My name is Dennis Robinson.
I was born in Unalaska and have lived here most of my life. Those of you who know me know that I am very opinionated and not afraid to speak my mind. I am outspoken about the things that I believe are right for our community.
Many of you don't know me, so here is a little about me. As a child, I was fortunate to live in a household where my father welcomed state leaders. We were surrounded by visionaries and hard workers, and grew up knowing that our community was our backbone, and we were responsible to honor it, and to give our abilities to its success.
As a young man, I was proud to be a part of the leadership that had foresight, and teamwork to build what we enjoy today. We updated a water system that was capable of bringing processors onshore, accommodating companies like Alyeska, UniSea, and Westward.
We built a City Hall, a new clinic, a public library, a recreation center, a powerhouse and paved roads. We upgraded our sewer system and landfill. We built a new city dock, and a new boat harbor to supplement our existing boat harbors. We continually give the maximum amount for our award winning schools.
I was active as an Unalaska City Council member during this time of building.
However, I was also a director of the Ounalashka Corporation.
Our OC team brought you Matson's container yard, an expanded APL yard, the Grand Aleutian Hotel, Safeway, Alaska Ship Supply, Dutch Harbor post office, and two gas stations. We facilitated the building of housing for our public school teachers as well as many others in the community.
I also currently sit on the Qawalangin Tribal Council as well as an alternate board member on the Indian Country Energy & Infrastructure Working Group. I am a board member of the Alaska Municipal League and a board member of the Southwest Municipal Conference.
Unalaska is entering a new phase thanks to the Unalaska City Council passing the Power Purchase Agreement with Ounalashka Corporation/Chena Power LLC. (OCCP) for the development of the geothermal resource on Makushin Volcano. What a great opportunity to not only diversify, but enhance our economy.
This however brings back old problems. We will need to upgrade our water, sewer and get a handle on our landfill as well as address our ongoing housing problem. Those aren't the worst problems to have. Finding the funds to build them may be.
I will be searching for creative ways to extend our runway or relocate it to allow for better access to Unalaska.