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Preserving the public process and adhering to existing procedures and regulations are two of the reasons Hood decided to enter the race.

"I really decided to run as a person who is an advocate for the public," she said.

Hood said she wants to make sure that citizens, organizations, boards and commissions work better together and with the city to accomplish community goals.

"I really think that the whole issue of transparency in government is important," she said. "And I don't have any sort of special interest at all in terms of my life or financial connections. I just think that the public needs to have someone represent them that isn't a special interest."

Hood, a 34-year resident of Juneau, has run for the Assembly twice before. She ran against Wanamaker and lost in 2001. Hood filed again in 2002, but later withdrew to support Stan Ridgeway.

Hood said there are a variety of issues she will focus on in this campaign, including improved public transit, recycling and waste disposal. She also said she would like the city to do more to combat the affordable housing crisis by using more of its land.

Hood said her background as a counselor and mediator with the courts gives her some skills for listening and finding common ground on contentious issues. She said she is supportive of the Kensington gold mine and similar development issues.

"I really want to support the development of economic diversity in the community in ways that won't damage the community or the quality of life," she said. "There are ways of going about it that are not going to damage the community or the values, and we need to do that."

Hood said she wants to bolster the image of the capital and deter capital-move rhetoric. She said would like to work with the Alaska Committee to find incentives for people from other Alaska communities to visit Juneau.

Hood presently serves on the city's Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee. She also serves on the Mendenhall Refuge Citizens Advisory Group.

• Contact Eric Morrison at 523-2269 or eric.morrison@juneauempire.com.