Current Homer City Council members Shelly Erickson and Tom Stroozas have filed to run for two seats that are coming open this election cycle, along with newcomer Joey Evensen.
Stroozas is running for a second term on the council after serving his first three-year term starting in 2016. Erickson, too, was first elected in 2016 and is running for her second term.
Evensen, born and raised in Homer, graduated from Homer High School before going on to get a degree locally at Kachemak Bay Campus. After his time at KBC, he went on to earn degrees from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, the Colorado School of Mines and the University of Oklahoma.
After several years working Outside as a geologist, Evensen returned to Homer and became an adjunct professor at Kachemak Bay Campus.
“Firstly, I bring a long history and understanding of our beloved, unique community,” he wrote in his candidate statement. “Secondly I bring science-minded ability for practical understanding of cause-and-effect — meshed with foresight to glean trends before they affect our Hamlet by the Sea. My area of specialty may be directly helpful for geo-engineering options facing the Spit (the main engine of our economy) and bluff stability.”
Erickson was also born and raised in Homer, graduating from the local high school. She got a degree from Northwest College in 1981 with a major in music. Before joining the council in 2016, Erickson worked with the city in various other capacities through the Economic Development Advisory Commission, the Lease Committee and the Planning Commission. She has also chaired all three groups.
Erickson owns Homer Tours and started HomeRun Oil Inc. with her husband, Jeff, in 2000. Together they also own the Baycrest Shortstop Tesoro station and the adjoining RV park and campground.
“I am proud of the record of the past (three) years,” she wrote in her candidate statement. “We as a council were thinking, planning and looking forward to protect our town for the time that the state and borough is in now. While there may be some rough road still ahead at those levels, we have worked to protect our city in times of adversity. We have tackled tough issues and have made a difference in our city.”
Stroozas is retired from Piedmont Natural Gas as of 2006 after 25 years working in the natural gas industry. He is the managing member of Stroozas & Associates, LLC, an independent consulting firm for natural gas and food service industries.
Stroozas and his wife, Debbie, moved to Homer in 2003 where they built the house they retired in. He is also a one-year trustee for the Homer Elks Lodge.
“My past record of proven leadership will continue to promote fiscal responsibility to best carry out the mission of ensuring the health, safety and welfare for all citizens of Homer,” Stroozas wrote in his candidate statement. “A healthy local economy, with experienced responsible municipal leadership, is essential. I want to ensure that Homer continues as a vibrant component of Alaska’s growing visitor industry with the sustainability to maintain the necessary services for our community.”
To read each candidate’s full statement, go to the City of Homer website at https://www.cityofhomer-ak.gov/cityclerk/homer-city-council-candidates-2019
The filing period to become a candidate for Homer City Council ends on Thursday, Aug. 15, with the election on Oct. 1.
To qualify to run for city council, a person must be a US citizen, at least 18 years old, be registered to vote within Homer city limits, and have been a resident living within city limits for at least one year prior to Oct. 1, 2019.
Candidacy filing forms are now available. Those interested can pick them up at City Hall or find them on the city’s website at: https://www.cityofhomer-ak.gov/cityclerk/city-council-candidacy-filing-forms
Reach Megan Pacer at mpacer@homernews.com.
