Fairbanks City Council candidates talk downtown revitalization

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTUU/KTVF) - Election Day for the Fairbanks municipal election is coming up on Tuesday, and three candidates are running to fill seat E on Fairbanks City Council.

Tom Allen, Laura Houger and Aaron Lojewski have all put their hat in the ring for the seat, which is currently held by Lonny Marney, who is not running for reelection.

Alaska’s News Source asked Allen and Lojewski what efforts, if any, they think the City of Fairbanks should take to revitalize its downtown area.

Allen said he thought the recent effort to put murals on walls and other paint projects over the years have been effective.

“Another thing that helps is just covering the basics like making sure that in the winter the sidewalks are clear and accessible, that we do have a comprehensive approach that respects the agency of homeless people who happen to be downtown,” he said. “I feel like downtown has a lot of potential, but our current approach is, it’s not working.”

While saying it would be a shame to let downtown continue in its current direction, Allen commended the entrepreneurs and residents in the area.

“Downtown is cool. It has the potential of being a lot cooler, but it needs, it needs attention. It needs love. If you value something, you’ve got to invest in it,” he explained.

Lojewski, meanwhile, said having fully staffed police and fire departments would help with crime and safety downtown.

“Keeping the streets plowed, keeping the potholes repaired, having police, having fire, those things are all essential for a healthy downtown,” he said.

The candidate highlighted the city’s presence in the Fairbanks North Star Borough Planning Commission as putting their representatives in a position to influence policy, including code changes.

“It’s very important that we don’t have building code or zoning code that makes obstacles for people to start businesses,” he said.

Alaska’s News Source reached out to Houger via phone and email but did not receive a response.

Incumbent John Ringstad is running unopposed for reelection to seat F on the council.

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