Peter Olsen - West Anchorage

Name: Peter Olsen

Occupation: Vice President, OfficeTECH, Inc. (family Xerox Sales Dealership business)

Website: www.peter-olsen.com

Registered Political Party: Democrat

Last book you read: Tick Tock by James Patterson

Favorite movie: Gran Torino (Clint Eastwood)

Why are you running for the Anchorage Assembly?: I've lived in Anchorage for a long time and I think I can contribute something positive to the residents.

What one sentence best describes your philosophy of how city government should be run?: City government should be run like a business, with care, passion and compassion.

What letter grade would you give the current assembly, and why?: B-/C+ because there are several things I would not have done, that were done.

What letter grade would you give Mayor Sullivan’s administration, and why?: B- I like what he has done, mostly - think he has work to do. I wouldn't have started my term in office giving my staff raises in the midst of a recession.

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?: I am not pleased with the contracts! You never want to lock in a long term labor contract – I would have pushed for a 2 year agreement.

What are your thoughts on the budget reductions proposed by Mayor Sullivan over the past two years?  Are they too much? Not deep enough? A right amount?: We have a budget surplus right now, so it must be working.  He needs to do more though, and we need to look at more cuts and reducing property taxes.

What city services would you like to see reinstated, and how would you suggest they are paid for?: Hire more police officers pay for them with some of the surplus. More bus service and routes – have you seen the price of gas?

Are property taxes too high? What consideration should be given to alternative taxes like the tobacco tax, or a sales tax?: Yes, I hear this frequently from my constituents. I like the idea for a seasonal sales tax. Also eliminating the prop tax exemptions for churches, and possibly reducing the prop tax exemption for seniors.

What is the most important issue affecting the city as a whole?: High property taxes. Better police protection.

What is the most important issue facing your district more than other districts?: High property taxes, better police protection, improve city streets, improve sidewalks & trails.

Challengers (non-incumbents) -- What specifically will you bring to the assembly that your incumbent opponent has/will not? I have a wealth of business experience, not much political experience, and I am not in the mayor's pocket, nor am I supported by special interest groups or unions. In fact, I am not endorsed by anybody!

Should an agency other than the Anchorage Police Department be allowed to issue parking tickets to vehicles parked downtown? Why or why not? Everyone seems to think this is a great idea, and I do like the idea of outsourcing some areas of the gov't, but I'd have to say I'm undecided on this right now.

Should the city extend the disabled veteran property tax exemption to widows and widowers? Why or why not? I'm rather undecided on this one too. Leaning towards NO, and eliminating for reducing the amount of the exemption.

The last municipal election had the lowest voter turnout in at least 20 years. Why should people head to the polls and vote on April 5th?: It is everyone's right and privilege to vote at every election! Why should people go out and vote? Because you can!