Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly candidates discussed taxes, energy, housing and economic development at a forum hosted by the Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce Tuesday afternoon.
Miguel Ramirez, a veteran and a military housing director, and incumbent David Guttenberg are running for Seat A. Garrett Armstrong, a teacher, and Tammie Wilson, a family representative for the Department of Community and Family Services and a former Assemblymember, are running for Seat F. Jimi Cash, a contractor and former Assemblymember, and incumbent Kristan Kelly, a counselor for the Fairbanks North Star School District’s North Star Middle College program, are running for Seat G.
Candidates answered questions asked by moderator Lisa Cassino, including a series of “yes” or “no” questions, and questions from the audience.
Taxes and energy were central topics to candidates asked about what the Assembly can do to reduce the cost of living and making the borough a more attractive place to live and work.
Kelly, Guttenberg and Ramirez said they support the Interior Gas Utility in establishing a natural gas pipeline to bring down energy costs. Guttenberg said that he could continue supporting the wood stove changeout program.
Ramirez and Cash said that they would keep taxes low, as high property taxes make it harder to purchase a home.
Armstrong advocated for more solar panels and renewable energy.
Wilson said that switching from oil or wood to gas is expensive. She suggested following recommendations from audits conducted by the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation to save money and improve air quality.
Top legislative priorities
Education was the top priority for Kelly, Cash, Guttenberg and Armstrong. Kelly said that a lack of education funding harms children most, and Guttenberg said that he would like the state to increase the per-pupil funding. Armstrong said that education is the greatest investment in the community.
Wilson, Guttenberg and Armstrong brought up funding for Capital Improvement Program and deferred maintenance, with Wilson saying that it’s a proactive measure.
Cash also brought up universal license recognition to get more people, like military spouses, into the workforce.
Ramirez said his top priority is bringing down the cost of the replacement project for the borough animal shelter, which is estimated to cost $33 million.
Wilson wants to address issues within the borough assessor’s office. Kelly and Guttenberg also raised issues with “unfunded mandates” from the state.
Housing, growth and economic development
Wilson and Kelly said that they worked on the assembly to incentivize housing construction through a property tax exemption, and they’d like another chance to incentivize building.
Armstrong said he would invest in Career & Technical Education and training programs in Fairbanks to stimulate in economic growth.
Cash recommended selling borough land. “Once it gets sold off it can get onto the tax rolls, it can be developed and then we can have a growing tax base.”
Ramirez said he’s familiar with the housing shortages facing military service members and their families, and suggested tax rebates for builders building homes.
Guttenberg said that the high cost of building housing is tied to zoning issues, a lack of available property, a short building season and high costs of building materials.
Privatizing public services
“I think everything economically feasible to privatize has already been done,” Guttenberg said. He said further privatization would need to be analyzed economically.
Kelly agreed with Guttenberg, saying that she fears that people who might not afford a service would “miss out on what should be a government service.”
Cash said he supports privatization and “would entertain the idea for most anything.” He brought up privatizing animal control in the borough, and said privatization could be cost saving to the borough. Wilson agreed that she believes in privatization, and privatization is an option to think outside the box.
Armstrong said he has mixed opinions about privatization. On one hand, union contracts should be respected. On the other hand, he sees that privatization can be effective in some services.
Ramirez did not answer the question.
The audience asked how candidates would make Fairbanks more attractive to businesses, start ups and entrepreneurs.
Kelly said good schools would make Fairbanks attractive to business owners and their employees with families. Kelly, Armstrong, and Guttenberg said that improving the quality of living through trails and arts would also make Fairbanks attractive.
Cash said he’s seen a shortage of commercial real estate and would advocate for zoning changes. Armstrong also said that he would look for incentives to develop commercial and residential properties.
Lower energy costs and affordable housing were issues raised by Armstrong, Wilson, and Ramirez.
Wilson and Ramirez brought up keeping taxes low to attract businesses. Wilson also said that businesses face high energy costs and business regulations from the borough and state.
The chamber is hosting a Fairbanks City Council forum noon Wednesday at the Westmark Hotel Gold Room.
