David Brena, Tim Cochran, and Orion Hanson are running for two open seats on the Skagway Borough Assembly. (Emily Files)

David Brena, Tim Cochran, and Orion Hanson are running for two open seats on the Skagway Borough Assembly. (Emily Files)

KHNS News hosted a Skagway Borough Assembly Candidate Forum Monday, Sept. 26 in the AB Hall. Candidates David Brena, Tim Cochran and Orion Hanson attended and answered questions on local issues.

Full forum part 1:

Full forum part 2:

 

Listen by question

Question 1: Please introduce yourself and explain why you chose to run for assembly.

Question 2: A year ago, voters rejected a tidelands lease extension between the municipality and White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad. Since then, progress on port improvements has stalled. Where should the assembly go from here?

Question 3: White Pass currently controls a significant portion of Skagway’s waterfront. Should Skagway continue in a similar arrangement with White Pass beyond 2023, or take control of the tidelands currently leased by the company?

Question 4: Do you think Skagway should move forward with the proposed $6 million senior center and housing facility? Do you agree with taking out a bond and possibly raising mill rates as a way to fund the project? Why or why not?

Question 5: Should the municipality make more land available for private purchase? If so, where and when?

Question 6: Where do you stand on the proposed Juneau Access Road?

Question 7: Assemblyman Dan Henry has continued to serve on the assembly following his conviction and sentencing on federal tax charges. Do agree with the way the current assembly and mayor have responded to that situation?

Question 8: If Assemblyman Henry were to vacate his seat before the end of his term, would you as an assembly member support whichever candidate is not elected this October being appointed to that seat?

Question 9: The municipality has been meeting with the state Department of Environmental Conservation and other stakeholders on the contamination in the ore basin. What approach should the borough take to cleaning up that contamination? Who do you think should pay for the clean up?

Question 10: Do you think Skagway should be working to diversify its economy? If so, what could the municipality do?

Closing statements: