I’m Savannah Fletcher, and I'm running for Mayor of the Fairbanks North Star Borough.
I am running because I am qualified for the job and passionate about the work. I am a mother, an advocate, a wife, a friend, and a hard worker. I am Presiding Officer of the Borough Assembly, and I plan to couple that experience with the skills to lead a team of hundreds, to serve our community with integrity and quality. I am a pragmatic problem-solver and will put what is best for our community over any political agendas.
My goals as Mayor:
1) Help Fairbanks Thrive, Today and Long-Term: Fairbanks musher Joe Taylor once told me his secret to completing the Iditarod with a happy and healthy team: every move you make should be sustainable for the long haul. That's my approach. For me, it means schools fully-funded, roads maintained, recreational opportunities abound, and affordable, quality housing. It also means a strong economy that supports professionals and their families who make Fairbanks home.
2) Be Available and Transparent: I stand by everything I do, and I want you to be a part of it. Too often folks are left wondering what the Borough is doing with their tax dollars, hear about a project only as it’s just being finalized, or lack clarity on policies or the application of our laws. With me, you'll be heard.
3) Operate the Borough Fairly and Efficiently: The Borough government is made of people. They work hard to help Fairbanks thrive, and a Mayor needs to ensure they have what they need. I will improve the morale at the Borough to attract and retain great employees, and will ensure that the services our community relies on (solid waste; road service areas; parks, pools, athletic centers; fire and EMS; animal control; community planning; and more) run efficiently and proactively.
Notice a theme? None of this is partisan. It's essential.
My track record:
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Funded education for Kindergarten aides for the 2022-23 school year.
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Created a program to fund millions of dollars of road service area capital improvements.
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Created a program for 16 and 17 year-olds to serve as poll workers in our local elections.
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Sponsored the ordinance creating a tax exemption for farm buildings.
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Re-imagined our animal control code pertaining to dangerous dogs and created a more nuanced, effective system for handling dangerous or nuisance dogs.
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Funded the scoping of a new recycling facility.
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Passed a bonus for Borough staff to assist in recruitment and retention.
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Funded new positions so the animal shelter will be open over the weekends.
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Worked with FAST Planning to bring a crosswalk to the Tanana Valley Farmers’ Market.