by K.J. Lincoln
Bethel voters will go to the polls on October 3, 2023 to vote during the City of Bethel regular election. Four 2-year teams are up for election for the Bethel City Council. This year we have eight candidates: incumbents Henry S. Batchelor Jr., Mary “Beth” Hessler, and Mark Springer, and Nick Watson, John Lloyd, Teresa Keller, Mikayla Miller, and Danny Suiter.
We asked the candidates a few questions, here are their responses. Thank you.
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Name: My name is Mary (Beth) Elizabeth Hessler.
How long have you been a Bethel resident and where are you originally from? I have lived in Bethel since 2012 and came to Alaska from Nebraska in 2011.
What are the main reasons that you are running for Bethel City Council? The main reason I am running for city council is to provide honesty, transparency, and kind, helpful leadership.
Every year the Bethel City Council decides on what their priorities are, what are the top 3-5 priorities that you would advocate for? Priorities are first, a healthy Finance Department, since a healthy Finance Department means a healthy city. Next is improved recruiting. Then, housing solutions, better roads including dust reduction, and running water for everyone. Much has been talked about already on each of these topics and some steps have been made but a strategic plan would facilitate things.
What would you like to tell the voters that will help them choose you when they go to the polls? I have had experience of one term and am willing to serve second term to make the best use of what I have learned if the community desires.
Folks would like to know more about you and what you like to do. What are your hobbies and interests? How do you keep busy? My favorite thing to do is to spend time with my family and those in my household. We love berry picking, boating, gardening, sewing, baking, making Christmas presents, and many other things. I give educational services of various classes including piano lessons. I am a fostercare provider. I have adopted 2 boys in addition to the 5 children I have biologically. I care about the respect and dignity of biological womanhood and have named my business of educational services “The Ways of Her Household “ based on Proverbs 31. Reaching out to encourage the younger women of our community especially in the arts of homemaking and building up our families is something I have dreamed of doing for several years.
Quyana!
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Name: Teresa Keller
How long have you been a Bethel resident and where are you originally from? I moved to Bethel from Japan in 2005. I was a military brat who was born on Elmendorf but raised overseas so I never had a place I considered a “home” until I found my footing here in Bethel.
What are the main reasons that you are running for Bethel City Council? I have been a member of this community for a long time and I’d like to try and give back. I want a more direct and influential role in helping to shape the future of Bethel.
Every year the Bethel City Council decides on what their priorities are, what are the top 3-5 priorities that you would advocate for? Creating a safer community and increasing positive relationships with our police force.
Infrastructure improvements.
More opportunities for business development.
Restoration/ beautification of Bethel and its Boardwalks and parks including increased participation in city events.
What would you like to tell the voters that will help them choose you when they go to the polls? Right now I see a great list of candidates. We come from all walks of life and because of that we each bring a different perspective. This diversity among the council will lead to better decisions on behalf of Bethel. Having a council that is one sided benefits no one. I hope that as a resident, a mother, and business owner it will allow me to contribute valuable insights to the council and the decision making.
Folks would like to know more about you and what you like to do. What are your hobbies and interests? How do you keep busy? With 4 kids I’m always busy. If I am not at work I’m usually at home with my family. We BBQ a lot when the weather permits. I love to go exploring with the kids and our dog, Henry. We go to Pinky’s a lot. I love to travel and take in new sights when I can. As the kids are getting older, traveling is becoming easier in a lot of ways to travel. Work is also very fun for me and I love that I have a job that I am excited to go to.
Quyana!
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Name: John T. Lloyd
How long have you been a Bethel resident and where are you originally from? I came from Virginia and I have been in Bethel since 2016.
What are the main reasons that you are running for Bethel City Council? To motivate people to get into local politics and show them that everyone can affect change.
Every year the Bethel City Council decides on what their priorities are, what are the top 3-5 priorities that you would advocate for? Establishing youth activities. Repairing local amenities such as the boardwalk, and parks and maintaining them. As well as getting more people involved in the current activity.
What would you like to tell the voters that will help them choose you when they go to the polls? Vote for me if you want to promote community activities and festivals.
Folks would like to know more about you and what you like to do. What are your hobbies and interests? How do you keep busy? I like to read, play video games, get together with some friends, and play roleplaying games such as Dungeons and Dragons. I am also a carpenter.
Quyana!
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Name: Mikayla Miller
How long have you been a Bethel resident and where are you originally from? I have lived in Bethel 3 years as of August and I moved here from Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
What are the main reasons that you are running for Bethel City Council? For one, I want to be more involved in this community. I want to be able to help in a meaningful way and I can think of no better way than to be a member of city council. Another reason is that I believe in a diversity of voices and as a younger adult, I can provide a voice for a part of Bethel that others may not. All that being said, I really want to volunteer my time for the community of Bethel.
Every year the Bethel City Council decides on what their priorities are, what are the top 3-5 priorities that you would advocate for? I would advocate for solving the housing shortage, funding opportunities for the city’s non-profit, staffing for city resources like the fire and police department, and family/youth resources.
What would you like to tell the voters that will help them choose you when they go to the polls? I believe everyone should use their right to vote for whomever they believe will serve the community best.
Folks would like to know more about you and what you like to do. What are your hobbies and interests? How do you keep busy? I am a librarian so naturally one of my favorite pastimes is reading. I read every single day. I love crafting like cross stitch and sewing. I am a big fan of baking and would bake every single day if I had the time.
Quyana!
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Name: Mark Springer
How long have you been a Bethel resident and where are you originally from? I’ve been a Bethel resident for over 20 years, and prior to that I lived in Hooper Bay, my wife Juliana’s hometown for nearly another 20. I moved to Tok, Alaska as a member of the United States Coast Guard in 1976, and stayed. I grew up in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
What are the main reasons that you are running for Bethel City Council? I am running for re-election after serving a number of terms on the City Council. I have served as Mayor and been on a number of Committees and Commissions. The main strengths I bring to Council are experience and leadership. Continuity is important in local government, and no more so than in Bethel. As new members get elected there is a natural learning curve and I am happy to be there to help. The personal traits I bring are open mindedness, and a sense of humor.
Every year the Bethel City Council decides on what their priorities are, what are the top 3-5 priorities that you would advocate for?
1. Public Safety – we have a well-run Police Department and Fire Department, but like any other organization we do have staffing challenges. I am excited about BPD’s newest officer, K-9 Zeus, though. We know that opiates are having a significant impact on our community and I hope he’ll be able to make an impact. Domestic Violence and sexual assault continue to be a far too prevalent in Bethel, and as we keep our PD staffed up they are in a better position to respond to calls for help, and to develop prosecutable cases.
2. Public Works Infrastructure – Everyone wants their water and sewer delivered (and evacuated) on schedule, and the Public Works staff tries hard to do that. But, like the PD and Fire Departments, we always need more staffing. We also need to keep our roads well maintained, year round. We have started experimenting with an alternative to calcium chloride as a road surface treatment, and it certainly held up well, and still does in many of the places it was put down. Given the nature of our roadbeds and underlying permafrost sometimes it’s a losing battle, but I hope we can apply a lot more EK-35 on roads around Bethel in the coming years.
3. Economic Development – Its tough keeping our young people in Bethel, even with many of the employment opportunities since housing costs continue to skyrocket for rentals and purchases. It’s even hard for the City to recruit as well. That said, there continue to be business opportunities in Bethel that are not being pursued and the more we are able to at least circulate dollars a time or two more in the community the better off we all are. We see a lot of small business success, we need to see more.
4. Homelessness – I applaud the important work being accomplished by the Bethel Community Services Foundation in the development of Permanent Supportive Housing. The positive impact this is going to have on people will be nothing short of profound. The Winter House was developed to prevent exposure deaths in the winter and has certainly lived up to that mark, but we have lot more to do, and I stand ready to encourage the City Council to make whatever resources we have available to helping alleviate homelessness in Bethel.
5. Child Care and Senior Services – Bethel desperately needs more child care, its lack is a major block to some people in seeking, or maintaining employment. At the other end of the spectrum, our Elders deserve the best programs that can be offered, and again, I will encourage the Council to work very hard with providers of those services in Bethel to increase and improve the offerings we have now.
What would you like to tell the voters that will help them choose you when they go to the polls? My family and I have lived in Bethel for over 20 years. My wife Juliana, originally from Hooper Bay, and I have 6 children, 8 grand children (5 here in Bethel) and one Great Grandson (also a Baby Bethelite). I proudly tell people I live in Bethel. I am a homeowner, as is our daughter who lives here. Julie works for YKHC and I work (remotely) for Asa’carsarmiut Tribal Council in Mountain Village. Our son is a welder in Bethel. We have a daughter (and 3 grandaughters) in Fairbanks, one in Salt Lake City, one in Rochester, NY and one here in Bethel who works for the State of Alaska. We lost our oldest Son to the Kuskokwim River over 10 years ago.
2020 and the Covid Pandemic was tough on Bethel, and I am proud of the role the City Council played in helping to keep our community, and our neighbors safe and healthy. It was truly a team effort with YKHC and ONC and the City all working together in our respective – and common – mission areas.
I’m happy to have sponsored the Ordinance that conveyed the Multi Purpose Building (old Bowling Alley) property to ONC, returning that land to the first guardians of the lands and waters, and its rightful owners, the Yup’ik People of Bethel. I also sponsored the Resolution allowing the City to join the Mifepristone federal lawsuit, based on the importance of that drug in protecting the lives of women on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta.
Although the City Council is, and rightfully so, non-partisan, I like to think of myself as a Progressive Independent in my philosophy. I believe in equal rights for all, and I describe Bethel as a welcoming and inclusive community.
I am currently President of the Alaska Municipal League, elected by City and Borough members of the League, and over my years of service to Bethel I have had the opportunity to spend a lot of time in Juneau where I am well acquainted with both the Legislature and State government, which I feel has worked well for our City in being able to effectively present and promote issues and priorities. I have also served as a member of and Chairman of the Alaska Marijuana Control Board, twice receiving Legislative Confirmation.
Folks would like to know more about you and what you like to do. What are your hobbies and interests? How do you keep busy?
With 5 grandchildren and a great grandson my principal job description these days is chauffer. In my spare time I enjoy amateur radio and poking the edges of politics on all fronts. I’m 67 years old and haven’t retired yet (my mortgage won’t let me!)
Quyana!
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Name: Danny Suiter
How long have you been a Bethel resident and where are you originally from? I have been a proud resident of Bethel since 2017. I was born and raised in Kentucky.
What are the main reasons that you are running for Bethel City Council? I am running for City Council to represent the people of Bethel and to participate in City government.
Every year the Bethel City Council decides on what their priorities are, what are the top 3-5 priorities that you would advocate for?
Public safety including roads and sanitation.
Assure City government functions as intended.
Funding of City government.
Keeping public informed.
What would you like to tell the voters that will help them choose you when they go to the polls? If elected I will do my best to serve the citizens of Bethel. I will do this by being informed of the issues that affect our City. By making level headed decisions with my fellow Council members.
Folks would like to know more about you and what you like to do. What are your hobbies and interests? How do you keep busy? I am a second generation respiratory therapist. I enjoy reading about history when indoors. When outdoors I enjoy being on the river. Whether it’s fishing or watching the wildlife being on the river is a real thrill for me.
Quyana!
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Name: Nicholas Watson but I go by Nick.
How long have you been a Bethel resident and where are you originally from? I was born and raised in Mobile, Alabama. I moved to Bethel 12 years ago to work for the hospital.
What are the main reasons that you are running for Bethel City Council? I would like to give back to the community that has given me a home and a rewarding career.
Every year the Bethel City Council decides on what their priorities are, what are the top 3-5 priorities that you would advocate for? My priorities as a Bethel City Council member are getting rid of bootleggers and drug dealers. Ensuring the public spaces are safe and the equipment is in order. Updating infrastructure.
What would you like to tell the voters that will help them choose you when they go to the polls? I want to help maintain the traditions Bethel is known for and keep Bethel a safe place to live and raise a family.
Folks would like to know more about you and what you like to do. What are your hobbies and interests? How do you keep busy?
In my freetime I like to play guitar, listen to music, watch the aurora and socialize with friends.
Quyana!
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We apologize that we were unable to get responses from candidate Henry S. Batchelor Jr. in time for publishing this edition of the Delta Discovery.
