Transition Report Day #7 Friday-Sun

Dave Carey, Mayor-elect

Friday began at Soldotna City Hall where some of my E-Mails were now getting through. The transition to the Borough had caused a three day lag in my access to E-Mails.

I went to the Borough Building next, and wished every Borough employee in the Building a nice day. I covered all three floors and had a great time speaking with everyone. I was told by more than one employee that it was the first time they could remember a Borough Mayor coming by their office or desk to wish them a good day. I had a nice discussion with the Director of Assessing Shane Horan.

I did a great deal of paperwork with the Human Resources personnel. Becoming a Borough employee is not an easy task. Also, the Finance Director had paperwork needed to allow the smooth transition regarding bank accounts and check signatures.

The Federal government has made a ruling that the white beluga whales in the Cook Inlet are to be listed as "endangered". I spoke with the Borough Attorney regarding the Borough position on the lawsuit. I will make no statements until Monday when I am the Borough Mayor.

At 3:00 PM, as arranged, a transfer of keys and access to offices was completed. Tim Navarre has made things very easy in the last few days.

At 4:00 PM, I took the "Oath of Office" along with Hugh Chumley and Susan Wilcox. The Assembly Room was standing room only. I was greatly pleased with the number of residents that attended, especially those from Homer and Ninilchik. I made a brief statement to the group. All three of us, added the words, "So help me God" at the end of our Oaths.

On Saturday morning, I drove to Cooper Landing to meet with the community in a meeting chaired by Assembly member Long. Also there was Rep. Seaton, the Borough Clerk and Bonnie Golden from the Mayor's Office. Former Sen. John Torgerson, EDD Executive Director, was also there. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss community needs for the Legislative Priority lists prepared by the Borough.

I discussed the Adult Vocational Development complex and the limited funds the Borough has for so many roads. Also, the State/Federal Sterling Highway By-Pass at Cooper Landing and the need for more safe public access to the Kenai River. The residents spoke about improving the Snug Harbor road. After the Community Meeting, I toured the Cooper Landing Fire/Emergency Buildings and discussed the idea of leasing one of the buildings to the State Troopers. It was time well spent in Cooper Landing.

The afternoon was spent meeting with a Women's Group at the Merit Inn for their yearly tea. Reps. Chenault and Olson along with Sen. Wagoner were also there. We all spoke briefly to the group of about 50 women, men and a few children.

I had church later that afternoon where I cantor at the evening service.

On Sunday, after church, I spent time beginning to move some things from the Soldotna Mayor's Office to the Borough Mayor's Office. I also responded to E-Mails. From 2:30-5:00, Sue Wilcox, Hugh Chumley and I met to discuss our vision for the next three years and especially for the Staff meeting on Monday. afternoon.

The past 12 days have been very educational. I have made a trip to Seldovia, Homer and Cooper Landing. I have met with the CES employees, the Soldotna Waste Site employees, Homer employees, Soldotna Maintenance, Purchasing, Solid Waste employees, Cooper Landing workers and many Borough employees in the Central Office. I have had many positive comments from a great deal of citizens everywhere I go.

Tomorrow, I actually begin my duties as the Borough Mayor for the citizens of the Kenai Peninsula. Our #1 focus will be to serve everyone that lives within the Kenai Peninsula Borough to the best of our abilities. I hope in 36 months this goal will still be our #1 priority.