Botelho poses potential for serious problems
As a lifelong Alaskan, I've had the pleasure of living in Juneau for the past two years continually, and lived here seasonally as a legislative aide for many years before that.
Bruce Botelho's mayoral candidacy poses the potential for serious problems were he elected. Meaning no disrespect to Mr. Botelho personally, he served for eight years in the most divisive gubernatorial administration in Alaska's history. By holding onto the office of attorney general at the end of the Hickel administration without ever being reconfirmed, he angered and offended many legislators.
The Knowles administration was perceived by many Alaskans as anti-development and fiscally irresponsible. At a time when the City and Borough of Juneau is facing a tough fiscal future, we can't afford to be led by someone associated with the inability to cut a budget.
With Juneau's Southeast neighbors still reeling from the demise of the timber industry and mining playing an increasingly crucial part in Juneau's economy, having a mayor who is seen as anything other than fully behind responsible resource development is simply too great a risk for us to take.
While he no doubt has many good qualities, now is not the time for Bruce Botelho to be Juneau's mayor. Fortunately there is a superior candidate, and I look forward to seeing Dick Knapp at the helm of Alaska's Capital City.
Benjamin Brown
Juneau