Paul Bauer Jr. - East Anchorage

What letter grade would you give the current assembly, and why: The Assembly is not a collective partisan body for me to fairly access as a group, but they are single representatives with diverse views in supporting the needs of their districts and their taxpayers. Therefore it is only fair for me to grade my incumbent Richard "Mike" Gutierrez on the work he has done in the last three years with a C-.

What letter grade would you give Mayor Sullivan’s administration, and why?: C+. I support the Sullivan's administration's direction in an attempt to limit government, but not their drive. They had a weak start and continue to have a rocky relationship with the citizens of Anchorage. The Mayor and his administration depend solely on the composition of the Assembly and fail to use the power and persuasion of the mayor's office. In two years, property taxes have not been substantially reduced and are still maintained at the Begich era tax hikes. There are few newer ideas or long term vision. Likewise, the Begich administration accomplished more for our city in terms of projects and pushing the liberal agenda in spite of a moderately-conservative majority Assembly.

What are your thoughts on the 2008 union contracts approved by the Assembly? Is there a link to those contracts and the city's current fiscal situation?: Not entirely. The increase in the budget and the increase burden on the taxpayers began with Mayor Begich first budget proposals in 2004 and through 2008. The annual budget increases under Begich averaged $30 million compared to pre-Begich administrations $13 million increases. The 2008 union contracts unquestionably increase the budget beyond the $30 million if no budget reductions occurred. Chiefly Mayor Begich benefited from the long-time public union support and he thanked them with the long-term lucrative contracts. Notwithstanding and equally important, the Assembly members on both sides failed to protect their constituents by not acting decisively and aggressively in preventing Begich-era tax increases and union contracts. The Assembly rubber stamped Mayor Begich proposals without forecasting the long term ramification to the tax payers of Anchorage.

What are your thoughts on the budget reductions proposed by Mayor Sullivan over the past two years? Are they too much? Not deep enough? A right amount?: Not enough! The perception given to the voters during Sullivan’s Campaign for Mayor gave the notion that there would be reductions in taxes to property owners. In the two years during the Sullivan Administration there have not been significant reductions across the board. Verbal attempts have been made by Mayor Sullivan to propose tax reductions but the execution is flat-lined.

What city services would you like to see reinstated, and how would you suggest they are paid for?: What services have been withdrawn from the city? I am not aware of services discontinued, but some services have been drastically reduced, like city bus service. Service fees have increased to supplement the budget shortfall during the Begich and Sullivan administrations. Additional services should be left up to the voters.