For what it’s worth, I’m voting for Debra Schnabel and Natalie Dawson.
While we haven’t voted on the same side of every issue, I have immense respect for both of these women.
Debra is the definition of someone who will reach across the aisle. She is a curious person, and not a fundamentalist. This may make you feel uneasy, because you can’t always count on how she will vote on a given issue.
What you can count on is that she will do the research and make decisions based on the information available and not fundamental beliefs, which is an uncommon and invaluable trait. Her motion to hire a planning consultant to address the evolution of Title 18 with the planning commission might be the most important piece of policy promoting economic development in a decade.
Natalie is an intellectual powerhouse. This is intimidating for many. Frequently I question her stance on something during a meeting, only to go home and realize during reflection that she was the only one who understood the implications. More than once she has caught details that the entire assembly and administration missed.
I also laud them both for transparency. Despite the opposing vitriol and disinformation, I’m consistently impressed with their clearly communicated rationale for votes.
I would be honored to continue working for this community alongside both of them.
Kevin Forster, Haines Borough Assembly member