"I see (Homer) going off course, unfortunately, regarding some issues that are important to all the citizens of Homer," Cashman said, adding he doesn't believe city government "equitably represents its citizens at this point."

He points to Proposition 1 on the city's Oct. 6 ballot as an example. If passed, it would result in a 3 percent sales tax on nonprepared food from Sept. 1 through May 31, with .75 percent funding water and sewer systems, .75 funding construction of roads and trails and 1.5 percent going to the city's general fund. Pointing to the city's decision to support a borough-wide vote last year to do away with the tax, Cashman questioned what happened in the meantime to city finances that now has the city considering the need to reinstate the tax, as well as making numerous cuts for next year.

"They didn't tell us the library wasn't going to be (fully) funded, that city jobs would go unfilled, that the community schools director would be let go and on and on and on," he said. "To me, this is a typical tax collector telling you, 'I know how to spend your money better than you do.' That kind of stuff won't stand with me."

His views regarding Propositon 1 -- as well as his concern that recent regulations passed by the city concerning wind energy systems failed to reflect public sentiment but served to benefit a few -- are what could set him apart from others running for city council, Cashman said.

"If any of them are for Proposition 1 or for these windmill ordinances, they are 180 degrees different than I am," he said. "I'm committed to bringing city government back on course. I want to get rid of the nonsense and I want to bring back a little more confidence to the citizenry that our city council is speaking for them."

"I don't think under any circumstance I'd support increasing any tax for any reason," he said. "I still haven't had anyone give me a reason that that would make that the answer or solution to a problem."

The principal Cashman would use in making budget decisions would be research-based.

"Obviously, the way I'd approach it would be to strategically apply economic principles, basic strategies," he said. "For example, limit growth. When you lose revenues, when you have a shortfall in taxes you need to reevaluate capital expenditures, prioritize expenses."

Saying he wasn't critical of anyone, Cashman believes "we need some new citizen representation. I think it will breathe some fresh air into the city council and hopefully bring some new ideas to the table in a positive way.