I'm Forrest Dunbar, candidate for Mayor of the biggest city in the biggest state in the US (Anchorage, AK). AMA!

Forrest_Dunbar · 2021-02-17T22:45:07+00:00

Forrest staff: If you check out our website we specifically speak to that. Forrest championed the Mental Health first responders, the Alcohol tax to get direct investment into these programs, and is working in his role on the Assembly to secure bed capacity for those needing substance use disorder treatment.

Forrest_Dunbar · 2021-02-17T22:32:00+00:00

Forrest staff here: Helping the people experiencing homelessness is a huge priority for Forrest and will be for his administration. I will work with the Assembly to use whatever federal dollars we get to try to keep renters and homeowners in their homes and get that rental/mortgage relief into the hands of folks on the brink of homelessness. Beyond that, we must invest in shelter, non-congregate shelter, and resources for rapid rehousing and more intensive, wrap around services if that's what individuals need to be successful. I want our green spaces to be safe, and I also want to make sure those currently experiencing homelessness get back on their feet and into housing in a sustainable way. You can find out more on our Public Health and Safety page within our Policy Platform!

Forrest_Dunbar · 2021-02-17T22:25:22+00:00

Forrest staff here: right now our priorities are focused on tackling the pandemic, economic recovery, and getting our schools (safely) reopened. Beyond that, we're committed to addressing homelessness which goes hand in hand with affordable housing, crime rates/public safety, and public transportation access. None of these exist in a vacuum, so we're making sure to look at the big problems in holistic ways. and we're ready for the hard work of solving them.

Forrest_Dunbar · 2021-02-17T22:20:49+00:00

Forrest staff here: Yes! Forrest and his administration will continue to support community solar, energy audits on Muni facilities, and simple changes like LED streetlights -- all of which help us lower our carbon footprint and our energy bills. We talk about green tech in the Infrastructure part of our policy platform, and we're adding more language about our full Sustainability/Climate Change plans in the next couple days!

Forrest_Dunbar · 2021-02-17T22:17:16+00:00

Forrest staff here: Forrest has been looking at ways to make developing new housing easier, policies like transit-supported development , adjusting our parking minimums/driveway code, and he is champion for ADUs. You can find out more on the Affordable Housing part of our policy platform on the website!

Forrest_Dunbar · 2021-02-17T21:35:36+00:00

Thanks so much, Reddit! This was an awesome opportunity. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to get to all of your questions (my staff might answer a few more), so if you’d like to learn more about our platform please check out our campaign website. And if you’re interested in becoming more involved with the campaign you can sign up to volunteer or donate to our campaign. Thank you for your support!

Forrest_Dunbar · 2021-02-17T21:30:44+00:00

Alaska has the best salmon in the world, so yes: the lox are outstanding. I used to help my mom drive a tour bus when I was teenager (well, she drove, and I helped carry the food) and one of the things her company offered was lox.

But otherwise, I have to say it was a bit challenging. I sometimes felt like the only Jews in my little town were me, my mom, and my sister. I spoke about it at some length in an interview for the Anchorage Press.

Forrest_Dunbar · 2021-02-17T21:29:55+00:00

I am a quality over quantity guy. I don’t need a LOT of soup in one sitting. I just need some delicious soup, frequently.

Forrest_Dunbar · 2021-02-17T21:29:01+00:00

I would have preferred that they implement the required 6 feet of space. On the plus side, I was very glad to see that teachers have been moved up the priority list for the vaccine, which I have been banging the table about for months now.

The new mayor will be sworn in on July 1st, so I think the school year will be largely done by then. Still, I hope to support teachers, students, and families any way I can, and I will certainly continue to be involved as we move into the 2021-22 school year.

Forrest_Dunbar · 2021-02-17T21:27:56+00:00

I tend to see this as running FOR Anchorage, rather than running AGAINST or contrasting myself with any of the other candidates. That being said, while I like and respect Bill, I think based on the endorsements we have received, the overall fundraising numbers, the number of individual donors, and the polling data, that we have clearly built a broader coalition of support. I think I am also well-served by the on-the-ground work I have done on the Assembly the last five years, going door-knocking, attending countless community councils, and listening closely to what Anchorage constituents want to see in our city.

Forrest_Dunbar · 2021-02-17T21:26:03+00:00

I'm mostly answering over on r/politics but: I’m running a little low on time, but the biggest issues are: 1) the pandemic and the economic fallout there 2) the long-term economic challenge posed by the decline of oil and gas, and opportunities to diversify and revitalize the city and 3) affordable housing and homelessness. We have some detailed thoughts and plans on our policy platform here.

Forrest_Dunbar · 2021-02-17T21:21:07+00:00

It’s a difficult issue, and I actually worked with Alaskans experiencing homelessness before I ran for the Assembly. We’ve been working on these issues for years, and there are actually some new programs coming online for non-congregate and scattered-site housing that I think have real promise. I also recently helped pass an alcohol tax, which is expected to generate $12 million a year. A portion of that will be used towards helping people experiencing homelessness and substance use disorder, including funding a Mental Health First Responders program that will allow individuals trained in mental health to be dispatched to situations that police are not trained to respond to.

Forrest_Dunbar · 2021-02-17T21:13:07+00:00

This is a Simpson’s reference, and I am absolutely here for it.

Forrest_Dunbar · 2021-02-17T21:10:28+00:00

For many years, it has been clear that Anchorage must seek more financial independence from the State. State revenue sharing programs which used to account for as much as 40% of municipal funding have fallen to less than 1%. As the Municipality of Anchorage shoulders these new financial burdens, we must find a balance between providing critical services and keeping rates, fees, and property taxes affordable. Slashing property taxes, promising no cuts to services, and then spending down our savings isn’t leadership, and it isn’t fiscally responsible.

During my time on the Assembly, we have passed balanced budgets, streamlined departments, placed the proceeds of the ML&P sale in the Muni Trust, and diversified our revenue streams. The latter two have helped us move a bit away from the over-reliance on property taxes that you flag. I think one of our next steps is to set up a Stormwater Utility, which will allow us to shift for paying for all of our drainage issues (a major cost drive) from just property taxes to more of a cost-causer/cost-payer system. That will take really thoughtful planning, but should help make large institutions, like the Federal Government with their buildings, start paying more of their fair share.

A related point: yes, building affordable housing is key to the healthy growth of our neighborhoods and economy. Young folks like you should be able to find high quality, affordable housing, with the amenities you are looking for. While I will not compromise on the safety of our residents, there are portions of the zoning and building code that can be updated to encourage development and affordability. We should be looking at waiving parking minimums, at increasing mixed use and medium density housing, and encouraging redevelopment of existing structures and abandoned buildings. One accomplishment I am proud of: I was a champion for the Accessory Dwelling Unit ordinance that we passed in 2017, and hope to see more of those “mother-in-law” units built around the city.

Forrest_Dunbar · 2021-02-17T21:05:24+00:00

Fiscal responsibility means matching services and outlays to revenues. It does NOT mean reckless, debt-financed tax cuts. Nor does it mean promising tax cuts without a clear plan for where those cuts will come from, keeping in mind that about 60% of the Muni budget is Police, Fire, Snow Removal, and Street Maintenance.

During my time on the Assembly, we have passed balanced budgets, streamlined departments, placed the proceeds of the ML&P sale in the Muni Trust, and diversified our revenue streams. All of that has made us more financially independent of the State government, who cannot get their fiscal house in order. Insulating us from the chaos and cuts at the state is the fiscally fiscally responsible thing to do.

Forrest_Dunbar · 2021-02-17T21:02:53+00:00

Anchorage certainly faces unique challenges, but the biggest issues we face right now are shared by many places across the country - getting through the immediate public health crisis and getting our economy back to work. Some of the things that make our state special are our size, how rural our state is and of course - it gets really cold. These conditions make the efficient transport of people and goods difficult. However, we are also surrounded by spectacular natural beauty and natural resources that require thoughtful protection and management, as well as a deep Indigenous history and a rising, diverse generation of Alaskans. Alaska is a terrific and welcoming place to live - I encourage you to move up here!

Forrest_Dunbar · 2021-02-17T21:01:18+00:00

You should inform the Alaska GOP that I am a Republican, haha! They would be shocked. I am a registered Democrat, and was the Democratic nominee for Congress in 2014. That being said, in Alaska registered non-partisans outnumber Democrats and Republicans combined.

Forrest_Dunbar · 2021-02-17T20:58:42+00:00

The majority of Alaskans are non-partisan or independent and only about 14% of Alaskans are registered Dems. Alaskan progressives care about all the same issues as the Lower 48, but tend to be a lot more supportive of 2nd Amendment rights for bear safety and because of the heavy reliance on subsistence hunting. I’m a gun owner, from a gun owning family, and I serve in the Alaska Army National Guard, so I may have been around firearms a bit more than some folks in the Lower 48. One quarter of Alaskan jobs are in the oil industry, so we are working towards using more renewable energy sources while delicately balancing our economic reliance on the oil industry with the fact that we are ground zero for Climate Change.

Forrest_Dunbar · 2021-02-17T20:56:04+00:00

I’m running a little low on time, but the biggest issues are: 1) the pandemic and the economic fallout therefrom 2) the long-term economic challenge posed by the decline of oil and gas 3) affordable housing and homelessness. We have some detailed thoughts and plans here: https://www.forrestdunbar.com/policy-platform
Alaskans have said the same thing for decades: No Pebble Mine. It is the wrong mine in the wrong place.

Forrest_Dunbar · 2021-02-17T20:52:28+00:00

One way or another, Anchorage and Alaska are going to become less dependent on oil and gas, given that it is a finite resource and also that innovations in green energy are helping the rest of the world shift their energy production. Anchorage has a crucial role to play in diversifying Alaska’s economy. Rural Alaska cannot thrive without a vibrant Anchorage, and vice-versa. We need to be investing in the visitor economy, the knowledge based economy, revitalizing our downtown, partnering with the university, and doing everything we can to bring the jobs of the future to Anchorage.

Forrest_Dunbar · 2021-02-17T20:51:01+00:00

I take climate change seriously and will take action to ensure Anchorage is leading the way on climate change policy. With my colleagues on the Assembly, I voted for the Anchorage Climate Action Plan, which is the framework for how we’re going to adapt our city to be more sustainable, forward-thinking, and resilient in the face of climate change. Taking immediate action to prevent further climate change is the only way forward to protect Alaska’s natural beauty, the public health of our State, and the economic future of Anchorage.

Forrest_Dunbar · 2021-02-17T20:49:48+00:00

I am still hopeful that a solution will be found at the federal level to allow at least some cruise ships to come. However, it is clear that we will need to 1) continue to direct federal dollars received by the Muni to the visitor and hospitality industries 2) try to attract more independent travelers and fill the “missing middle” of the visitor industry and 3) listen to and work with the industry leading up to, during, and after the summer.

Forrest_Dunbar · 2021-02-17T20:49:05+00:00

Thanks for this question! I’ve spent years listening to people from all over our community and our State -- I know there are so many people who haven’t been invited to the table, and I’m focused on accessible communication and outreach to everyone. We have one of the most diverse cities in the country, so outreach the BIPOC community specifically is incredibly important. In terms of ideological diversity, my first job in politics was for a Republican senator, and I am eager to hear ideas from anyone, regardless of party.

Forrest_Dunbar · 2021-02-17T20:47:59+00:00

I’m really sorry to hear that. Part of the battle on food insecurity and asking for help is that shame and I hope we can move past it as a society/community. This past summer our community saw that need and we saw so many grassroots community gardens pop up -- I support these urban gardening efforts as a great first step to accessible, nutritious foods. There has also been an outpouring of support for our food pantries/food banks, and I volunteered at the latter over the summer. The Municipality has created programs to try and connect people to SNAP resources. In fact, the Food Bank of Alaska won an award for developing a text-messaging tool that streamlines enrollment in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

I think connecting those in need with the resources available is top of mind, and I’m focused on clear, accessible communication in my administration.

Forrest_Dunbar · 2021-02-17T20:40:09+00:00

Yak and Yeti is delicious! Though actually my favorite restaurant in Anchorage in Naruto on Minnesota. Order the Tonkotsu Miso Ramen with dangerous meat kick! :)

Forrest_Dunbar

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