First-time political candidate Hannah Ekalook is looking to unseat left-wing incumbent Sue Sprinkle on the Fairbanks City Council in the upcoming Oct. 7 election.

Ekalook is endorsed by conservative groups like the Republican Women of Fairbanks and the Interior Taxpayers Association. Unlike Sprinkle, she also provided responses to the conservative Fairbanks Value Voters Guide, published by Alaska Family Action.

Sprinkle, on the other hand, is backed by hard-left organizations like Fireweed Collective and The Alaska Center – groups that promote climate alarmism, more spending on failing public schools and radical LGBTQ initiatives. These groups also oppose immigration enforcement, traditional prisons and federal efforts to enforce immigration laws.

Ekalook agreed to share her vision for Fairbanks during a Q&A with the Alaska Watchman. Below are her responses.

What are the economic differences between you and your opponent Sue Sprinkle?

Sprinkle is a homeowner who owns a successful business. She is well established in politics. 

As for me, I can relate with everyday people who need affordable housing and daycare. I’m rooted in Fairbanks, grew up here and I’m focused on supporting working families, public safety and fiscal responsibility. 

Sprinkle is in line with progressive policies, and she said in 2022 she wants to work on affordable housing, but I haven’t seen it yet. I represent the working class, military families and making Fairbanks safe and affordable. 

Sprinkle is trying to mold Fairbanks into becoming like Anchorage. For example, she supported an initiative to suppress property owner’s rights by not allowing political signs in their yards.

What are the key social/cultural differences between you and Sprinkle?

I’m not backed by big corporations like my opponent. I only answer to the people who live here.

I feel like we need to have a balance of different voices on various boards. You will never agree with everyone. You can’t just have one type of politician. We need a mix. Those proactive conversations are important for making decisions for the city.

We have opportunities to get grant programs that can really help our community. I don’t want to raise property taxes, and I’d like to completely avoid implementing a city tax. 

It’s already hard to live in Fairbanks. If we add taxes, it will make it incredibly hard. I can ask tough questions and make sure there is accountability in the decisions made for our city. We need to make it affordable to keep people living here. 

Is Fairbanks at a critical tipping point in this election? What’s at stake?

I am not backed by big corporations like my opponent, and I’m not going to rubber stamp everything. I will make educated decisions to help support the everyday working families of Fairbanks.

Another subject no one is mentioning is how our Alaska Native community is hurting because of those who have disappeared and are missing, alcohol and drug addictions struggles and mental health issues.

A detox center is a critical need in Fairbanks and partnering with larger corporations to help fund it would be ideal. We should also work with organizations like Chief Andrew Isaac, and Doyon to explore housing options for members who fly in for appointments, similar to what they do in Anchorage. Recovery is much harder here without support, and people are more likely to relapse. We need to create better avenues for recovery while still ensuring accountability and consequences for actions that put the community at risk or hurt local businesses.

Why did you get into politics? What inspired you? 

I got into politics because I care deeply about the future of Fairbanks and the people who live here. Instead of just complaining about the problems, I decided to step up and try to do something to help. My kids and my husband inspire me every day to work toward a stronger, safer, and more affordable community. My grandma, who needs support as she ages, also motivates me to make sure Fairbanks is a place where everyone – young and old – can thrive. It’s been incredibly hard finding services for her and support here in Fairbanks. It’s time for a new generation to be proactive and engaged in shaping our community.

What do you see as the most pressing issues?

Fairbanks is facing interconnected challenges – the homeless and addiction crisis, a high cost of living, limited resources for our elders, and overall quality of life concerns. Addressing one issue without the others won’t solve the problem. We need comprehensive solutions. That starts with responsible budgeting, keeping costs manageable for residents, and making strategic investments that strengthen our community rather than add unnecessary burdens.

TAKING ACTION

— Click here for information about how to vote in the Oct. 7 election.

— Click here to learn more about Hannah Ekalook’s policy ideas.

— For election day (Oct. 7) polling locations, click here.

— Early voting has already begun. Those who wish to vote early can do so at Bentley Mall (32 College Rd.).

— Sept. 30 at 5 p.m. is the deadline to apply for by-mail absentee ballots. Click here for more information.

Click here to support the Alaska Watchman.