Tom Clark: I intend to vote yes on Prop 1 regarding term limits for the assembly. Term limits provide a jolt to an apathetic electorate by forcing change in representation on a given date. Change in and of itself is usually a useful tool in governance. It provides for new ideas and perspective within the elected body. The good policies survive and the marginal or pet projects tend to move to the back of the line.

Jesse R. Clutts: I plan to support term limits. It is evident in our district that term limits have encouraged greater participation in the election process.

People's natural fear of the unknown along with other factors gives an almost insurmountable advantage to the incumbent. It is not unreasonable to ask even an exceptional assembly person to take a three-year break after six years of service.

Mako Haggerty: As citizens it is our obligation to be informed and it is our duty to vote. It is our responsibility to fire those in elected office that are not doing their job, and we do that in the voting booth. If our representative truly represents our interests then we will want to retain them for another term, we benefit from their experience. I am concerned that if we continuously send new people to represent us, the bureaucrats will have a greater level of power and control.

2. With the grocery tax holiday and a poor tourism season, the borough's sales tax revenue is expected to decline this year. What are your budget priorities? Do you support funding education to the cap? Please explain.

Tom Clark: The sales tax decline is the precursor to a property tax decline as the long run up of real estate values is destined to level off and decline to a certain degree. This confluence of events will place the borough in a difficult financial position in the near future. Priorities include those duties mandated by the state such as education and roads. Roads and garbage will continue to be a priority because we all use these services. Maintaining existing infrastructure in the highest manner possible and providing for capital improvements at all levels should remain in the forefront of all budget scenarios.

I support funding education to the cap in principal. We should use every tool available to provide a high level of education for our children. The assembly should work with the school district on setting benchmarks to ensure that the funds are being used in the best possible way.

Jesse R. Clutts: I look forward to working with the other assembly members and the borough administration on the budget. Education has always been a top priority and the largest expense for the borough. If you remove spending on the separately funded service areas, education accounts for 65 percent of the budget.

The borough has traditionally funded education to the cap and I will continue to support funding to the cap as long as we are able to do so without raising property taxes.

Mako Haggerty: Making education a priority is important to me as a community member and father. As a small business owner, I also know how important it is to live within your means. I expect the borough to be as prudent as we are. I will be vigilant about maintaining our roads and school funding, but will also look for ways to reduce costs and be prudent in these economic times. As a boat operator, I like to find a comfortable cruising speed. This may not be the fastest speed, but it saves a little reserve for the times I really need it.

3. Two projects in the developmental stage are Pebble Mine and the Chuitna Coal projects. These would have huge impacts on the borough. What, if any, role should the borough play in advancing either of these projects?

Tom Clark: The borough should encourage all legitimate, legal business that develops within this borough. The economic well being of our borough should be of paramount concern to all residents and elected bodies. These two projects specifically have substantial hurdles to clear before fruition and the borough should be planning for infrastructure needs that will accompany any development of these projects.

Jesse R. Clutts: I believe the responsible development of all of our resources is not only possible but necessary for the future of our borough. It is only through economic growth that we can continue to provide the services that we have become accustomed to without placing a huge burden on the backs of a declining population. I know that it is possible for these projects to be done in a responsible way and the borough should be involved in the process to protect the interest of our citizens.

Mako Haggerty: I believe in local control, and while we have state and federal agencies overseeing various aspects of these projects, I believe the borough government has an overriding obligation to ensure our fish and game resources will continue to support local economies for decades to come. If we have a choice between short-term economic development and long-term economic sustainability, I believe it is in the borough's and our best interests to ensure our kids and grandkids have economic opportunities that meet the values and long-term needs of our communities.

4. Many service areas have trouble attracting candidates to run for their board of directors. Would you support appointed boards as opposed to elected boards? Why?

Tom Clark: While the service area boards may be having a difficult time with candidates I would not support the appointment of boards. When a board has the ability to spend taxpayer money, all members should be accountable to an electorate. The lack of candidates suggests that the electorate is comfortable with the direction of the service area.

Jesse R. Clutts: Having served on boards in a small community I am aware of the difficulties in finding people to serve on a board and the difficulty of trying to conduct business or schedule meetings with less than a full board available.

Even so, I am not in favor of moving to appointed boards. The current borough code provides for vacancies to be filled by appointment and this is just as effective at filling vacant seats as an appointed board would be. It is important for these boards to remain directly responsible to borough voters/taxpayers.

Mako Haggerty: Perhaps the question should be, "why do we have trouble attracting candidates for service area boards and what can we do about it?" It is critical for the people in each representative area to feel that they have a say in decisions affecting them. We need to make the service area boards vital to their constituencies and considered relevant by the borough. This will draw more interest for seats on the board of directors.

5. The mayor and assembly have had a rather contentious relationship this past year. How would you improve this situation?

Tom Clark: A contentious relationship between the executive and legislative branches of government is generally a good situation for the taxpayers. It provides for honest, open and direct conversations between elected bodies ensuring that no one vision is dominant and all situations are thoroughly vetted before moving forward. Improving a contentious relationship starts with communication and a set aside of personal opinions and feelings. When everyone understands that the voters and citizens are the priority, differences can then honestly be dealt with.

Jesse R. Clutts: In as much as the contention is based solely on differences in policies and ideas I think it is healthy in our government. The assembly and the mayor provide a system of checks and balances for each other and we should expect to see that system working from time to time.

If the contention is based on personalities instead of issues then I state as clearly as possible that I will not participate in nor will I tolerate such behavior from elected representatives of the people.

Mako Haggerty: Transparency, mutual respect and open dialogue are vital to any successful relationship between the mayor and the assembly, and if elected, I will work to treat the mayor and the other assembly members the way I want to be treated -- with trust and respect.