Hudson for Palmer-A Proven Voice of Integrity, Action, and Common-Sense Leadership
Contributed by Victoria Hudson
When I chose to run for city council, it was not out of political ambition, but from a profound sense of duty to my neighbors and community. Before moving to Alaska, I homeschooled my children and devoted my life to family, faith, and service, which instilled in me values of perseverance, honesty, and commitment. When local business owners and residents urged me to step forward, I could not decline, and my guiding principle has remained simple yet unwavering: listen to the people, act decisively on their concerns, and lead with integrity.
Too often in politics we hear promises repeated endlessly but rarely fulfilled. I determined early on that my record would be measured not in rhetoric, but in outcomes. That is why four of our roads are now scheduled for paving in the summer of 2026, a direct consequence of raising concerns and pressing for action. It is why I pressed for safety improvements around Sherrod and Swanson Elementary Schools, securing a stop sign at Gulkana Court and advocating further for a crosswalk across Eagle and Gulkana, ensuring that children walking to school may do so with greater protection. I have pushed to advance the paving of a proper parking lot at the Matanuska River trailhead, not only to improve access for families but also to alleviate traffic congestion that burdens parents, buses, and students at critical pickup and drop-off hours. Each of these efforts reflects my conviction that the well-being of our families, and particularly our children, must remain central to public service.
I have also been committed to supporting economic vitality and downtown renewal. Palmer’s heart is its historic downtown, yet today we see approximately eight vacant storefronts that diminish both opportunity and vibrancy. In response, I have led the initiative to revise outdated parking codes that had long burdened small businesses. Combined with the addition of fifty new downtown spaces at no added maintenance cost, this change is designed to encourage commerce, remove barriers to growth, and create an atmosphere where entrepreneurs can once again fill those empty windows with thriving shops and restaurants. It is not enough to preserve downtown as a relic; we must equip it to flourish for the next generation.
Public safety has likewise remained an unwavering priority. I have worked in close collaboration with our city leadership to bring forward a ban on sidewalk and street camping, ensuring that Palmer does not repeat the mistakes of larger cities whose inability to balance compassion with order has left their communities struggling with disorder. Safety, lawfulness, and dignity go hand in hand, and as mayor, I will continue to insist that Palmer remain a city where families and visitors alike feel secure.
My commitment has never been limited to policy. When Palmer faced flooding, I was not behind closed doors, but out in the community with my husband, clearing drains and stacking sandbags. When the opportunity arose to nominate a recipient for the Golden Heart Award in 2025, I was the only council member to do so, proudly putting forward our Palmer Fire and Rescue Chaplain. In these instances, I sought not recognition, but to model the principle that leadership is most authentic when it is active, and personal.
As we look toward Palmer’s future, we must also grapple with questions of fiscal responsibility and sustainability. Within city limits, Palmer has 5,904 residents. Yet our fire, rescue, water, and sewer services extend far beyond those limits, serving over 32,000 residents across Palmer and the greater Palmer area. This discrepancy is neither equitable nor sustainable. Annexation, approached thoughtfully, would broaden our tax base so that those who benefit from city services also contribute to maintaining them. This is not about overburdening taxpayers; it is about fairness, stability, and ensuring that Palmer can continue to provide reliable services without exhausting its limited resources.
Leadership must be anchored in transparency, because secrecy breeds mistrust and erodes the foundation of government. Palmer deserves a mayor who speaks truthfully, acts decisively, and places the community above personal ambition. My record proves that I confront challenges directly, lead with integrity, and consistently put Palmer first.
On October 7, 2025, the people of Palmer will make a choice that defines the future of our city. I ask for your trust, your support, and your vote for mayor. Together, we can ensure that Palmer remains a city that honors its history, safeguards its families, revitalizes its economy, and prepares boldly for the future. Leadership is not about rhetoric or recognition; it is about stewardship, about leaving our city stronger than we found it. That is the kind of leadership I promise to bring as your mayor.