By Steve Behnke
I’m writing to express my appreciation for Michelle Bonnet Hale’s hard work on the Assembly, and to urge Juneau residents to vote for her.
I’ve watched Hale n action over the past three years. She does her homework and listens to constituents, CBJ staff and other Assembly members. She draws from her experience in science, business, and government to help craft solutions to hard community problems.
I particularly appreciate her positive, balanced, solution-oriented approach to the COVID crisis. The past 18 months have severely tested CBJ’s elected officials and staff. Hale gets it that a healthy Juneau economy depends on good information, reducing Covid risks, and leveraging local, state and federal resources. This has paid off as we see how much better Juneau is doing than other parts of the state.
I also appreciate her support for Juneau’s sustainable future. She’s a strong proponent of providing shore power so that cruise ships can turn off their generators while docked, long a priority for Juneau residents. Her collegial, informed, and patient persistence as chair of the Public Works Committee have moved CBJ energy efficiency and climate action forward. In that role she has also provided leadership in addressing landfill challenges, both short-term odor issues as well as long-term extension of it’s life.
Please join me in voting for Hale for a second term, so that we can continue to benefit from her vision, experience and hard work.
• Steve Behnke is a lifelong Alaskan and 38-year resident of Juneau. He is retired, and serves on the Board of the nonprofit Renewable Juneau and as an appointee to the City and Borough of Juneau’s Commission on Sustainability. Columns, My Turns and Letters to the Editor represent the view of the author, not the view of the Juneau Empire. Have something to say? Here’s how to submit a My Turn or letter.
