Keith Smith (KRBD file photo)
Keith Smith filed today as a candidate for the Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly. Smith is currently the Ketchikan Program Director for Southeast Alaska Independent Living. He says he felt after living in Ketchikan for 20 years, it was a good time to run.
“I’ve worn a lot of hats in Ketchikan, from serving on the School Board for a year. I’ve worked with the Arts Council. I’ve worked with the Chamber of Commerce. I was part of the group that coordinated the Compass 2 survey that established the Wellness Coalition. Now I’m working with seniors and people with disabilities so I’ve seen the community from a lot of different angles. And I’m looking forward to standing up with my friends and neighbors and making decisions that will help make Ketchikan thrive.”
Smith says he doesn’t have an agenda, and believes he can bring a balanced viewpoint.
“I have an understanding how the community works, a broad view of the different constituencies within the Borough, and I feel like I’m a good listener and a good problem solver, and I think the Assembly will need both of those in the coming years.”
Smith says he would like to help build partnerships between the city, borough, School Board, businesses and organizations.
The two, three-year seats open on the Borough Assembly are currently held by Alan Bailey and Bill Rotecki. Neither can run for re-election because of term limits.
Rodney Dial announced his candidacy for Assembly on the first day of filing. The deadline to file for Ketchikan city and borough offices is August 25th.
This report has been edited to correct an error.
