First-time candidate Ashley Snyder has filed to run for a three-year term on the Ketchikan City Council.
There are four council seats up for grabs. Three of them are for three-year terms, and one is a one-year term. There are seven other candidates vying for a three-year seat.
KRBD’s Hunter Morrison sat down with Snyder to talk about her priorities and decision to run.
Ashley Snyder: I am running for city council because I think I bring a unique and fresh perspective, and hope to collaborate well with the existing city council. I don’t own a business here in town. I’m not planning any big projects that need community support. I just believe in community-driven policy and listening to the people of Ketchikan while making big decisions that impact them.
Hunter Morrison: Could you elaborate on your priorities?
Snyder: So, some of the priorities that have come up when talking to the residents of Ketchikan, friends and others, was sustainable tourism. We all know that tourism is our bread and butter, but maybe there’s a way we can find a little bit more balanced approach there. My husband and I moved to Ketchikan because we missed living in small towns and wanted that feel again, and I really want to help uphold that here in Ketchikan.
Morrison: If elected to the council, what is something that you would like to do?
Snyder: It would be working on that actually, sustainable tourism, and just trying to get everyone on board with the same plan. That’s really my goal in that area.
Morrison: What other leadership or community engagement roles make you equipped for this role?
Snyder: This is my first foray into government. That said, I’ve been serving my community as long as I can remember. I was that kid that was the officer in like every organization growing up, just because I wanted to be involved in everything and I was drawn to lead. I’ve volunteered all over the state for nonprofits, Girl Scouts of Alaska, Girls on the Run, and I used to lead women-only hikes. So nothing tested our leadership more than leading three to 25 women through bear country and having a good time together. So it may not be the most traditional path, but it’s definitely leadership.
Morrison: And aside from what you’ve already mentioned, what is something that you’d like listeners to know about you?
Snyder: That I’m a good listener. I’m really excited to connect with people here in town and find out what they want and need. My goal is to be that person that everyone’s willing to and wants to and feels comfortable reaching out, and talking to, emailing, and having their priorities heard.
