Candidate bios for Talkeetna Community Council, Inc. board of directors

Note:  The following information was provided by the Talkeetna Community Council, Inc. board of directors, and is self-reported by the candidates. KTNA invites all candidates to participate in interviews prior to the election.

TCCI 2016 Board of Directors Candidate Info –

Peg Vos :

When I moved to Alaska in 2006, I hoped to find a good small town to call home. I have found Talkeetna to be a vibrant, dynamic community. Its citizens are passionate about their causes, and work diligently to make things happen from recycling to shuttle service to playgrounds to libraries. Talkeetna citizens are also compassionate with fund raisers and work parties for those in need. It is a labor of love and pride of many to make a community such as Talkeetna. I feel fortunate to be part of this and wish to “pay back” my debt as a resident. Becoming a member of the Talkeetna Community Council would help to pay that bill.

Ed O’Connor :

I am applying for board membership of the Talkeetna Community Council because I believe that the council has improved and preserved the quality of life in Talkeetna, my home of almost 20 years. By listening to and speaking for local residents’ concerns, the council helps to maintain the character of this community. It is valuable also, to provide guidance to those new to the area as to the values of the community and the shared vision of its future.

Geri (Volpe) McCann :

Resident of Talkeetna from 1973 -1994; curator of the Talkeetna Historical Society Museum, owned/operated a tour/travel agency, volunteered at schools, church, youth/children programs, library, KTNA, Moose Dropping festivals & events. Moved to Palmer; curated Wasilla City’s & Palmer City’s museums, owned/operated cultural history/farm tours, organized community events, art workshops, volunteered in church, youth programs, led homeless youth outreach, fought proposed toxic dump, & 2,500 bed prison in Palmer. Relocated to Talkeetna in 2014; serving on TCCI-Main St.-SPUD committee, prioritizing to protect/preserve Talkeetna’s quality of life, environment, identity, SPUD, Comprehensive Plan, Historic District, & promote responsible growth & tourism development.

Chris Grabowski :

I am running for Community Council because I am interested in serving our community. I beleive in putting the community’s well being over my own when it comes to serving on the council. For the last few months, I have filled in on the council in a temporary seat that was vacated.

Christie Seay:

I have lived in Talkeetna 16 years. I run a local business, work for a nonprofit, volunteer, enjoy our trails and have raised children. I am interested in the good of the community and our surrounding land and waterways. I will not bring a personal agenda to the board. I try to keep a fair mind and listen to all sides of an issue. Thank you for considering me as a board member.

Joe McAneney:

My name is Joe McAneney and I have been in Alaska for 6 years and Talkeetna for 1 year. I have a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and have worked as a state certified water operator in Alaska. I currently am a member of the Talkeetna Water and Sewer Board and have attended 80%of the community council meetings in Talkeetna over the past year. I am a partner in the downtown business known as Mountain Juice. I have been volunteering to help coach soccer for the high school. I believe we can accommodate expansion while retaining the history and culture.

Ron Quilliam:

I am a volunteer fire fighter and on the board of the Talkeetna Historical society. I have been on the Talkeetna Chamber of Commerce Board, been elected to Yakutat school board where I was lead negotiator for a new teachers contract. Elected to E. Kenai Road Mtc. Board and appointed by the City of Seward to a committee to investigate creating a new borough.

I feel my past experience is valuable in dealing with the issues of town infrastructure, increased tourism, the Historic District ans decisions on how we want to be governed.