Fab 5

By Michael Rovito
Frontiersman
Published on Friday, August 8, 2008 12:32 AM AKDT

WASILLA — The race for the Wasilla’s mayoral seat promises to be one of the more lively races in the Mat-Su Borough this year.

With five men running for the office held by embattled Mayor Dianne M. Keller, the campaign season should prove to be busy.

Wasilla City Councilman Steve Menard, lawyer Verne Rupright, builder Greg Koskela, real estate broker Michael Carson and Marty Metiva, also a city councilman and executive director of the Matanuska-Susitna Resource Conservation and Development Council, have filed to run.

This year’s election comes amid rapid growth in Wasilla, with national big-box retailers taking an interest in the area. It also comes on the heels of an independent investigation of the Keller administration’s actions to allegedly favor a private developer. That report is in the hands of law enforcement to determine if there was any criminal wrongdoing by Keller and/or some city staff.

No matter who is elected in October, he will be the first male to be Wasilla’s top administrator in more than a decade following Keller’s two consecutive terms, which was preceded by Gov. Sarah Palin’s six years as Wasilla mayor.

Greg Koskela

Koskela’s name won’t be new to anyone who follows Wasilla politics. The former Wasilla City Council member, who was elected in 2006 but resigned to spend more time with his family, is back in the game. He also ran for a Mat-Su Borough Assembly seat three years ago.

Politics have been on the 12-year Wasilla resident’s radar for some time.

“I’ve had an interest in politics for quite a while,” Koskela said, adding that now is the right time for him to get back into the political scene.

A week after the filing period closed, Koskela said he is feeling “pretty good” about his chances to win the mayor’s seat.

“I know what kind of support I’ve got with the people I talk to,” Koskela said.

Koskela grew up on a dairy farm in Minnesota, joining the U.S. Air Force after high school. A builder by profession, he owns Elkhorn Log Home Builders.

During the course of the upcoming campaign, Koskela said one of the biggest issues he will hit on is what he calls Wasilla’s traffic problem.

“I’m a planner,” Koskela said. “I like to plan things.”

Plugging himself into the concerns of residents and business owners months before the election, Koskela said he has been meeting with an advisory group to gauge what is important to voters. In the ramp-up to election season, Koskela said he is planning typical campaigning activities ranging from going door-to-door to holding meet-and-greet events.

Even with the candidate-heavy ticket, Koskela said his goal is to avoid a run-off by winning with at least 40 percent of the popular vote.

Koskela is hoping voters will turn out, but feels many residents are “kind of clouded” because of the Keller administration’s recent controversy stemming from an investigation into its dealings with a private developer. But what Koskela is thinking about now, in terms of what could change for the better in Wasilla, is the city’s important infrastructure.

“I like to see things far out,” Koskela said. “If we don’t take care of things in the short term — six to seven years — we’ll have a major traffic problem 20 years down the road.”

Verne Rupright

Rupright said he doesn’t just think he’s the best person for the mayor’s job — he knows it.

The longtime Mat-Su Valley resident and lawyer said he has a vested interest in the city, something born from more than 32 years in the Valley.

“I’ve seen a lot of changes here,” Rupright said. “There’s a new dynamic.”

This week, Rupright said he is feeling fine about the election and is ready for the long haul.

Born in Massachusetts, Rupright is a Vietnam veteran and serves as a JAG officer for the VFW post in Wasilla along with owning his own law practice on Main Street.

As a lawyer, Rupright said he has what it takes to navigate the often confusing maze of regulations and other requirements cities must follow to avoid trouble. What Rupright really wants to see, he said, is a new way of thinking in city government.

“I think there’s probably a way of doing the city’s business on behalf of the citizens,” Rupright said.

As mayor, Rupright said he can take a look at Wasilla’s budget and reduce it. To do so, he’d like to work closer with incoming businesses exploring ways to lift some of the infrastructure burden off the city.

“Rather than the city building infrastructure, you can look to developers to do that,” he said.

Rupright said that, if elected, he will work to create a municipal attorney’s office in Wasilla. The office would benefit the city by prosecuting traffic violations and other misdemeanors, which would bring in revenue in the form of fees and fines.

For voters, Rupright wants them to know he’s committed to Wasilla. He said while meeting people in the run up to his campaign he’s heard two common gripes from residents: traffic congestion and the way city business has been conducted as of late.

He said the investigation into Keller’s administration has concerned residents greatly.

“A lot of people are concerned about the manner the city’s government has conducted itself in the past,” Rupright said.

With him, Rupright said an open-door policy will always exist so anyone can come talk to him virtually any time.

“I know I’m the best choice this year,” Rupright said.

 

Steve Menard

Back to basics is how the Wasilla city councilman will approach being the city’s top administrator if he’s elected.

The son of one of Wasilla’s best-known political families said politics is in his blood. Becoming mayor is something he’s wanted since he was a child.

“I was born here, I was raised here, I live here, I’m going to die here,” Menard said. “And why not make it the best city ever?”

This week, Menard said he’s feeling optimistic about his chances. He said the full slate of candidates — from current city councilmen to council observers — should make for an interesting campaign season in Wasilla.

Menard said what the city needs is a mayor who will go back to basics and give residents the best services possible while being realistic about goals.

“They want good roads, good water and they want waste taken away from their homes,” Menard said.

He added that if he’s mayor, a good working relationship will be established between Wasilla and the Mat-Su Borough. The current administration has not done that, Menard said. Menard, whose father, Curt, is the Borough mayor, will have that connection, something he said could benefit Wasilla exponentially.

Growing up in Wasilla, Menard graduated from Wasilla High School and attended his first year of college in Switzerland. From there, he attended the University of Alabama, earning a bachelor’s degree in political science before spending eight years in the U.S. Marine Corp. Since then, Menard said he has dedicated his life to politics.

“It’s been instilled in my family since the get-go,” he said.

He added some would-be constituents have praised his aggressive attitude toward the investigation of Keller and her dealings with developer Meritage Development LLC. Asked whether he could work with some of the city staff involved with the Meritage controversy as mayor, Menard said city employees work at will, and it’s time for a shake-up in the administration.

Marty Metiva

Metiva admits that his reason for running for Wasilla mayor might sound corny, but that it’s the truth.

“I want to give back to this community,” Metiva said during a recent interview. “I’ve got the vision and the drive and the passion to help make Wasilla the best it can be.”

Originally from Michigan, Metiva spent a number of years working in the southern United States before a trip to Alaska to watch the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Falling in love with the state, Metiva and his wife, Cheryl, moved here permanently after Cheryl was hired at the Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce director.

A week after the candidate filing period closed, Metiva said he’s feeling confident in his stance on where the city needs to go.

“I know that I believe we’ve got to focus on diversifying the economy and bringing in new jobs,” Metiva said.

Metiva said a back-to-basics approach to government is what he would employ to run the city.

“We’ve got to get back on track providing the services we’re supposed to,” Metiva said.

To do that, Metiva said local government can’t balloon into something so big it becomes counterproductive. A reining in of government and clear goals are just two items Metiva said he could bring to Wasilla as mayor.

“We don’t have a plan to follow,” he said. “Who do we want to be five years from now?”

Metiva said the last comprehensive plan written in the city was in 1996 and putting another one in place is long overdue.

“We’ve got to start putting plans in action to create jobs to allow future generations to live here,” Metiva said.

Taking into account the daily exodus of workers to Anchorage, Metiva said he’d like to explore ways to attract more industry to Wasilla, creating opportunities for locals to stay near their home and still have jobs.

“Wasilla now needs to be open for businesses on an open playing field,” Metiva said.

Metiva said listening to residents and creating focus groups to gauge what sort of business people are looking for in Wasilla is key to running a government for the people. Now and over the next few weeks, Metiva said he’ll be talking to as many people as possible, asking them what the city is doing right and what it’s doing wrong.

That’s the point of city leadership, Metiva said, working for the people to better their situation in the city.

Michael Carson

Carson, 71, is the son of Palmer Colonists and filed last week to run for mayor in Wasilla because he said he wants to keep Wasilla going in the right direction.

Carson, a real estate broker for more than 30 years, said his run for mayor is born from a desire to give back.

“I want to give back to the community all it’s given to me,” he said.

Carson is no stranger to politics. He sat on Wasilla’s city council from 1988 to 1994, “Back when we did all the good stuff,” he said. He also ran for mayor and the state Legislature in the 1990s.

While on city council, Carson participated in bringing Wal-Mart to town, forming the Wasilla Police Department and bringing in the sales tax, among other notables. Now, he wants to take his experience and apply it to the mayor’s office to help Wasilla continue to grow.

“I think I can handle the job as well as anybody,” Carson said.

Born in Palmer in 1936, Carson joined the military in 1954 and, after 21 months and three days, left the service and went to college on the GI Bill. He majored in general studies at Southern Oregon College, attended law school briefly, then put in nearly 13 years with the Alaska Department of Labor and the Alaska Department of Revenue. He’s been in real estate since then.

With the campaign season ramping up, Carson said he’s prepared to face his opponents, some of whom he knows. He’s played golf with Menard and called him a “nice guy.”

As for issues, Carson said he’ll promote a natural gas local improvement district and a paving district in the city. A local improvement district is a method of development where property owners share the cost of infrastructure.

Carson’s campaign, though not necessarily in the public eye right now, will include some yard signs to “let enough people know I’m running,” Carson said.

Carson’s underlying message is simply giving back. What he really wants to do is take his experience on the city council more than a decade ago, couple it with his life experiences and lead the city as best he can, he said.

Contact Michael Rovito at michael.rovito@frontiersman.com or 352-2252.

Copyright © 2009 Frontiersman

Comments

76 comment(s)

    Brian B wrote on Sep 27, 2008 7:41 PM:

    " I am a relative newcomer to the valley (July 2001) with no plans to ever move again. Like Vic Codone I have been very frustrated by the lack of any Party affiliation in any political advertising, news stories, or even on the ballots. For those of us not born and raised here knowing which party they affiliate with is at least a starting point to know how they might govern. "

    Vic Cadone wrote on Sep 2, 2008 3:58 PM:

    " What party are they registered with?

    Anyone know? "

    Name calling wrote on Aug 23, 2008 5:57 PM:

    " and personal jabs may not be the right thing here. But I do want to hear about who owes money, who is tied to what influential good ole boy/girl, who has corruption issues, who has tempers, who is unethical, who has favored who, who drinks too much, etc. if it has truth. Why? Because if we only allow the politian to speak all we will hear is what they want us to hear. This way they can be questioned on their history. Thank God for free speech even as harsh as it may sometimes be. "

    Does the name-calling really help wrote on Aug 22, 2008 11:45 PM:

    " Call me naive, but these posts seem so senseless. I have personal knowledge of a couple of the candidates, and know one of them personally, and I find them all to be decent people, that really want what's best for Wasilla. I don't know who would be best for the job, but why don't we let each of them speak on the issues, and give us the suggestions to deal with problems, instead of worrying about their mothers, or who owes the most money, or who is friends with who. Let's hear them out, and make more informed decisions. "

    Looking like wrote on Aug 22, 2008 12:11 AM:

    " Verne is not loaded with issues.Word on the street is you could be the one.If you truly have Wasilla AK in heart (and I know your paying attention),do what is right for the people,LOCAL businesses,employees and those who have resided long term and will continue to stay IF things fail.Don't give in like Keller and those who have let big boxes send our money to their corporate headquarters leaving us with only sub AK cost of living wages thinking ONLY of more tax revenues.Bring back a TRUE community spirit.Not a free picnic hot dog and parade that is shortlived.GODBLESS "

    issues wrote on Aug 21, 2008 9:38 AM:

    " everyone says so and so has issues, if you are so up on them please share, everyone has issues. Please share if your so knowledgeable "

    Observant of Public Servants wrote on Aug 20, 2008 10:15 PM:

    " Candidates: One a family in politics, on probation which to me is unacceptable. Borough Mayor Dad is more unappealing to me. Metiva alarming with his MEE position signing 30 month $150K contract and no idea how to pay for it, admitting it’s in arrears. Verne Rupright: common sense, business sense, legal knowledge. A real person, one of the people, not above the people. Wasn’t born into Mat Su politics. Has worked hard for everything he’s accomplished, done it on his own, a Veteran, raises his family in Wasilla, owns a home here, and cares what happens here, has my vote! "

    What a nuthouse wrote on Aug 20, 2008 9:44 AM:

    " I'm glad I don't live inside the city limits. And if the city ever gets it in their head to look at expanding by annexation, I'll be fighting it tooth and nail. Just what I need-another layer of goofballs who they know what's best. "

    hes our man wrote on Aug 19, 2008 11:51 PM:

    " MM wants to give back to the community. Has he takin something away?Metiva has more waffles than Billy Bobs House of Pancakes. "But he's a nice guy". Can do guy? Can do what? Roll up the sleeves and work? Just like he worked on putting the leash on Keller like the majority of public wanted. Koskela has issues to work on. Go focus on what's really important. At least Menard, Rupright and Carson might fight for ethics and change. "

    No to Metiva wrote on Aug 19, 2008 5:17 PM:

    " If all I have to do is walk the streets, smile and shake a few hands to win the Mayor position count me in for the big bucks. Not much of an Alaskan resident-3years. Why did he leave his last residence? To find people who don't know him? He's only been here a short time and has crossed way too many people already. What about the liens, favoritism and softball association money? He carries way too much baggage for the short trip he's been here. No guts, just a smile. Don't be so easily duped. "

    rustyrider wrote on Aug 19, 2008 9:17 AM:

    " I can agree with awake. Those people who are Kellers friends are bad news just like Keller.
    I would not reveal my identity either if I was that person.
    If the mayor would try to forcefully take away sombodies livlihood and private property and then threaten to have the cops sit outside the windbreak to ruin their business what else would she and her friends be willing to do to have their way. "

    We see it differently wrote on Aug 19, 2008 5:49 AM:

    " "My friend" and I am always suspicious of a man who starts a conversation with that.. It is for that reason, that I am not that comfortable with MM. He waffles on too many issues and when it came to putting his cards on the table to show no confidence in Keller, he folded. Nice guy, yes. I would break bread with him any time, but he does not hold the credentials for the job of mayor, sorry. We need more direct explanations of the allegations out there. I am afraid Marty would not face teh "

    Metiva is our man wrote on Aug 18, 2008 8:45 PM:

    " I had a chance to talk with Marty Metiva this weekend while he was walking a few neighborhoods. What a nice guy. I have seen him at several events too and he is the type of guy who rolls up his sleeves and puts in 100%; a can do kind of guy. If he is like that as Mayor, I am all for him. He is committed to this community and it shows in his actions. He doesn't spew political rhetoric like menard. "

    From the Editor wrote on Aug 17, 2008 3:32 PM:

    " The Frontiersman is planning to host a pair of local candidate debates. We have secured dates and locations and will publicize these events shortly once all the details are in place. In the mean time, please keep your comments within the bounds of common sense and good taste.

    Greg Johnson, Managing Editor "

    Awake wake up wrote on Aug 17, 2008 10:47 AM:

    " I quote "Considering the company that Costcokeller keeps I would be terrified if he knew who I was. Maybe I would wake up in the middle of the night with a homemade bomb going off in my yard or house, or maybe the tires on my car would get flattened, or maybe other criminal acts would very carefully be committed on me."
    That sounds like an accusation to me, without reason or previous actions to base it on, even from the people in there now, if it is a legitimate fear,show us WHY it is legitimate. "

    Goin wrote on Aug 17, 2008 8:04 AM:

    " Sounds like part of the problem part of the administration is already gone becasue rumor hsa it the Economic Development guy quit a couple of weeks ago. Wonder who might be next. "

    ITsTIME wrote on Aug 17, 2008 4:43 AM:

    " All of this about the candidates is coming from others, except KK who has his 2 cents here. IT IS TIME to have a face to face debate, sponsored by some citizen minded group. All we need is a time, a place, at moderator and a timer. Simple.. will someone take this challenge for the sake of our city? I am too old,but there are many talented citizens who could handle this well. Please step forward.. Maybe the Frontiersman would host this? It would be a true service to us. "

    Dianne Woodruff wrote on Aug 17, 2008 1:19 AM:

    " The instructions the planning commission received didn't reflect my full intent, but regardless, there was nothing in the instructions, Wasilla code, MSB code, or Alaska statute that precluded them from recommending whatever they wanted to the platting board. In fact, their packets contained a staff recommendation that they "forward all public comments and their recommendation" to the platting board. It's disappointing they didn't fully discuss the comments received and seize the earliest opportunity to make suggestions that could positively impact this project for the benefit of the neighbors, developer, city and borough. So much for thinking ahead. "

    AWAKE wrote on Aug 16, 2008 7:22 PM:

    " Hey, Free speech, you need to read the ENTIRE thread. Nobody ACCUSED anybody of homemade bombs. There would be a legitimate fear of those kinds of retributions from the current administration and their followers. Why else would Costcokeller want to know who I am? Sounds like he might very well like to get a little bit of revenge.
    There was no slander only an honest opinion of the situation. "

    Suggestion to new mayor wrote on Aug 16, 2008 3:57 PM:

    " New ideas and new blood are needed. The current system and politics is not working very well and you can't teach these ole dogs new tricks. Throw out the current egos and listen to the ideas of the public. We're still a small town and don't like to see our neighbors being pushed around for greed. Good luck trying to straighten out the city operation, business and planning. "

    Too funny wrote on Aug 16, 2008 3:02 PM:

    " So anyone reading this blog doesn't have a life?! I guess that would include yourself as well. That says a whole lot about all of your credibility on here. Not to mention the paper itself. It seems every time someone posts anything that doesnt set well, they need to get a life or they get criticized. Someone mentioned valley trash, its evident here. "

    The Guys wrote on Aug 16, 2008 9:27 AM:

    " Menard mommys boy, no job on probation. Carson older than Mc Cain, tells best freind it's the Money he needs. Metiva the real slim shady, or "music man" where are the instruments? Kostela no work, contractor made $50k last year, lives in shack on the lake. Or Rupright stands to take a pay cut to clean up the city.
    No Brainer to the informed voter. I'm going to vote for the first guy that will fire most of the Administration, and ask the Planners that sound like they are just using air space to take a hike and start fresh. "

    AK Mom wrote on Aug 15, 2008 8:46 PM:

    " Hey AK mom, you must not have a life or you wouldn't be reading this post either. Get a life AK mom "

    free speech wrote on Aug 15, 2008 7:06 PM:

    " Have all you people actually thought about what you write?? Where is the line where free speech ends, and slander begins?? Accusing people of planting homemade bombs?? Insinuating criminal acts? Lets get real here people. This is NOT what Wasilla is about, unless you want to live up to the title of Valley Trash. "

    hey observer wrote on Aug 15, 2008 7:02 PM:

    " if you actually read what the council asked the commission to do, maybe you would have some credibility "

    Ak mom wrote on Aug 15, 2008 4:15 PM:

    " Have you read what you all write. Do any of you ppl have jobs, lives?? Anything. This is all just a bunch of whinny kid stuff. Grow up and find something productive to do! Or keep giving me and the ladys in the office a good laugh. "

    Me too wrote on Aug 15, 2008 2:43 PM:

    " You are right Observer, I thought they avoided the issues very nicely.. unusual ? not really, just SOP. I sat there and wasted my 2 & half hours for nothing.. At least they were paid $75.00 for doing nothing and not being prepared either! There inaction is par for the course.. We need a Change in "leadership"?? and no one there can do it.. let alone someone who wants to become a Mayor! there is no planning talent on that commission.. A reflection of the existing mayor?? "

    Observer Again wrote on Aug 15, 2008 2:35 PM:

    " I don't care to debate the failure of the Planning Commission to deal with the matter before them. The public hearing was proper, in spite of the opinion of the chair and maybe some of you others. If you thin your could have heard this at the Platting Board, yes, then what?? You already has your chance August 12! Failure to make any recommendation on the matter is NOT doing your job! So due to this failure, the city input is missing except for what the planner can scrape together. Clueless Commission !! "

    AWAKE wrote on Aug 15, 2008 11:55 AM:

    " Considering the company that Costcokeller keeps I would be terrified if he knew who I was. Maybe I would wake up in the middle of the night with a homemade bomb going off in my yard or house, or maybe the tires on my car would get flattened, or maybe other criminal acts would very carefully be committed on me. No way dude, I aint tellin' ya who I am. You keep the WRONG company......can anybody say wanna be Mafia. I say WANNA BE because I believe the mafia is too sophisticated for these losers. "

    AWAKE wrote on Aug 15, 2008 11:50 AM:

    " Yeah, why is it that Costcokeller (I am copying the other person and think your new name for him is PERFECT)thinks he should know WHO is writing these blogs? If he really cared what the community thought would it matter WHO thought WHAT? Is this one of those things where if Costcokeller like ya then he would consider doing what you asked and the opposite if he didn't like ya? "

    Mayors salary wrote on Aug 15, 2008 11:04 AM:

    " Koskela certainly knows what the mayor makes, since he introduced a huge increase to her salary while on council, which later got whittled down to something more reasonable. If I remember correctly, he made some comment then about having made a mistake in the math.... "

    Where was Observed what wrote on Aug 15, 2008 10:55 AM:

    " The planning commission meeting was sad. The chair has forgotten his job is to facilitate the meeting, not dictate what the commission gets to hear or what actions they may take. Another commissioner was clearly lost when it came to what "public participation" consists of. Another clearly did not want people to have both a Persons to Be Heard and Audience comments. How awful to be faced with the prospect of actually having to listen to the public. Another was unfamiliar with city boundaries, and I certainly saw no leadership from Koskela. "

    I was there also and wrote on Aug 15, 2008 10:29 AM:

    " Observer is right. Shadowood was a good example of what can happen when planning staff makes recommendations to the platting board without citizen input. The platting board members and Shadowood residents agreed this change was needed when all was said and done to allow for resident comments to be considered before the city makes official recommendations to the platting board. Note planning commission meetings are held at a time when working people can generally come, platting board meetings are during the workday. Commissioners skipped an opportunity to comment on connectivity and road safety issues, among others. "

    What Planning Commission wrote on Aug 15, 2008 10:16 AM:

    " Sure sounded like a "commissioner" covering his back side wrote that one.
    If you think all was done well, then I ask you what recommendation came from the Commission concerning the Platting action?? Huh? Huh? I listened also and shook my head when you guys just moved on to the next item. Something as big as a shopping mall should get your attention and input.. That is what a Plannign Commission is for.. Maybe we WILL have one after October 8 !!
    Flush out the Keller Kronies!! "

    Yeah wrote on Aug 15, 2008 10:04 AM:

    " I we hear you.. Time for the true meaning of change..
    RUPRIGHT for ALL THE RIGHT REASONS.
    Shorter in stature, but head and shoulders
    above the rest of you! If you don't believe me.. Set up a debate for all to attend.. Who has the guts to put it all on the table? The firehouse would be a fine place.... "

    Who has the city at heart... wrote on Aug 15, 2008 10:00 AM:

    " And who is just looking for a soft job? Of all the candidates only one is gainfully employed full time. The rest are part times if that and none of them will take a pay cut if elected mayor! Look at what they reported to APOC.. Vern Rupright will make the necessary sacrifices, financial and others for the good of the city to get us back on the right track. Motivation has to be more than $$$, It has to be commitment and dedication for the benefit of the citizens, both those within & outside the city. "

    HIT THE ROAD GREGG wrote on Aug 15, 2008 9:50 AM:

    " If YOU want to be a good person. Leave politics our of your life. Go to your family..
    Your kids need you like any family needs a father! You would be more respected by the community if you did. Get your priorities right.. Clear out your head and go to your kids.. "

    Lost My Vote wrote on Aug 15, 2008 6:16 AM:

    " Any candidate who would get down this hog wallow is not very politically astute. Koskella clearly is not leadership material. "

    everyone wrote on Aug 14, 2008 10:50 PM:

    " always wants to know who is hiding behind the computer. Why? So you can give some payback? These posts are first amendment rights. They are opinions. They are edited for content before they show up. If there is anything illegal it should be dealt with.
    However, our justice system today shows you can do what you want with little or no accountability. Look at our mayor. Your campaign slogan could be, "heck no I won't go". That is after you've performed your first unethical and illegal act. "

    cause .Period. wrote on Aug 14, 2008 10:42 PM:

    " Costcokeller you nail it, this guy helped eliminate any landscape buffers to allow developers to only replant 5 trees per acre. You could fit them in the backseat of your car. "Cause" he could I think the word he's looking for is "because" period, period, just one works for most of us. Yea like that. Seems like the chuch lady also used "cause" maybe the same person. Maybe some day they will make "Idiot Check" for computers but then he will not be able to even turn it on. Why don't you just be a father and be happy? "

    hey people wrote on Aug 14, 2008 10:26 PM:

    " We are all entitled to opinions, but at least show some respect and use and spell these candidates names properly. Let show people we area somewhat intelligent in Wasilla "

    Grim future wrote on Aug 14, 2008 9:47 PM:

    " with the choices we have. It doesn't look like the next three years will be much better than the last. Maybe their all nice people running, but so was Keller at first(kind of). Losing a child, divorce, personal problems, these things tend to make you bitter. Unfortunatley they take them out on others. Too much personal interests for an important position. Alot of bad history with these candidates. Especially Metiva and Costcokeller. And have you ever met a lawer you could trust? Time to see if Carson was an honest realtor. Lord help us. "

    observed what wrote on Aug 14, 2008 9:37 PM:

    " Wow, I was at the meeting as well, I wonder if you fell asleep? I thought the Commission did fine. A waste of a public hearing, seems the council is into making more work, we could have heard that testimony at the plat hearing. As for a major issue ignored, everything on the agenda was covered, maybe you need to pay attention, or go back and listen to the parts you missed. Everyone here can post all the opinions they want, doesn't make them facts, just your perception "

    Stepnorth wrote on Aug 14, 2008 5:03 PM:

    " Rupright's probably got the best shot at this race. His time before the bar should give him the temperment to be civil at all times or get he got smacked by the Judge. At least then our meetings will be civil and productive. That will bring some positive direction to the process. Trying to make a buck off of traffic violations smacks of small town speed traps of the south and shoud not happen here. "

    sad wrote on Aug 14, 2008 3:21 PM:

    " I find it sad all people can do is to cut others down. I know Greg and his wife, I go to church with them IF you actually knew anything about them, you would know how involved they both are in the church and what they each did there. They both helped build that church. That is why the accusation makes no sense to me at all. But hey, go ahead and spread the lies, cause it will come around. "

    See the light wrote on Aug 14, 2008 2:35 PM:

    " OK Koskeller tell we honestly that you are and will not be an extension of the Keller legacy. Birds of a feather flock together, I've always heard.
    Twice appointed to the Planning Commission by MK..Sure looks like some degree of a bond between you two...
    Come on go on record! "

    Lets Be Serious herer wrote on Aug 14, 2008 2:30 PM:

    " We do not need anybody else elected to a city office who has any kind of a relationship with the current administration.
    Vern Rupright is our man. He is our only choice and a darned good choice if you ask me. He is very intelligent and has EXCELLENT ideas to lead us in a complete different direction than we are headed now.
    Vote for VERN RUPRIGHT "

    Beware... wrote on Aug 14, 2008 1:45 PM:

    " Any one running for city office that has been there before is suspect for doing a good job.. Track records speak for them selves.. That Cox for example, who slept through most council meetings, is running unopposed. Two sitting members and one who bailed out are running for mayor.
    We truly need FRESH blood, not anyone who has been associated with the current administration or any in the recent past! "

    OBSERVER wrote on Aug 14, 2008 1:40 PM:

    " It wsa obvious at the last planning commission meeting that there is no true leadership there, either from the chair or any of the members. A bunch of duds sitting there drawing their $75.00 If Koskeller was the leader he thinks he is he would exercised some leadership and helped steer the meeting to a productive conclusion. In stead he didn't and a major issue before the city ws totally ignored by the commission.. Shame on YOU! Here was your chance to take a position, and you didn't. Enough said! "

    well.. wrote on Aug 14, 2008 1:37 PM:

    " I responded cause someone asked a question,like it said at the end, ask me, I'll tell you. But if all people are going to do is attack, say things you know NOTHING firsthand about, its not worth my time or efforts. I wont respond. I have plenty of work for all you people worried, always have. Why dont all you people hiding behind your computer, come clean and let everyone know who you are, and why you are saying the things you are, or do you have the guts? Thats what I thought. "

    Woman hater wrote on Aug 14, 2008 8:17 AM:

    " You're sooooo vain....I bet you think this song is about you...... yourrrrr soaaa VAIN.... I can't stand men who treat women like a second class citizens. I'll bet you treat your dog better than you treated your wife. Control is the issue here. Little man must control little woman in order to feel like big man. ALL women of Wasilla..... make a LOUD statement! Don't vote for men like this...if we do we may lose our right to vote! "

    watching from the side lines wrote on Aug 14, 2008 8:11 AM:

    " Rumor has it that koskela builds houses for a living. If the APOC states that he made $50,000 last year he must build some really crummy houses. Either that or he's not being completely honest on his APOC.
    Which is it Koskella? Do you build crummy houses or are you a liar? Inquiring minds want to know. "

    More AWAKE wrote on Aug 14, 2008 7:57 AM:

    " Your temper nothing like mine? HA! I think you have me confused with somebody else. You are easy to bait Koskeller. I thought you weren't going to read anymore of the blogs? Hm? I guess that means your "Word" is no good either. I think this a good example of your aggression. You have no self control. At least now you can't go home and take this out on your wife. Marty knows how to be a gentleman. He's gonna whip the pants off you in the election. "

    Awake continued wrote on Aug 14, 2008 7:51 AM:

    " Maybe we should hand over the scripts for this blog to the IRS.... They may be interested to know that you made over80k. Your family life changed? hm go figure... So, if you become Mayor are you going to try to gag ALL the women in town and not let them talk to each other? hmmmm? I have seen you in church. It's people just like you that is why I don't go there anymore. "

    AWAKE wrote on Aug 14, 2008 7:47 AM:

    " Hey, Koskeller...........
    How in the world could "I" have let the people down? Could it be that I didn't vote in the last mayoral race and there your buddy Keller won? You say taking the job would be a pay cut for you? HA! You truly are a politician, with your lies and such. According to your APOC you only made $50,000 last year....course that is probably a lie as well. "

    Cant even keep your word wrote on Aug 14, 2008 5:25 AM:

    " I thought you were not going to look at this blog anymore Greg, no I am not Awake either. Your APOC said you only made $50k last year so $80k would be a increase; if you can do the math. By the way how many houses are you building now....none and don't give me the "I am devoted to my election crap". You just don't have any work. You are a sad replacement for Keller at best. Palin begot Keller, then Keller begot Kostella. What book is that from Monty Pythons "Holy Grail" Elections, Book Sameold Crap, verse 2008 "

    Why stop wrote on Aug 13, 2008 10:52 PM:

    " the mudslinging. It's usually mostly the truth. It's based on seeing and hearing the way you politians act. The only difference is you do it behind closed doors on your cell phones and laptops. Talk nice to each other in face kissin rear and all, then backstab and trash talk to your so called ally(whose doin the same to you). Most people are finally getting tired of the way things are run but are helpless to do anything. "Go to the meetings, vote", etc. Yeah right! Your ALL the same. "

    hey awake wrote on Aug 13, 2008 3:34 PM:

    " Well, you asked, I haven't let any more voters down than you have. Taking the job of mayor is a pay cut for me, I make way more building than that. and I don't believe thats what the salary is anyway, its less. I did step down to spend more time with family, then the family life changed. I didn't plan for it, i didn't like it, but it happened that way. I am a family man, I have one, same as you and lots of other people. As for a temper, you are way off base. Nothing like yours. "

    AWAKE wrote on Aug 12, 2008 10:16 PM:

    " Hey, Koskeller..........IF YOU BECOME MAYOR (and I doubt you will) do you plan to QUIT on us like you quit on us while serving on the city council? You let the voters down and I doubt they will forget.

    This is a truly legitimate question. Well dude, how about it. Ya gonna quit on us AGAIN.......or could it be that you are in it for the $$$$$ cash? I guess 80k could make a difference on the quiting issue..
    What do ya say Koskeller? "

    AWAKE wrote on Aug 12, 2008 10:11 PM:

    " Hey Koskeller............my butt you don't pay attention to the blogs....I know you're checking them everyday to see what people are saying about you.
    So, did you go to the states to have a picture done with your EX wife and family. Are you really going to try and play the "i'm a family man" card?
    You quit the council to spend time with your family and now you want to be MAYOR? Come on dude, are you doing this because you need a job or what?
    Your temper? That's a laugh lot's of folks have seen it. "

    hilarious wrote on Aug 12, 2008 6:13 PM:

    " I find it amazing how everyone else, other than the people who are involved, "Know the truth". So this will be the last time I post here, you guys have fun since you know all the answers, it is quite amusing, and completely clueless, unless you hear it from me, ask me I'll tell you. "

    stop it wrote on Aug 12, 2008 4:06 PM:

    " stop it!!! Koskella is a good guy, as is Metiva. I dont know Rupright or Carlson but Im sure they're decent people too. Do we really have to sink into this rediculous and unfounded mudsling here? Cant we just have a race about what these guys are for? "

    Koskelas advisory group wrote on Aug 12, 2008 9:31 AM:

    " "Koskela said he has been meeting with an advisory group to gauge what is important to voters" - Interesting..he left politics to "spend time with his family" yet now we hear he's "a planner" and meeting with secret advisory groups. Smells fishy to me! I wonder who he's meeting with and who's paying for the work that they do? Truth be told he was forced back into politics and doesn't really want the job. This isn't a leader we want in Wasilla! "

    hey awake continued wrote on Aug 10, 2008 8:12 PM:

    " why dont you tell us who you are, instead of hiding. your post had zero truth in it.
    Posting about my wife or my temper? How would you know? that is an attack, period. Just planting lies in peoples heads. You wouldn't admit who you were on here anyway. I dont pay attention to these much, cause they let anyone post anything, with no recourse at all. everyone seems to be hiding. People will see my plan and vision for this city, I guarantee it wont be anything like the last 2 administrations "

    hey awake wrote on Aug 10, 2008 8:07 PM:

    " I normally don't pay attention to these blogs, but at least spell my name right
    Koskela. Your "good" source is the one who started the lie.I have never said or much less thought about keller being in my administration. I have been hearing the same thing since last Feb. Its all just desperation on your guys part. There is nothing for me to back peddle from. Period. Personally I would like to see if the job of mayor could be done without a deputy administrator. and your accusations about my wife and a temper are attacks, "

    Verne Rupright wrote on Aug 10, 2008 2:21 PM:

    " To Poor choices:
    Where have I said I was going to cut services of employees. Would that be possible with the traffic congestion and demand for road,sewer, water and police services? No. What has to be addressed is city administration being fair and consistent with each department. The employees need to know what to expect and eliminate apprehension for a better work environment. The same consistency must be the approach with the public. They a
    say in the process. As for Good-ole-boys who are they? Are they peeking around some corner? Lets ferret out those rascals together "

    Hey Truth wrote on Aug 10, 2008 1:38 PM:

    " Are you Koskeller?? Uh, oops, I mean Koskella? If so then why don't you just come out and say it. If this isn't Koskeller then how do you know what he said and what he didn't say? I got this from a good source that he would hire Keller as his deputy administrator. I am sure he is doing a lot of back peddling now. No body would admit ties to her.
    There have been no attacks on character. Just the Truth being stated here. "

    Keller job wrote on Aug 9, 2008 11:18 PM:

    " Keller can work for the new box stores she's so proud to bring to the valley. There she can make low wages and buy some cheeseburgers again. It's time to take out some more valley waste. We need someone who can develop some industry and real jobs. Alaska already has a big city. "

    truth wrote on Aug 9, 2008 10:10 AM:

    " koeskella never said he would hire keller, stop speading rediculous rumors. "

    Oh boy wrote on Aug 9, 2008 6:45 AM:

    " None of these guys are worthy of my vote and I'm disappointed we don't have a better qualified slate of candiates. They all have baggage and issues that make this election another one of picking the lesser evil. Hopefully the elected person will fire most directors and make the deputy directors work the hours they are supposed too. The public works deputy only works two or three hours a day and then goes home but doesn't put it down as vacation time. The directors and deputy directors are screwing the taxpayers and Keller lets them do it. "

    All poor choices wrote on Aug 9, 2008 12:46 AM:

    " Rupright wants to cut services and city employees-(give to some good ole boys,maybe?),Koskeller-will he stay the term?or have to check in on how the business is running,and Metiva will keep the same style of current admenistraution, Carson is old, more walmarts and more taxes, Menard is young, needs experience, etc.
    I'm sure we're going to see and hear a lot more of our quality canditates in the near future. Sounds like Metiva doesn't handle the finances well, but neither does the current admin. Looking forward to hearing more of how things will get better. Keller is at least out. "

    hey awake wrote on Aug 8, 2008 6:10 PM:

    " too bad you post absolutely no facts at all, you obviously know nothing. Tell us this, how would you know anything about his wife?? Did you go to his church? From what I have seen of him, he has no temper, i have observed him at the planning commission, he is nothing like Keller. Keep on spreading lies and made up rumors, typical tactics, unfounded attacks on character, how about you show us proof, or, shut up "

    Awake wrote on Aug 8, 2008 3:55 PM:

    " Continued again.... so.....in my opinion our choice is narrowed down to two unless you want Diane Keller back in an authoritative position, or if you want your city being run from the local jail or if you want to kiss your tax dollars good by and pay for the infrastructure out of your own pocket. The way I see it we only have two choices. Rupright and Metiva.
    At least these guys seem to have brains... "

    Awake wrote on Aug 8, 2008 3:54 PM:

    " continued.
    Menard is on probation. If he violates his parole will he be able to run the city from jail for 45 days? That leaves us Metiva and Rupright. Rupright has Alaska in his blood and Metiva is a "want to be" with some really good ideas. Jobs....near home. That is something everybody wants. "

    Awake wrote on Aug 8, 2008 3:50 PM:

    " If we vote in Koskeller we will have the same administration that we have right now. I believe he said that if he were Mayor that he would have Keller as his deputy administrator. I also hear he has quite a nasty temper blowing off at the least little comment. Could this be why his wife was not allowed to speak to people at church?
    Mike Carson wants to put the burden on the peoples back.........what about the taxes we pay Mike? "

    Truth Always Wins wrote on Aug 8, 2008 8:11 AM:

    " You know it's funny how Marty Metiva wants to run a city but yet he has over $78000.00 in tax liens filed against him. If he can't take care of his own finances do we really want him running Wasilla? "

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