Issues
The Anchorage Assembly plays a tremendous role in the responsible growth and development of our community. My top three priorities are:
- Tax Relief - The economic uncertainty brought on by an unstable and increasing tax structure has had a negative impact on our community's economy. We need to diversify our tax base and reduce the cost of government where possible through managed competition and with increased attention to labor contract negotiations.
- Transportation - As a relatively young State with critical transportation requirements we need to focus closely on our ability to construct and maintain the roads and aviation facilities necessary to enable our economic potential. As an engineer I will continue my focus on developing our community responsibly with the roads, drainage, and infrastructure necessary to accommodate growth.
- Title 21 - Our city's ability to responsibly address current levels of population growth and development are detailed in city code. Timely decisions on planning and zoning issues are necessary to effectively facilitate new construction in our community. As with the sign ordinance, the Assembly needs to carefully consider the impact that proposed code revisions will have on community residents. I intend to closely monitor the proposed development of Title 21 to insure we recognize and protect private property rights.
I'd like to hear from you. What are your community issues? Send me an email or give me a call at 346.3265.
News Articles
Eminent domain plan provides balance, by Chris Birch
The Anchorage Assembly is considering an ordinance that would place additional restrictions on the ability of the municipality to
condemn private property for leisure or recreational purposes through an eminent domain proceeding. Eminent domain is the
power of the government, under the federal and state constitutions, to condemn private land for a public use after paying "just
compensation." This ordinance would prevent the municipality from taking private lands for leisure or recreational purposes except
under exceptional circumstances. Under such circumstances, a majority of the Assembly could make a special exception and vote
to waive the ordinance to allow the taking of a specific private property for a compelling public recreational use. more...
Assembly
Vote Close on Airport Future, by Chris Birch
Anchorage is the "Air Crossroads of the World." This slogan
is emblazoned on our Chamber of Commerce literature, on signs welcoming
visitors and even at the Milepost in front of the Log Cabin downtown.
At the center of that envious designation is the Ted Stevens Anchorage
International Airport: famous for the world’s busiest float-plane base
and cargo hubs for FedEx and UPS. more...
Paid for by Chris Birch for Assembly, 9138 Arlon Street, Suite A3-143 Anchorage,
AK 99507-9138
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Contact chrisbirch@gci.net
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