The Cordova Candidate Forum is set for tonight, Feb. 24, at 6 p.m. The forum, joint hosted by the Cordova Chamber of Commerce and Cordova Radio, will live stream on the Chamber’s YouTube channel beginning at 6 p.m. The Cordova Times will not host the event live, but has collaborated with the Chamber and Cordova Radio to brainstorm candidate questions. The Cordova Times will also cover the forum in the newspaper.

There are two people running for the mayor’s chair – Kristin Smith (Carpenter) and Jason Barnes – who are scheduled to participate in tonight’s forum.

Additionally, five candidates are vying for three open seats on the City Council and are set to attend the forum: Debra Adams, Ken Jones (running for re-election), David Allison (currently the mayor), Mike Mickelson, and Aaron Hansen.

Early voting is underway now until March 3, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Cordova Center. 

The General Election is on March 4. The Cordova Center Community Room A polling site will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day.  

City Council candidates

Below are the City Council candidate profiles.

Note: Responses may be edited or shortened for clarity and brevity.   

Debra Adams

Q: Why did you decide to run for this seat? 

A: I’ve been a Cordova resident for 40+ years. I am at a place in my life where I can now serve. The time is right for me to give back to the community. I look forward to serving Cordova for the betterment of all.

Q: What is your professional background? 

A: I have enjoyed a long and fulfilling career as a teacher at Cordova High School. Until recently, I have been a 30-year member of the National Council of Teachers of English. My graduate degree is in counseling and I am currently working in the CHS Counseling Office. I have served as President of CEA for many years, helping negotiate teachers’ contracts, advocating for colleagues and staying informed of School Board policy and business. On two occasions I’ve had the opportunity to accompany students to Juneau lobbying for school funding and better ferry service. I have also worked for the Alaska Department of Education, vetting testing materials for many years. I have served on the Sound Alternatives Advisory Board and currently serve on the Cordova Library Board.

Q: What achievements or skills from your experience make you the best candidate for this seat? 

A: I feel my experience as a teacher interacting with hundreds of students and numerous administrators will enable me to work with and contribute to our City Council. As a partner in my husband’s and son’s fishing operations, I have a good understanding of the industry. I have strived to be a good neighbor and have volunteered for many community functions (Stage of the Tide, Salmon Jam, Girls on the Run, Cub Scouts, Fungus Festival, Iceworm Breakfast). As a Cordovan who loves the outdoors and all that the land and waters around us offer, I want to help keep our community the vibrant place we all cherish. 

Q: What are the top issues you want to address if elected? 

A: I have a good deal to learn regarding the specific needs of the city and how agencies and projects operate/are funded. I am ready and willing to learn, however.  I will work hard as a council person just as I have worked hard at all my jobs. That said, issues close to my heart include education, supporting our fishing community, maintaining good health care, and public safety.

Ken Jones

*Running for re-election

Q: Why did you decide to run for this seat? 

A: I’ll admit, initially, I hadn’t planned on entering this election cycle. The recent economic difficulties affecting our community and commercial fisheries, coupled with some recent personal matters, I had felt that perhaps my efforts might be important to focus elsewhere. However, I was recently reminded of the profound importance of my potential continued leadership. A chorus of community members reached out with unwavering support and encouragement, urging me to remain committed and run one more time. Their passionate pleas have inspired me to rise to the occasion and compete for my council seat once again.

My primary focus has been on fostering both economic and housing development through property tax incentives – initiatives I believe are crucial for sustaining our community’s growth. Moreover, future projects like the north harbor improvements and the addition of a floating fuel dock are vital elements of future fisheries infrastructure. The thought of seeing these critical efforts, painstakingly cultivated over more than a decade, come undone is something I simply cannot countenance. My commitment to our shared vision drives me forward, and together, we can build a thriving future for everyone in our community.

Q: What is your professional background? 

A: I proudly served on the City Council for two impactful terms, spanning from 2017-2020, and 2022-2025 – contributing to Cordova’s growth and development. My dedication to our community extends further, as evidenced by my four consecutive terms as City Harbor Commissioner, and multiple terms as a board member for both the Cordova District Fishermen United (CDFU) and the Prince William Sound Aquaculture Corporation (PWSAC). These roles have not only enriched my understanding of our city’s needs and the intricate dynamics of our local industries, but have also fueled my unwavering commitment to fostering a thriving and sustainable future for Cordova.

Q: What achievements or skills from your experience makes you the best candidate for this seat? 

A: I am steadfast in ensuring that our community’s journey toward progress and prosperity continues unabated. With a deep-rooted passion for Cordova and its rich history, I bring to the table a unique blend of experience and knowledge. My extensive background with the city code, council processes, and harbor infrastructure uniquely positions me to navigate and enhance our community’s operations effectively. My love for Cordova’s storied past fuels my dedication to preserving its charm while guiding it toward a prosperous future. Furthermore, my wide ranging experience across various business ventures equips me with a broad perspective and innovative mindset, making me an ideal candidate to champion our city’s growth and success. I am committed to serving Cordova with honesty, vision, and a heartfelt commitment to its people and potential.

Q: What are the top issues you want to address if elected? 

A: I am eager to continue championing critical initiatives that elevate Cordova’s prosperity and quality of life. With a steadfast commitment to advancing commercial fisheries infrastructure projects, fostering robust economic development, and spearheading housing development, I am dedicated to ensuring our community thrives. My focus also remains on upholding fiscal responsibility, ensuring that every decision benefits our residents both now and in the future. Recently, we’ve achieved significant milestones, such as completing the vital south harbor rebuild project and rolling out an innovative property tax incentives program to spur both economic and housing development. These accomplishments are just the beginning. I am motivated and ready to serve for another term, dedicated to driving forward these essential initiatives and enriching our beloved community. 

David Allison

*Currently the mayor, running for City Council

Q: Why did you decide to run for this seat? 

A: I have enjoyed my time as mayor and am honored the citizens of Cordova gave me their trust and support. Cordova is a Council/manager type of government style with a “weak mayor.” Though the mayor does have ability to put things on the agenda and leads the meetings and represents Cordova in the community, the mayor has very limited voting authority. As mayor I am expected, in my official capacity, to be as neutral on issues as possible.

All decisions that are final come through council … not the mayor. It is for this reason that I believe my knowledge and abilities can better benefit Cordova by serving as a council person.

Q: What is your professional background? 

A: I have been in Cordova since 1987 – since 1982 if you count summers. I’ve spent more than 30 years in seafood processing, a dozen years teaching at the community college, several years as a computer consultant. I have also been Moose Lodge administrator, Church Parish Council member, and spent nearly 20 years as CTC board member and president of the board. I served on the CCMC board for many years, with several as chair. I spent numerous years on City Council and the past three years as mayor. I served a couple years on the State AML Legislative Committee. I have given many hours of volunteer time at schools activities, as a baseball coach, and youth advocate.

Q: What achievements or skills from your experience makes you the best candidate for this seat? 

A: My experience is broad and community based. Through my experience, I am familiar with many of the players in state and federal government who are our advocates at those levels. I have been involved in many large local projects as a member of public and as a sitting member of council and as mayor: the elementary school rebuild, and numerous city projects, including the recent harbor rebuild. With many Cordovans, I have seen and been through a lot of change over the years.

I understand how to collaborate with six other members to make strategic decisions for the community. I have the experience necessary, the will to work hard for the community of Cordova, and the time to do a good job.

Q: What are the top issues you want to address if elected to council? 

A: Cordova is being challenged financially with budget issues. We have many projects in the infrastructure that need to be addressed: Sewer/water systems need upgrading, roads, recreation facilities, high school facilities, the north harbor (uplands mostly) with the road degrading into the harbor, no foot traffic path, etc. We cannot continue to raise the cost (taxes/fees) to our permanent residents without making an effort to control our own costs.

I would like to see the City work more with our businesses, acting as true partners. We need to work harder to work with our partners, removing roadblocks and encouraging responsible development. We need to continue working with the Native Village of Eyak to ensure Cordova maintains its critical care hospital, for the health of our community, and be partners in all local activities.

Mike Mickelson

Q: Why did you decide to run for this seat? 

A: Given the importance of commercial fishing to the economy of this community, it is critical to have City Council members with current, direct ties to the fishing industry. After multiple years of poor prices and/or poor returns, we have a strong salmon forecast and slowly improving prices across spectrum of fisheries that directly benefit Cordova. Our local government needs to position our community to take advantage of good fishing seasons. When there is a lot of fish tax revenue and fishing money being spent around town, we need budget it to get us through the poor years. Out of the last 12 seasons we have had a commercial fisheries disaster declaration at least every 4 years. Our budgetary planning needs to reflect that new reality, and we will have to make hard decisions so that our community is a good place to do business and raise a family.

Q: What is your professional background? 

A: I graduated from University of Alaska Fairbanks with degree in elementary education. I played music professionally all over the U.S., Canada and the UK for 10 years. I’ve taught music around the U.S. and Alaska since 2001. Since I bought into fishing, I only teach a few weeks in remote, primarily Native Villages around Alaska. I’ve been gillnetting since 2010, seining since 2014, and have participated in various commercial fishing gear types around Alaska and Washington as a deckhand. I was on the Copper River and Prince William Sound Marketing Association for four years and the CDFU board for 13 years. I’m currently on the Prince William Sound Aquaculture executive committee, the United Fisherman of Alaska Executive Committee, the Seine Vessels Reserve Insurance board, and on the board for the Cordova Labor Hall Building.

Q: What achievements or skills from your experience makes you the best candidate for this seat? 

A: I’m a lifelong resident of the Cordova area and I’ve had quite a bit of experience with leadership roles in fisheries nonprofits. There are many similarities between fisheries nonprofits and the City Council, although I’m sure I have a lot to learn. I’ve developed connections with both our state and federal representatives in the course of many fisheries meetings. I’ve been asked multiple times to be on City Council, and now I have time to do it.

Q: What are the top issues you want to address if elected to council? 

A: It is imperative to get back to a budget surplus. It’s going to take continued concerted effort to meet our financial obligations and move back to having a fiscal reserve.

I’m proud that our community has invested so much in having great schools, but we need to keep up our buildings, and keep our teacher salaries competitive.  

It is also critical to find a solution to the health care situation in Cordova. We do not have the resources to have hospital and a clinic for a community of our size. The city needs to work together with NVE to find a mutually agreeable solution to create one entity. I have no illusions that this is going to be an easy process, but it is necessary to bring our city’s budget under control. 

I am also a major proponent of responsible development that keeps Cordova’s very unique character in tact. I’ve spent enough time playing music during summers in Homer, Seward, Juneau and Ketchikan to know that large scale tourism is not a good fit for our community.  

Aaron Hansen

Q: Why did you decide to run for this seat? 

A: I decided to run for City Council because Cordova deserves compassionate, dedicated volunteers who stand behind their values instead of a single political party. It’s time for the younger generation to step up. I am a Tribal member, homeowner, father to three kids in the school system, and married into a longtime family of the region. 

Q: What is your professional background? 

A: I grew up in Kodiak and was raised in the commercial fishing industry. I started fishing year-round at 17 years old and remained a commercial fisherman for most of my working career. I’ve owned and operated a gillnetter in Cordova and ran my own fiberglass and coating business. I have worked in several trades, completing a general maintenance program through Southwest Alaska Vocational & Education Center, along with completing an apprenticeship in power generation and in telecommunication – becoming a Journeyman in both trades. I currently work as a Combo Technician at CTC and am a Union Shop Steward. I am the president of the Parks and Rec Commission and was on the CYAK Board. I’m very well rounded and have a wide range of work history. 

Q: What achievements or skills from your experience makes you the best candidate for this seat? 

A: I have vast experience in remaining levelheaded and respectful in the face of opposition and can have conversations with those that I may fundamentally disagree with. These qualities allow me to stop and listen to many different points of view and take in more information before making decisions or opinions. I have a calm attitude and don’t have a reactive personality. (Believe me, my wife tests me daily.)

I don’t believe my professional background should dictate my supposed success as a leader. What we need to lead our community now are good people with an invested interest in the socioeconomic health of our town. I have risen from a toxic upbringing and have created a new kind of life for the next generation. I judge people on their qualities and not their political stance, religion, orientation, or designation. I believe these qualities make a good leader.

Q: What are the top issues you want to address if elected to council? 

A: I aim to assist in the hard decisions ahead of us. My time on the Parks and Rec Commission has shown me that our ageing infrastructure is at the end of life, with no avenue to replace. I’ve noticed deferred maintenance resulting in repair on failure, which costs more in the long run. We need a path to support our community that hopefully doesn’t continue to burden the smaller, year-round residents and youth with additional costs to generate revenue. I plan to support the city staff anyway I can for the benefit of the entire community. I care about our schools, Parks and Rec, our environment, and want to foster communal success to encourage stability. 

This story was updated at 4:36 p.m. to include responses from Aaron Hansen.