Bob Lupo - Eagle River/Chugiak

Name: Bob Lupo

Occupation: Retired U.S. Army, with service in U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, and Alaska Army National Guard. (Vietnam and Desert Storm time periods).

Registered Political Party: Veterans Party of Alaska (Chair)

Last book you read: Gun Digest

Favorite movie: "Being there."

Why are you running for the Anchorage Assembly?: I am 70 years old. I have served my country and I have served my state; now I would like to serve my city.

What one sentence best describes your philosophy of how city government should be run?:

By using logic and reason in all decision making, excluding religious influence, and keeping the public, honestly and truthfully, informed of all actions affecting them.

What letter grade would you give the current assembly, and why?:

I give them a B, because while they each seem dedicated to their position, they should do what is best for the people even if it isn't in the best interest of getting themselves re-elected.

What letter grade would you give Mayor Sullivan's administration, and why?:

I give him a B. He appears to be a hard working mayor, but he should rein in his veto power and  allow the assembly to do their job.

What are your thoughts on the 2008 union contracts approved by the Assembly? Is there a link to those contracts and the city's current fiscal situation?:

Without knowing exactly what transpired during those contract negotiations, I don’t think I can render a legitimate answer indicating a correlation to the city's current fiscal situation.

Depends on the area. I think Public Safety, i.e., Police, Fire, and Emergency Services are not the areas to seek budget cuts. If it takes more money to run them, so be it!

The safety of the people must always be the priority in a society. If you like the idea of being safe, you must be willing to pay for it. I am! I will never sacrifice safety for comfort or pleasure.

What city services would you like to see reinstated, and how would you suggest they are paid for?: 

All public safety, library, and transportation services. Pay for them the with the millions they recently discovered.

Are property taxes too high? What consideration should be given to alternative taxes like the tobacco tax, or a sales tax?:

If you have an alcohol tax, it should be used to offset the cost of dealing with inebriates.