Janalee L Minnich Gage for Ketchikan City Council

Janalee  L Minnich Gage for Ketchikan City Council Running for The Ketchikan CIty Mayor
Vote October 1st Today I still teach the 12-hour Alcohol Class on long weekends and work on my art photography.

My name is Janalee Frost, Hunt, Snartamo, Talbot, Church, Minnich, Gage 6th generation, born and raised in Ketchikan, and running for a Third 3-year term with the Ketchikan City Council. Before serving the last six years on the City Council, I graduated with a bachelor's degree in Fine Art, worked as a Bartender, was the GED Examiner in Kotzebue for five years, worked for Kenai, and Ketchikan Alco

hol Safety Action Program (ASAP) for Six years. In addition, you will find me volunteering time and skills to many nonprofits in the community. I Have spent most of my life living, working, and volunteering, and meeting people where they are at. As an individual living with a disability, I understand the difficulties of getting back on my feet after a significant accident. I have spent the last 15 years working and developing an understanding of the complexity and complicated issues surrounding, Social Programs, including substance, homelessness, Mental Health, and Disability Issues. I understand the importance of early intervention, support programs, and the vitally essential support programs needed to assist people living with a disability and alcohol and drug-related problems. Over the last six years, I have worked hard & fought hard to negotiate a more robust hospital lease agreement that includes a commitment to mental health. A formable annual rental contract. A transparent donation to the community. Revenues earned in this community staying in the community. I am vested in working with Peace Health for and with the community and committed to making sure that the community's voices are heard and considered, and I would like to see this project through due to its vast scope and undertaking. I have already put in the hours and will not need to be brought up to speed to continue working on the following core pieces of the Hospital Contract, which includes but is not limited to the new "HAC" board, which is one of the critical pieces, and an interictal part in overseeing that the hospital follows and adheres to the new contract. In the past couple of years, the council has begun taking on a more active role in defining and addressing Water, Sewer, and Garbage and how Ketchikan's infrastructures are impacted by visitors traveling by ship. Both management, a team of representatives, and the mayor began the conversation regarding these issues with the cruise industry. These are just the beginning of several topics the community has with the cruise industry and are at the forefront of the city council to work with the industry. But, again, I am vested in this issue; and have been working hard on this issue. I am here to work for the community to make sure our voices are all heard and that the cruise industry understands its responsibilities to our community. The conversation is in its infancy but is exceptionally vital to the future of Ketchikan, its future in tourism, and most importantly, the balance. I understand that the community of Ketchikan can no longer be left out of the conversation. I am here to make sure that both the residents and business owners are taken into consideration. Like many of us, I know that the status quo cannot continue, and I am vested in seeing that balance and fairness is consistent. Ketchikan deserves a council member who speaks for the people, a lifetime resident, who understands and is equally affected by the community's increasing needs. I would be honored to continue working for the community on the critical and significant issues we face. Thank you for the honor of serving you all for the past six years, and looking forward to another three years.

03/03/2026
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was a groundbreaking achievement when it was passed in 1990, setting a goal fo...
09/11/2025

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was a groundbreaking achievement when it was passed in 1990, setting a goal for communities across the nation to become fully accessible by 2010. It's inspiring to see the progress we've made, but there are still challenges ahead. It is heartbreaking when places receive variances, which hinder our collective efforts to create truly accessible environments—something that ultimately affects us all, and especially our elders and young people with disabilities.

Recently, as the Ketchikan Airport remodel plan began, it became clear to me and many others that we need a dedicated advisory committee to partner with both the city and the borough. This committee would play a vital role in ensuring that our airport and all public buildings are welcoming and accessible to everyone. It's important to remember that today's mobility challenges can affect anyone at any point in their lives.

Accessibility is crucial not just for individuals with disabilities, but for everyone, especially our elders and those facing mobility challenges. By coming together to raise awareness about these issues, we can identify the areas that need improvement and advocate for necessary changes. When we unite, we can create a community that embraces everyone.

Let's champion this initiative and work towards a future where accessibility is not just an afterthought, but a standard. Together, we can foster understanding and pave the way for improvements that benefit all members of the community. The journey might be challenging, but with optimism and commitment, we can make Ketchikan—a place we all love—fully accessible for everyone. Your voice matters, and together, we can ensure a brighter, more inclusive future!

09/10/2025

The growing pressure from tourism is threatening our quality of life and is a contributor to driving up the cost of living, especially the cost of housing, which has more than doubled in the past 5 years. Our year-round residents are unjustly bearing the financial burden of maintaining essential infrastructure. Economic growth is crucial for our future, but it must not come at the expense of our community's well-being or the livelihoods of its members.

I am excited to tackle the critical challenges our community faces!
I advocate for policies that truly benefit everyone. While some may see my approach as divisive, I firmly stand for what is right, and collaboration can be a powerful tool when it is mutual and ensures that the needs of our community are at the forefront. I am ready to challenge the billion-dollar cruise industry, and I am confident that if they value our community, they'll join us in creating solutions that foster our health and well-being. Together, we can thrive and flourish, not just survive. I genuinely look forward to building a brighter future for all of us.

As a 6th-generation resident and dedicated public servant, I'm committed to addressing the unique challenges our communi...
09/10/2025

As a 6th-generation resident and dedicated public servant, I'm committed to addressing the unique challenges our community faces. With nine years of experience on the Ketchikan City Council, I've seen firsthand the impact of thoughtful leadership on our city's growth and development.

One of my top priorities is ensuring that our economic growth through tourism is balanced with the needs of our year-round residents. We need to protect the essence of our community while promoting opportunities for local businesses. As your city council member, I'll advocate for policies that benefit everyone, not just a select few.

A key issue I'm passionate about is affordable housing. As someone who has lived with a disability, I understand the importance of accessible and affordable housing for all members of our community. I'll work to identify innovative solutions to this challenge, from exploring new funding sources to supporting initiatives that prioritize community needs over profit.

As an artist and someone who has lived all over Alaska, I bring a unique perspective to this role. My experience navigating life with a disability has also given me a deep understanding of the need for inclusive and equitable policies. I'll use this perspective to drive positive change on our city council.

Join me on October 7th, 2025, when we'll have the chance to shape the future of Ketchikan. Share your thoughts on affordable housing and community development in the comments below. Let's work together to create a brighter future for our community!

09/28/2024

Getting lots of questions regarding my run for both Borough and City of Ketchikan

THERE IS NO RULE THAT SAYS YOU CAn'T do both
And if i win both ..I promise to give 110%

08/28/2024

Yes..it is true.. I am running for the Mayor position for the City of Ketchikan and also for Borough Assembly

No there is no rule against it..
There are several issues that compel me to go for it..
Airport ADA acess and fear the rec center will also give us the bare minimum in ADA acess if a voice aint at the table..
At the city & borough
We have the issue of
Fake Art and disrespect of our community and our local native and non native artists..
Did you know our local art industry is a 14 million dollar industry..what happens when we allow cheap knockoffs and perpatrators to bring in fake crap at a 3rd of the price? It erodes our 2nd largest economic driver ..thats what.. and we become known as a place that cant be trusted to sell authentic art..and gems even.. and most importantly it hurts our local artist and distroys their ability to make a living..

Next is the cruise industry a 85 billion dollar industry who continues to think our community members should subsidize the docks and infrustruture they impact..Doesnt seem fair does it.. its not..

Address

Ketchikan, AK

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Janalee L Minnich Gage for Ketchikan City Council posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Janalee L Minnich Gage for Ketchikan City Council:

Share