Karen has six years on the City and Borough of Juneau Assembly where she has demonstrated her commitment to Juneau by supporting the city and its complex service needs, and funding the Juneau School District budget. She has collaborated and testified before the Legislature in her various leadership roles and been successful in presenting her cause. Karen is a collaborator with vision. She knows this community.
My first acquaintance with Karen was during her years as Director of the State Libraries, Archives and Museum. It was her influence and collaborative spirit that brought that system into reality. Karen has plowed new ground in so many ways for this community and the state. The SLAM’s modern building will be opening soon in Juneau, and the vision and acquisition for the property was accomplished by Karen’s hard work.
I have served for over two years on the United Way of Southeast Alaska Board of Directors of which Karen was chair for the first year. I found her to be well informed on the issues, thoughtful and appreciative of the divergent views on the board. In her career, Karen has had to work with complex and confounding issues. She can pull a group together because she knows how to research information and communicate that information to others.
During the debate on the senior tax exemption, I discussed with Karen the options that emerged. There were no perfect options, and I supported her vote on the changes. My personal view is that all food for all citizens should be tax exempt as young families are struggling to remain in Juneau where their wages are not increasing; they are stagnant or decreasing and housing costs are exorbitant.
Go to the polls on March 15 and vote for Karen Crane.
Dr. Robbie Stell
Retired Provost, University of Alaska Southeast