In day one of the KSRM Forums for election week, Bill Elam and Nissa Savage were welcomed to the studio.
Bill Elam is the incumbent for the Kenai Peninsula Borough, and is seeking reelection. Elam sees himself as a conservative voice for all members of the Kenai Peninsula.
Nissa Savage is the newcomer challenging Elam for this year’s seat. Savage has her Masters in Accounting, and believes that she can help members of the community find solutions, even with limited financial resources.
As Elam shoots for re-election, he says that there are a few things that did not have the opportunity to work on during his time on staff. He hopes that his re-election could grant him the possibly to do more service for the community.
“And so I’ve been working with the various groups, particularly around some stuff with education and the funding, so we’ve got some pretty big bonds and some bond debt that is out there. Same with CES, and I’d like to have a good, strong, conservative voice at the table whenever it comes.”
Savage shares a similar interest in the finical situation for schools, and hopes that she gets the opportunity to help with the financial debt.
” The school budget is what really brings me here, and understanding that while a conservative voice is approbate for Sterling, I think hearing a wider sort of interpretation of what our constituency really needs is understanding. How our budget affects us, what really brings us here. I’m a CPA and budgets are my thing.”
Both candidates were both asked if they felt there was any ordinances, resolutions, or issues that were enacted that they may not have agreed with.
Elam, although speaking in good nature towards his fellow assembly members, personally disagreed with how quickly the appointment of the mayor went through.
“I wanted more public time, more people to hear about it and to have a voice at the table.”
Savage did express that she had been impressed with the KPB work so far, but understands where Elam’s distress resides.
“We need to have a system in place that lets our whole government run no matter who the mayor is, and I think that’s something we should focus on.”
In closing statements, both parties thanked the listeners for tuning in, and shared a bit of information on each side.
Savage encouraged everyone to vote as a general statement.
“I think it’s really important to not forget, or to not be too busy… And you can reach me with any further questions. I’ll make myself available to you. It’s best to call, my phone number is (603)-978-2796. Please reach out. Thanks”
Likewise, Elam thanked everyone for listening, and also extended an invasion to talk more at other times.
“I think it’s really important that people get out and be involved and you know, stay connected and know about these issues and stay up on everything. And so, again, I’m available if anybody wants to talk, it’s coffee, whatever the scenario is, it’s gonna be a low turnout, you know, potential election. You know, as a Assembly member headlining that’s that’s kind of a challenge right? You know, so I think everyone is gonna count and that it’s important that people get out and let their voice be heard. And again state stay up on the the current hot topics there. You know, it’s really important things for us to know all my information’s on all the socials on your guys’ website. 907-690-4339 is myself. Like I said, coffee, whatever it is, you like what I’m doing? Don’t like what I’m doing. Love to hear from you.”
Click the player below to listen to the candidate election forum in case you didn’t have an opportunity to:
