Juneau, along with other communities in Alaska, is facing challenging times ahead. The recent $4.8 million cut to the City and Borough of Juneau budget due to the governor’s veto was the first step in what will likely be a steady tightening of the state’s fiscal belt due to diminishing oil revenue. As a teacher, I see the impacts of these cuts on our education system. Our town is a special place with an extremely high quality of life. I know it is possible that, with the right leadership, we can keep our special quality of life, even in the face of a shifting economic future.
One thing is for sure. It will take smart people with passion and commitment to make this possible. Arnold Liebelt is one of these people. He is smart and he is experienced. He worked as an Office of Management and Budget policy analyst in the governor’s office for four years and as a facilities manager and planner for the state for 18 years. I have known Arnold since we were roommates at UAF and I know that he is a person of integrity.
Arnold is passionate about Juneau. He and his wife, Molly McCormick, raised three great kids in Juneau and he has served as the past president of the youth hockey association as well as coached youth hockey for eight years. Arnold loves our community and it shows. This past year, I have had the pleasure of watching his political aspiration go from a vague “what if” to a strong, ethical, full-hearted run against a well-known incumbent. I know his motivation is purely selfless — to protect what we have and to secure our future.
I urge you to speak with Arnold and to see for yourself that he is the person that I am claiming he is. He has made himself available to speak with anyone regarding any issue at any time. He can be contacted through his email at Arnoldforassembly@gmail.com. Join me in supporting Arnold on Oct 4.
Jonathan Smith,
Juneau