Alaska is caught in financial turmoil, and we need someone who is able to make financially sound decisions for Juneau in the upcoming year. Arnold Liebelt, who has worked as senior policy analyst for the governor’s Office of Management and Budget from 2011-2015, is one of few candidates on the municipal ticket who fully understands the tough situations our town is set to face.
Arnold Liebelt is running for City Assembly D1 against established city assembly incumbent Mary Becker. Although the pair have similar priorities (both cite improvement of education and city infrastructure as their primary goals), the disparity lies in in how each individual manages them. Although I respect Mary Becker and her sincere desire to improve our home, her votes do not consider the deficit we have to fill and work around. Sadly, there is no escaping these cuts, especially with the $4.8 million slash from the governor’s latest veto. While Juneau cannot escape its problems, it can mitigate them, and this is something we must do to keep our home from losing its value. Thankfully, Arnold Liebelt has an extensive knowledge of the state’s financial situation, and more importantly, how the state’s budgetary issues translates to our own town. This is a perspective that not only Mary Becker is unable to provide, but one that our assembly desperately need.
Although I am not yet old enough to vote, my support goes to Arnold Liebelt, who has the city’s values at heart and will strive to keep Juneau’s quality of life until the end of his tenure. Please vote for Arnold for D1 Assembly on Tuesday to keep Juneau a home for teens like me to return to.
Tasha Elizarde
Juneau