Lesson learned: The teens who spoke at Thursday night’s meeting at the Mariner Theatre reminded adults of something important: The majority of students at Homer High School are living lives that can make their community proud. Most of them don’t get into trouble. They don’t condone the behavior that’s made headlines. In fact, many of them are involved in programs that are designed to make the world a healthier, safer place to live. Students who spoke were noticeably — and understandably — proud of their school and its accomplishments. Students, thanks for the reminder.
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Congrats to those who won and thanks to all who ran: With the results of the Oct. 2 municipal election certified, congratulations to Homer’s new mayor, Beth Wythe, and Homer City Council members Francie Roberts and Beau Burgess, who are returning to the council to continue their work. Congrats also to Mako Haggerty, who was re-elected to the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly, and Liz Downing, who was returned to the school board. Thanks also are in order to those elected to service area board seats.
We also greatly appreciate those who ran, but weren’t elected. Thank you for making the campaign discussion deeper and giving voters choices when they went to the polls. The process was better because of your involvement.
And many thanks to Homer Mayor James Hornaday, who will ends his term as mayor at a special council meeting Monday. Mayor, thanks for your hard work. We can’t wait to see what you retire from next.
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Mark your calendar, please: All of us know people who are surprised whenever the city — or some other entity — does something. They say they never knew what was going on or they would have shown up and participated. Instead, they complain after the fact. If this describes anyone in your sphere or influence, give them a call to let them know the city of Homer holds neighborhood meetings to answer questions about the Homer Natural Gas Special Assessment District from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday in the Homer High School Commons. Presentations on the project are at 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. each night. A third meeting is 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 29, also in the high school commons.
The meetings will discuss the special assessment district process, which lots are affected, how property owners can object and other issues. The Homer City Council initiated the gas line assessment district process in July. The $12.7 million gas line will be built out in two construction seasons to most lots at an estimated cost per lot of $3,300, with an annual payment of $405 over 10 years.
The city has set up a website at cityofhomer-ak.gov/natural gas. Questions can be called in at 435-3198 or emailed to naturalgas@homer.ci.ak.us. The city is making every effort not to catch people off guard with this important project. Let’s hope their efforts aren’t in vain.
