Free food!

Of course my husband and I had to check it out, so we got an excellent burger on Mark Begich, enjoyed the company of good people and even stayed to listen to Mr. Begich speak (at a recent campaign stop). I guess he must have been talking too much as of late because he was very hoarse. Still, he gave a pretty good speech.

I have had great admiration for U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens, but I truly feel we need a more energetic senator who will listen to Alaskans (me) and do his or her best to act on Alaska needs. I have felt in recent years that Senator Stevens has been untouchable and not attentive to what is going on with the average Alaskan. I don’t feel I can send a letter or voice a comment and be heard by Senator Stevens. I am really unhappy that Senator Stevens is being given special treatment over his legal issue. It is hard to get court hearings because the court is overburdened, but Senator Stevens can have an out-of-state speedy trial. I’ll bet some of our convicted legislators wish they could have had that preference.

So as I sat enjoying my cheeseburger and listening to Mark Begich, I felt like I could go talk to him and he would actually listen.

We may not agree on some things, but after listening to his views on health care, education, veterans, energy, seniors and ethics, I think I have found someone I want to hire to represent me.

Whether you feel Mark Begich is someone you want to hire to represent you or not, just remember to vote for the person, not the  political party, you feel will do a good job for you.

Marci Schmidt

Wasilla