Sue Sprinkle, a prominent figure in Fairbanks, Alaska, is campaigning for re-election to Seat C on the Fairbanks City Council. With a diverse background that includes graphic design and entrepreneurship, Sprinkle has lived in Fairbanks for 25 years. Her journey began in Ohio, where she was born, and continued through her education in Philadelphia. A family trip to Alaska sparked her interest in the state, leading her to build a cabin, train sled dogs, and establish a business in the Bush before settling in Fairbanks.
In her campaign materials, Sprinkle highlights her commitment to community development and public safety. “As a small business owner and community volunteer, I’ve seen the power of what Fairbanks can accomplish together,” she states. With one term on the City Council already under her belt, she expresses eagerness to continue her work in revitalizing downtown Fairbanks and addressing problematic properties.
Economic Development and Housing Initiatives
When discussing her vision for Fairbanks, Sprinkle emphasizes the need for comprehensive economic development, not limited to the downtown area. She identifies nuisance and abandoned properties as significant challenges, stating that absentee landlords can harm the health of the city. To combat this, she has successfully crafted several ordinances encouraging property owners to rehabilitate and secure their buildings. Through collaboration with local organizations, she aims to identify funding sources to assist these property owners in reinvesting in their properties, ultimately increasing property values and generating more revenue for the city.
Addressing the housing crisis, Sprinkle advocates for mixed-use developments, such as her vision for replacing the Polaris Building with a structure that includes retail on the ground floor and residential spaces above. She believes that addressing vacant or blighted properties through tax incentives and holding current owners accountable is essential to alleviating the housing crunch. She also envisions partnerships between trade organizations and apprentices to rehabilitate distressed properties, transforming them into valuable training opportunities.
Infrastructure and Energy Challenges
Fairbanks residents face high energy costs, and Sprinkle recognizes the city’s role in promoting affordable energy solutions. She is encouraged by recent projects that have introduced natural gas into the downtown area, although she acknowledges the challenges associated with securing a reliable fuel source. Sprinkle advocates for a balanced energy approach, encouraging investments in solar, battery storage, and wind projects to enhance the city’s energy reliability.
Infrastructure remains a critical concern for Fairbanks, with aging roads and utilities requiring urgent attention. Sprinkle notes that the city uses its Capital Fund and collaborates with regional planning agencies to fund road and sidewalk replacements. Despite efforts to secure federal grants, there are still neighborhoods in dire need of infrastructure upgrades. She suggests that a bond issue could be a potential solution, although its feasibility remains uncertain. Sprinkle also emphasizes the importance of creating walkable neighborhoods that promote economic growth and accessibility for all residents.
Community engagement is vital for the City Council, according to Sprinkle. She acknowledges that some residents feel deterred from participating in meetings due to the often contentious atmosphere. To improve this, she advocates for a two-way relationship between the council and the public, ensuring that citizens feel informed and heard regarding decisions affecting their community.
With rising costs impacting city projects, Sprinkle reflects on recent decisions, including the rejection of a costly City Hall improvement project. She expresses concern about how inflation may affect future capital projects and the city’s budget. The Finance Committee, which she is a part of, is exploring various strategies to increase revenue without imposing new taxes, focusing on growth in housing and commercial properties to enhance municipal funds.
As the city prepares to address a $3.3 million payout to Marvin Roberts, one of the Fairbanks Four who successfully sued the city, Sprinkle indicates that the city may need to adjust its mil rate to cover these costs. “This is an unfortunate chapter in our City’s history,” she observes, expressing hope for a resolution.
In summary, Sprinkle’s extensive experience as a business owner and community activist positions her as a dedicated candidate for the Fairbanks City Council. She is committed to fostering positive change through collaboration and innovative problem-solving, aiming to create a safer and more vibrant Fairbanks for all residents.
