I came to Unalaska from Seattle in 1980 for the summer and realized that I wanted to stay.  I didn’t quite plan on 33 years, meeting my husband, building a house, raising two children and serving as an elected official.  The old saying is that “life is what happens when you are making plans,” and I am living proof of that I guess.

My philosophy as a Council member (1994-2004) and Mayor from 2004 to the present has always been pretty simple.  Is a decision in the best long term interests of the community?  What structure might the City already have in place to solve the problem? Are there clear and definable goals for future projects? Is there a clear and visible need for new policy?

I believe that setting good policy takes reason and facts. I believe that it is important to take an idea through a full analysis before making a decision.  I believe that it takes time to make solid decisions that don’t have unintended, negative consequences, and I believe in accountability and sustainability in any policy.

As the mayor, my priorities continue to be reinforcing the economic stability of our business and residents, protecting our communities financial future, planning for significant community and City development with the advent of oil and gas exploration in the Arctic, and not losing focus of who we are and what makes Unalaska so unique in the process.

I am a fearless and confident advocate for Unalaska/Dutch Harbor, and have loved every minute I’ve spent standing up for my community on the State and Federal level.  Successfully bringing wish list items like a local TWIC office, an Emergency Towing System and Mooring Buoy, the Alaska Air Community Access seat and the greenhouse at the Senior Center to fruition have reinforced in me the value of teamwork and partnerships that are so important in public service and I am grateful for them. With much more to do, I respectfully ask for your vote on October 1.

Thank you, Mayor Shirley Marquardt