Mayoral candidate Paul Honeman hosts town hall meeting

By Julie St. Louis
Turnagain Times Correspondent

On Jan. 25, Anchorage Assemblyman Paul Honeman visited Girdwood, but not in his usual official capacity. On this occasion Honeman hosted a town hall style gathering at the community center to announce his intention to run for Anchorage Mayor, and to meet and talk to Girdwood citizens.

Throughout the two-hour event, about 20 people came and went while Honeman spoke and answered questions.

“I’m running [for mayor] because I think we can do better,” said Honeman. His main platform is based on an open and transparent government, saying that he wants to put the municipality checkbook online for all to see.

Most questions from attendees focused on road safety along Turnagain Arm, and policing of the community by Alaska State Troopers versus the Anchorage Police Department. Honeman was open to discussions on each issue, and kept repeating his campaign slogan of “making sure everyone gets their fair share.”

He also said, “as your mayor, if there are questions, I will be there in person to answer them,” referring to the regular meetings held between the Girdwood Board of Supervisors and the municipality staff.

Honeman is a 33-year resident of Eastside Anchorage, graduating from Bartlett High School. He married his high school sweetheart, Valerie, and they have two children who also matriculated from Bartlett.

After a stint in the U.S. Army, Honeman returned to Anchorage and served over 23 years with the Anchorage Police Department, first as a community service officer and then as a patrol officer, rising ultimately to the rank of Lieutenant.

Honeman is non-partisan, not registering himself with an official political party. He serves as assemblyman for Section 5 – East Anchorage, with his term ending in 2013.