upgrading and maintaining our trail system?*
	SEAT B
	•	David Chadwick	I think there are parts of SAGA that have merit, however I feel that GBOS members should trust the reports they get from the trails committee and work from their recommendations.
	•	Ryan Schlueter	I think SAGA was useful in its purpose to get things started with funding for the Girdwood trail system. However, I believe we need to reevaluate the program and try to use funding in a different way.
	•	Russ Stahla
	SEAT C
	•	Tim Cabana	to a reasonable point
	•	Bryan Epley	Yes. I am not an expert at building or maintaining trails. While maybe not the perfect solution, the Trails Committee tells us that this is the best solution. We have a Trails Committee for a reason. I believe there may also be matching Federal funds available and I support the recirculation of our Federal income taxes back into our community.
	•	Karen Zaccaro	Yes, with review of what work will actually take place.

3	*Is it time for a traffic light at the intersection of Hightower and the Alyeska Highway?*
	SEAT B
	•	David Chadwick	No, the community in all fairness does not have the traffic to support or warrent a stoplight. However, I have always been in favor of an alternate exit out of Girdwood for public safety and common sense sake.
	•	Ryan Schlueter	No. With typical Girdwood traffic, a stop light would only interrupt otherwise laminar traffic flow and create an unnecessary obstacle, making traffic worse. There are plenty of other options to solve that, and several other traffic problems within Girdwood.
	•	Russ Stahla
	SEAT C
	•	Tim Cabana	no
	•	Bryan Epley	No. I am not sure how much influence we have over this as the Alyeska Hwy is a State highway. I would support traffic calming and a pedestrian underpass under the Alyeska Hwy.
	•	Karen Zaccaro	NO. Traffic calming and perhaps a stop sign may be warranted. This intersection needs to become safer for pedestrians.

4	*As a volunteer GBOS member, how much time are you willing to dedicate weekly or monthly to educate yourself and review issues concerning our community?*
	SEAT B
	•	David Chadwick	As I said during the meeting, I am a bit of a crazy man when it comes to research. It's what i did all through college and I really like becoming an expert on the issues that can help improve the community.
	•	Ryan Schlueter	I believe that I will have sufficient time to verse myself in any of the pertinent issues faced by the board. Being new to this, there will definitely be a steep learning curve, but I’m prepared to meet that in stride.
	•	Russ Stahla
	SEAT C
	•	Tim Cabana	lots
	•	Bryan Epley	In my opinion, it takes about a year to get an adequate understanding of the issues and how the Board operates. The time commitment varies with the issues and can be much more intensive during the Budget process and the time leading up to Forest Fair. I have, and will continue, to dedicate the time necessary.
	•	Karen Zaccaro	I am willing to dedicate the time it takes. I can manage this and my other responsibilities through time management and prioritizing.

5	*Do you support the expanded Nordic Trail system?*
	SEAT B
	•	David Chadwick	Absolutely. Girdwood has produced world class athletes from its Alpine Ski and snowboard teams, there is no reason why we can't be providing the same type of opportunities for our Nordic teams.
	•	Ryan Schlueter	The Nordic trail system is a tremendous asset to Girdwood. For too long now, Girdwood has been nearly entirely dependant upon Alyeska Resort for activity and attractions. I think the expanded Nordic trail system will just be another attraction that will draw people to Girdwood.
	•	Russ Stahla
	SEAT C
	•	Tim Cabana	yes
	•	Bryan Epley	Yes. I will point out however, that I personally support it mainly for the hiking and mountain biking potential which I find exciting.
	•	Karen Zaccaro	Yes

6	*Do you intend to make any changes to the Forest Fair? If so, what are they?*
	SEAT B
	•	David Chadwick	No, I think tradition has protected this communities biggest event and more importantly it has reminded us why the event is so special. The issues troubling the forest fair have created all the change it needed for now.
	•	Ryan Schlueter	I grew up going to the Forest Fair and I couldn’t imagine a better event through which to represent our community. However, although not exclusively related to the Forest Fair, I’d like to see a pedestrian underpass at the intersection of Egloff and the Alyeska Highway, as well as increased parking and perhaps a more substantial campground here in the valley.
	•	Russ Stahla
	SEAT C
	•	Tim Cabana	no
	•	Bryan Epley	No, unless there are significant issues brought to light by the public as we approach this year’s Fair.
	•	Karen Zaccaro	No

7	*Do you feel the Forest Fair Committee has adequately addressed community concerns?*
	SEAT B
	•	David Chadwick	The forest fair has returned to the family friendly fair that Girdwood always wanted. I think from my own personal experience that the forest fair committee has done a wonderful job.
	•	Ryan Schlueter	Strictly from a safety standpoint, the Forest Fair Committee has adequately addressed community concerns for last year, however as Mr. Epley mentioned during the Candidates night, every year brings a new set of concerns so I don’t feel as though the Forest Fair Committee has completed their task, but is rather working on their task and doing a good job thus far.
	•	Russ Stahla
	SEAT C
	•	Tim Cabana	yes
	•	Bryan Epley	This is a moving target. Last year’s problems become this year’s concerns. We are just getting started on this process. The feedback we received from the GVFD, the Troopers, and HLB concerning last year’s Fair was positive.
	•	Karen Zaccaro	Yes

8	*Do you support continuation of the Girdwood Bus System?*
	SEAT B
	•	David Chadwick	In a word, Yes.
	•	Ryan Schlueter	I support the Girdwood Bus system because it makes all of Girdwood more accessible. Furthermore, it creates a safety net for intoxicated individuals to safely return home, rather than having to walk through the cold or risk driving home.
	•	Russ Stahla
	SEAT C
	•	Tim Cabana	yes
	•	Bryan Epley	Yes. It may eventually, like most public transportation, be subsidized by the public and paid for, in part, by property taxes. Girdwood will need to determine if they want to subsidize this service.
	•	Karen Zaccaro	Yes

9	*Do you support paving Girdwood’s subdivision roads?*
	SEAT B
	•	David Chadwick	I will clarify what i said before, The community of Girdwood has got to pave its roads and upgrade the infrastructure at all levels of road maintenance if it wants to grow in a substantive way for the future. However that being said it will not happen overnight and it will not be cheap.
	•	Ryan Schlueter	I support paving Girdwood’s subdivisions for several reasons. It would make Girdwood a more convenient place for us all to live. It would allow for roller blading outside of the Alyeska highway/Arlberg Avenue corridor. It’s also a matter of necessity in that paved roads make all of your residences more accessible for emergency vehicles. Furthermore, paved roads can attract potential residents who would otherwise be compelled to live elsewhere.
	•	Russ Stahla
	SEAT C
	•	Tim Cabana	no
	•	Bryan Epley	Yes and no. I’d like paved roads, but I don’t think it is feasible unless we were to receive significant State or Federal assistance. Paving is more than just putting down asphalt; it involves utilities, sub grade, and drainage. Furthermore, if it went to a vote I believe it would fail.
	•	Karen Zaccaro	No

10	*Are 700 new homes, as proposed by the municipality, too many, not enough or just right along Crow Creek Road?*
	SEAT B
	•	David Chadwick	This number is meaningless, it has very little basis in reality because the market in Girdwood, the job situation in Girdwood and the infrastructure of Girdwood cannot support anything close to this type of expansion.
	•	Ryan Schlueter	700 new homes would be great for Girdwood. However, 700 new homes along Crow Creek road seems a bit high. I haven’t seen the plans proposed by the municipality so I can’t accurately say in regards to the housing density, but with one outlet to that road, and the size of the land available, I feel that 700 homes in that specific area would create more problems than benefits.
	•	Russ Stahla
	SEAT C
	•	Tim Cabana	way to many
	•	Bryan Epley	I have a tough time seeing this as being realistic. It would take a long time for the market to absorb that many new homes and we just don’t have the economic base to support that many homes at this time. I doubt I will see this in my lifetime. At 10 homes per year it would take 70 years for the market to absorb 700 homes. Conceptually speaking, I don’t think I’d want to see 700 homes in that area anyway.
	•	Karen Zaccaro	700 homes will not be built in our lifetime. The question is misleading in its statement.

11	There was a recent joke “Which state is more corrupt – Louisiana, Alaska or Illinois?” Is ethics important in our elected officials? What should be the consequences of unethical behavior?
	SEAT B
	•	David Chadwick	Ethics are the most important part about doing this job. we are community servants here to uphold the laws of the community for the best interest of the community.
	•	Ryan Schlueter	Unethical behavior should be met with punishment. The degree of said punishment I feel should be appropriate to the level of unethical behavior.
	•	Russ Stahla
	SEAT C
	•	Tim Cabana	ethics is important to everyone even the person asking
	•	Bryan Epley	Yes. Removal from office.
	•	Karen Zaccaro	Depends what you mean by unethical. Is shouting down a community member you don t agree with in a public meeting unethical? Using a political position for personal gain or being untruthful by statement or omission should be punished with removal from office and perhaps financial fines or restitution. If we are talking about just simple rude behavior by a volunteer, maybe you should elect someone else.

12	*Do you think GBOS members should receive board or / and ethics training? If so, what will you do to achieve this?*
	SEAT B
	•	David Chadwick	Ethics Training can be a very valuable tool and it can never hurt a situation. I would be happy to take ethics training if elected, however i would never ask the community to pay for it.
	•	Ryan Schlueter	Provided the training is at no cost to the tax payers, I would not be opposed to such training. However, without any evidence of existing corruption, I feel that it would be a waste of time.
	•	Russ Stahla
	SEAT C
	•	Tim Cabana	no, you can not teach ethics, you are honest or your not
	•	Bryan Epley	Yes. We have already discussed this with the Muni. We need to be careful how we do this because we are actually billed for every hour we consult with the Muni and this is re-circulated back to the Board and paid by Girdwood property taxes.
	•	Karen Zaccaro	Charm school?

13	*Describe your strategy(ies) for ethically and respectfully fulfilling your GBOS duties. Please give 2 - 3 specific examples.*
	SEAT B
	•	David Chadwick	Ethics in this situation is directly linked to the spirit and moral compass of the community at large. My job would be to reflect and project those principles of the community.
	•	Ryan Schlueter	My only strategy in politics and life in all of it’s aspects is to follow my own set of morals which I’ve derived from the Boy Scout Law: Trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent. It’s important to me that I follow those guidelines in order to be a good person, in everything I do.
	•	Russ Stahla
	SEAT C
	•	Tim Cabana	same as my last term, finish some road upgrades and work on some land use issues.
	•	Bryan Epley	1. Be knowledgeable of our Rules and Procedures and review them on a regular basis. 2. Remind fellow Board members of our Rules and Procedures. 3. Seek clarification from the Muni when questions arise. 4. Use polite and respectful language with other Board members.
	•	Karen Zaccaro	Always ask these questions: Is it the truth? Is it fair? Is it financially responsible? Does it benefit the community?

14	*How do we finance a new building for Little Bears?*
	SEAT B
	•	David Chadwick	Good question, but it is only one of a litany of issues related to the problem. where are we going to put it? how big will it be? However, I am confident that funding can be found through grants and donorship to accomplish our goals.
	•	Ryan Schlueter	Strictly answering the question, like college scholarships, there is money out there that goes to waste every year. I think if we are creative with our fundraising, actively solicit large companies for funding, and use existing money wisely; we can finance a new building. However, whether or not that is actually necessary at this moment is a completely different question and topic for discussion.
	•	Russ Stahla
	SEAT C
	•	Tim Cabana	on longterm
	•	Bryan Epley	Little Bears is not a Municipality organization. It is a private organization. If Little Bears wants funding from Girdwood, they should bring a proposal to the Board that can be reviewed by Girdwood.
	•	Karen Zaccaro	Good question. It will require a partnership of public and private efforts. Little Bears is vital to the Girdwood economy. Its facility is woefully undersized and inadequate. There are many children on the waiting list and therefore many working families struggling even harder to make ends meet. The Little Bears Board has determined that with a doubling or tripling in number of children that are accommodated in the program, the margins of profit increase significantly. This is how, if a building could be built, Little Bears could pay a lease or pay back loans in addition to paying for the utilities and upkeep of the building.

15	*Do you agree with ideas advanced by Sustainable Girdwood – local hydro power, a university research facility, etc.?*
	SEAT B
	•	David Chadwick	I want a university research facility in Girdwood. I would have to fully review the other proposed projects by Sustainable Girdwood, however if there impact on the community provides jobs, education, and infrastructure, then i don't see a problem with their ideas.
	•	Ryan Schlueter	I am very supportive of the ideas advanced by Sustainable Girdwood. I believe that this is the perfect venue for such an endeavor and that it would attract not only publicity, but also funding. That being said, it is still our town and we should ultimately decide how far and in what direction Sustainable Girdwood goes.
	•	Russ Stahla
	SEAT C
	•	Tim Cabana	yes
	•	Bryan Epley	Absolutely. Electricity demand will become more and more important in the future. Anything we can do to leverage our resources, such as micro hydro, tidal, and wind, to offset the generation of electricity by natural gas, which also provides heat, will be beneficial because it will improve the longevity of our natural gas resources and also be a cleaner way of generating electricity.
	•	Karen Zaccaro	Yes

16	*How do you feel about the payroll for the current muni – Parks and Rec employee? Is it too high, too low or OK?*
	SEAT B
	•	David Chadwick	I think this is something that GBOS will need to review in the up coming budget. All things considered, the community should have a voice in how its employees are compensated.
	•	Ryan Schlueter	I have no knowledge of the current payroll for the Municipal Parks and Rec employee, therefore I can’t accurately comment on this question.
	•	Russ Stahla
	SEAT C
	•	Tim Cabana	ok
	•	Bryan Epley	This would require an evaluation of the employee. The Board does not have any employees. This employee works for Parks and Recreation, so this question is better answered by Parks and Recreation.
	•	Karen Zaccaro	OK

17	For Cabana / Epley – There is a rumor around Girdwood that you didn’t intend to run against each other and missed the deadline to officially withdraw from the election. Do either of you wish to publicly concede and offer your support to another candidate?
	SEAT B
	•	David Chadwick
	•	Ryan Schlueter
	•	Russ Stahla
	SEAT C
	•	Tim Cabana	there is also a rumor that the question maker has to much time on their hands
	•	Bryan Epley	I did not file until the last day. Tim Cabana indicated to me that he was under the impression that I was not going to run. We discussed one of the two of us withdrawing, but neither of us withdrew. I’ll defer further explanation to Tim Cabana.
	•	Karen Zaccaro

18	*What are the three main challenges facing Girdwood?*
	SEAT B
	•	David Chadwick	Souring Economic prospects effecting our tourism based economy. Infrastructure needs around the community, such as roads and water. Finally, the steady growth of our community and managing that growth so that we can maintain our traditions and foundations.
	•	Ryan Schlueter	I feel that the three main challenges facing Girdwood are: 1.) Diversifying the job market and improving the local economy to be more self-sufficient. 2.) Developing Girdwood in a responsible manner to attract new business and residents but retain the local charm. 3.) Developing and improving our sense of community through communal areas and/or facilities.
	•	Russ Stahla
	SEAT C
	•	Tim Cabana	roads, school and land use
	•	Bryan Epley	Electricity. Economic diversity. Infrastructure.
	•	Karen Zaccaro	1. Becoming a true four season resort. 2. Polarization of attitudes between community members. 3. Municipal parking and paving standards being applied to Girdwood and therefore making small scale development difficult.

19	*Would you support a ban on cell phones during Board meetings so Board members can’t text or accept phone calls?*
	SEAT B
	•	David Chadwick	Cell phones can be a valuable tool for communication. I don't see a problem with a board member texting Rep. Hawker to make sure he is ready for the phone conference with the community. So no.
	•	Ryan Schlueter	Volunteering for this position requires the direct and undivided attention of board members. With the exception of urgent or emergency phone calls and text messages, I would support a ban on cell phones during Board meetings.
	•	Russ Stahla
	SEAT C
	•	Tim Cabana	Is it a problem, I never saw it as one.
	•	Bryan Epley	I have been guilty of texting or reviewing e-mail during meetings. This is a volunteer position. I will always put my career, and family, in terms of communication and availability, ahead of this position. We have one member of the Board who is required to be on call by his employer. While cell phone usage should be kept to an absolute minimum, there will be times where it is necessary. My answer is no.
	•	Karen Zaccaro	No.

20	*Explain what conflicts of interest you may have, i.e., your occupation, business interests, family, etc., in being on the GBOS?*
	SEAT B
	•	David Chadwick	I work in Hotel Room service and I am finishing a second degree in History at UAA. If the board votes on issues relating to either one I will respectively abstain. In all seriousness however, my father's Job as the Girdwood Fire Chief might cause issue if I were to be named the board member in charge of Public Safety.
	•	Ryan Schlueter	The only conflict of interest I would have in serving on this board would be my position with the Fire Department. But it is that position that would make me an avid representative of the Fire Department on the board of supervisors provided it doesn’t contradict the public will.
	•	Russ Stahla
	SEAT C
	•	Tim Cabana	I care about Girdwood to much and I am way to responsible.
	•	Bryan Epley	I have a lot of potential conflicts given the variety people and issues in which we review and have on at least one occasion had to excuse myself from a vote. Three of the other candidates have significant potential for conflicts of interest given their occupations and association with local organizations.
	•	Karen Zaccaro	Most GBOS members have professional conflicts of interest. Architects, Designers, Land Planners, Real Estate Agents, and Contractors all have a vested interest in land use issues and how money gets distributed. Most also have other responsibilities such as family or other community interests they support. I have faith that these individuals, myself included, do their best to balance their personal and professional lives and will excuse themselves if warranted.

21	*Do you favor term limits on GBOS seats?*
	SEAT B
	•	David Chadwick	I don't know yet. I did not know that there was a problem with it.
	•	Ryan Schlueter	I think it’s important for people in this community to have the chance to step up and give back. This year, the voters of Girdwood have the luxury of 6 candidates to choose from for two seats. Unfortunately, that has not always been the case. At this point, I see no need to turn away previous board members through term limits when we can’t consistently attract enough candidates for a true election.
	•	Russ Stahla
	SEAT C
	•	Tim Cabana	no one is willing to serve to long.
	•	Bryan Epley	I think voters should exercise their rights and vote – this is how we should limit terms
	•	Karen Zaccaro	Not practical.

22	*If a three year term is up and the incumbent runs unopposed, should there be a limit on that? Why or why not?*
	SEAT B
	•	David Chadwick	I'm sorry I'm not exactly sure what the "That" is referring to in the sentence.
	•	Ryan Schlueter	If an incumbent runs unopposed, that is our fault as community members for not providing an opponent for the incumbent. If their term on the board is up but they wish to continue serving Girdwood and no one wants to run against them, I say more power to them.
	•	Russ Stahla
	SEAT C
	•	Tim Cabana	no
	•	Bryan Epley	No. If one does not like that there is just one candidate, perhaps they should consider running themselves.
	•	Karen Zaccaro	No. If you have a problem with it, you can run for it.

23	*I assume you are running for GBOS with a desire to serve our community but what do you hope to achieve? What is your hidden agenda?*
	SEAT B
	•	David Chadwick	I'm hoping that this seat will help polish my credentials as a community organizer. I will then win a senate seat and then run for President of the United States.
	•	Ryan Schlueter	To be completely honest, my hidden agenda would be the development of Girdwood. I would support roads that connect existing roads, additional bridge(s) over glacier creek and/or alternate egress, and the development of a true town square with room for businesses and public land where the community can gather. With that said, Girdwood is my home, and I love living here. It would be a tragedy to loose the charm that makes this town what it is. That’s why although I support development of Girdwood, its conditional support, provided it won’t destroy this small town charm, and it is what the public wants.
	•	Russ Stahla
	SEAT C
	•	Tim Cabana	dumb ?
	•	Bryan Epley	I don’t believe I have a hidden agenda. The best answer I can offer is that I do benefit, professionally, from knowing what is going on in the community. I suppose I could receive the same benefit by just attending meetings, but then I would not be fulfilling a public service.
	•	Karen Zaccaro	Kind of a pessimistic outlook. I don’t believe anyone in Girdwood has an evil plan to disenfranchise others in the community. I do think we all need to listen to each other with more effort and perhaps put ourselves in the shoes of the one we don’t agree with once in a while.

24	*What would you do to slow cars to 30 mph from the bridge to the tee?*
	SEAT B
	•	David Chadwick	Photo enforced radar works well in Arizona, but everyone... everyone hates it. I don't know. I am open to suggestions.
	•	Ryan Schlueter	A permanent radar gun that displays a vehicle’s speed would remind drivers of the decreased speed limit and give the presence of law enforcement even when there is no Trooper looking for speeders.
	•	Russ Stahla
	SEAT C
	•	Tim Cabana	a trooper gives nice tickets for that
	•	Bryan Epley	As a State highway, perhaps we could talk to the Troopers about a solution. Traffic calming between Crow Creek Rd and Hightower Rd might be an integral part of the solution. This question is more suited to the State.
	•	Karen Zaccaro	Get that trooper to give speeding tickets instead of seatbelt tickets.

25	*What is your vision for Girdwood in 10 years?*
	SEAT B
	•	David Chadwick	I grew up in this town. It is my home and it has always been my home. I love this place with all my heart. I want to see this place grow responsibly, sustainably, and economically. I want to be proud of my home. I want to raise my kids here in 10 years. I want this place to be as beauitful then as it was when I was born here. Our Identity is tied to the landscape and our mountains, someday Girdwood will be known as a success story because of that identity.
	•	Ryan Schlueter	My vision for Girdwood in 10 years would be a self-sufficient community with a diverse economy and job market supplemented by Alyeska resort. I would also like to see more homes and infrastructure in Girdwood to increase tax revenue to fund capital improvement projects and local services.
	•	Russ Stahla
	SEAT C
	•	Tim Cabana	same as the last 20
	•	Bryan Epley	A vision might imply that I have an agenda or a plan. I don’t. A vision for Girdwood is something that needs to be created by Girdwood. Personally, I would like to see, in ten years, a K-12 school with options similar to those in Anchorage schools, a developed and established town area that will enhance economic diversity and provide local jobs, an expanded set of recreational opportunities, whether they be public or private, that bring money into Girdwood, and the same quaint town we have today that balances itself between being a primary residence, secondary residence, and tourist destination without being spoiled.
	•	Karen Zaccaro	Some trees still left.

26	*Why are you running for GBOS?*
	SEAT B
	•	David Chadwick	The amazing pay and benefits package. It could also be civic responsibility to give back to a community that has given me life, happiness and hope for the future.
	•	Ryan Schlueter	I’m running for GBOS because it’s easy to sit back and get frustrated about the roads every time you hit a pot hole, or complain about the cost of living in Girdwood. I’d like to get involved and look for solutions, rather than sit back.
	•	Russ Stahla
	SEAT C
	•	Tim Cabana	I am good at it
	•	Bryan Epley	Public service.
	•	Karen Zaccaro	To broaden the range of perspectives that are considered when GBOS makes decisions.

27	*Is ethics important in our elected public officials?*
	SEAT B
	•	David Chadwick	yes
	•	Ryan Schlueter	Of course ethics is important in elected public officials. Ethics is a key factor for a functioning society, public officials being representatives of said society, it is doubly important for us to be ethical in not only our political campaigns and duties, but in our everyday life.
	•	Russ Stahla
	SEAT C
	•	Tim Cabana	yes
	•	Bryan Epley	Yes.
	•	Karen Zaccaro	Yes, and politeness is nice too.