North Anchorage Assembly Candidate Q&A: Cliff Baker

Updated: 14 a few minutes ago Published: 34 a few minutes ago

The Anchorage Daily News asked candidates for Anchorage Assembly for District 1, North Anchorage to answer a series of questions. Read them all here.

Cliff Baker | Age: 71 | Occupation: Retired

Candidate background:

I am a disabled veteran. I have an associate’s degree in surveying and a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. Engineering Technician for the Alaska Department of Transportation. Two and a half year professional surveyor/project development team leader for the Department of Natural Resources. Owner of Integrity Surveys for twelve and a half years. Twenty-five-year-old Past President of the Soldotna Rotary Club and Deputy Governor of Rotary District 5010. Helped with polio vaccinations in Ivory Coast, Africa; village water in Mexico; and started the Rotary to Rural Alaska Health project. Served on Central Peninsula Hospital Service Area Board of Directors for 5 years, Chairman 4 years; Alaska Architect, Engineer and Land Surveying Board, 8 years; National Society of Professional Surveyors, 10 years; National Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors, 15 years. Past President of the Alaska Society of Professional Land Surveyors, the Alaska Professional Design Council, and the Alaska Surveying and Mapping Conference.

Why are you running?

I believe we need to restore empathy to government; the Assembly and the administration must work together for the municipality.

What qualifies you to represent District 1, North Anchorage in the Assembly?

I was a small business owner for 25 years and a member of the Alaska Public Employees Association for 17.5 years. I have worked throughout the state of Alaska and have served on several boards and committees. This experience allowed me to interact with a wide range of cultures and a very diverse population. I believe I have the ability to help bridge the gap between the Assembly and the administration.

What is the biggest issue facing North Anchorage? How would you approach it?

Traffic/pedestrian/bicycle safety. There are too many accidents between vehicles and pedestrians/cyclists, especially at intersections. Many motorists accelerate for a yellow light and run red lights quite often. Cameras should be used to capture vehicles running red lights and citations should be issued. Sidewalks must be maintained throughout the winter to provide a safe place to walk.

Name one thing the Anchorage Assembly and/or Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson has accomplished in the past year that you support, and why.

Job qualifications are essential for Section Managers to run an effective municipality, and I believe the Assembly has been diligent in ensuring that qualification requirements are met. I am encouraged that the Assembly and the administration are finally working together on a compromise for the homeless.

What is your vision of what North Anchorage will look like in 10 years? What specific actions would you take with the Assembly to help realize this vision?

I would like to see a revitalized downtown, encourage new businesses and residents in the area, improve pedestrian/cycling corridors throughout North Anchorage connecting existing trails, making downtown a premier destination for commuting, gather and live.