Comments

Wait wrote on Aug 21, 2009 7:44 AM:

" Do not pay this mayor more than what he accepted when he ran for office. If you change the pay rate, make it effective for the next election. Verne is boo-hooing over the fact he doesn't make as much as he did defending CRIMINALS. Too bad. "




Noname wrote on Aug 19, 2009 11:33 AM:

" Oh, yes, I have attended wasilla councile meetings. It is clear that some of the council members have an ax to grind. It is especially apparent with Woodruff and Larson. What is their problem anyway? Larson allows Woodruff to drag him around by his nose as if he had some sort of nose ring on. What is Woodruff's problem? She is another friend of the Mat-su and should not be elected again. Could she be jealous because Rupright is getting more press and better press than she has ever received? YES! "




to mr. ewing wrote on Aug 19, 2009 7:35 AM:

" face it, you only put your name to these things, because you like the attention. I can hear you slamming your keys from hear while you're typing.
its nothing to get that angry over. as for salary, you have to be equal, no matter who is elected, you can't discriminate because of personal feelings or opinions. "




to funny girl wrote on Aug 18, 2009 6:42 AM:

" The reality is that you pay our money and take our chances!
Nothing in life is a certainty except.. yeah only those two things.
Get real and get with it ! Spend your time on more productive things. The list is long and the time is short !
Pay the Mayor and move to doing things the citizens need for a better place to live.
We have enough problems with those liberal bleeding hearts at the Assembly. Let the city rise above their antics. "




to funny.. wrote on Aug 17, 2009 8:06 AM:

" Wouldn't you have been against a raise for the "old" mayor too?
She kept a low profile except when it was to her advantage. She left a black eye on the city as well as a mess called Creekside Town Square.
Let's cut all the city wages as see what you get.
No roads, or any of the things you mention as they will have no incentive but to show up at their desks 5 days a week, maybe.
Get real ! "




Wasilla 1st wrote on Aug 17, 2009 8:01 AM:

" Forget the old Mayor as quick as you can!
We have new horizons, many to fix what has transpired in the past.
Set the Mayor's salary at 100K for now and work from there. You will soon find out that the incumbent is well worth it. Deal with the "next one" when that time comes. Voters are the key that that concern. If they are serious to put the best qualified person in the seat, then with any luck, this won't come up again. Too many council members have an ax to grind to see clearly. "




Draggin Main Street wrote on Aug 17, 2009 7:54 AM:

" Look people the salary of the Mayor who ever he/she is must be attractive to get candidates interested beyond just a "civic duty". Sacrifice goes a long way, but not when it has consequences on ones family life. Weather a future mayor is deserving of the salary set for this one is a risk taken. It is not to be the concern of the Council. That belongs to the electorate, they are paying the bills. If they (Wasilla citizens) vote ina dud as they have in the past, then they deserve it. Pay the piper for 3 years! "




funny shut up wrote on Aug 17, 2009 4:00 AM:

" Get off the Gun range issue and forget about Keller from heller You are a spineless coward that won't post your name. Yoiur comments do not count ijn my book. or on and city council issue so get off your duff and attend meetings.
I'm just tired of the cowards without a name that come weighing in after the fact. Meeting are in the paper why don't you get a copy like I do to keep informed of the issues or iare too cheap? Support your local FRONTIERSMAN wow the even deliver to you door what a concept.
Mark Ewing "




funny wrote on Aug 16, 2009 7:13 PM:

" its funny to listen to all these clowns, Vern? Fiscal responsibility? He didn't pass the current budget, Keller and the council did. Fiscal responsibility is not going out and building a gun range where one was not planned,and we need a library, and we need roads built,and other things done, its not accepting a raise when you were against one for the past mayor. I'm not saying vern is doing a bad job, but to give him credit for things a past mayor has done, is funny. "




Draggin Main Street wrote on Aug 15, 2009 10:31 AM:

" Keller left here mark on our city with the eyesore gravel pit behind the Windbreak. aka Creekside Town Square. That's what you get for 75K!
Rupright has turned the direction of this city toward positive progress with fiscal responsibility, something lacking at the Borough level. Until he proves to the contrary, I for one back his pay raise. It is a pleasure to see what he has accomplished in less than a year, even without the total support of the city council.
If you don't watch out you will get another shelf stocker next time. "




To issues wrote on Aug 15, 2009 10:25 AM:

" Look at the present as that is what you are living..
The past is prologue, the future is risk for all of us. We do our best at the time we have to make decisions. The time is right to reward the job of Mayor for the incumbent. Face the future when the situation dictates.
We took a risk in voting in members of the council. Some have worked to our advantage others are just filling as seat! that unfortunately is life !
Keep up with the times. I see a lot happen here for the good under Rupright. "




I agree wrote on Aug 14, 2009 2:13 PM:

" This City needs good leadership. Maybe if the City had paid a competitive wage in the beginning we wouldn't have either Keller or Palin. Maybe we would have had strong leadership with brains and ingenuity. "




Proper Pprospective wrote on Aug 14, 2009 9:37 AM:

" Based upon the newest pay figures an Army Colonel makes over $110.000 a year and has a full staff to support him in his duties. Tell me Wasilla's Mayor is not equal to or with greater responsibility. Leadership skills to start with. Evidence of keen management and inovative thinking follows.
Being a retired military officer, I feel qualified to pass judgment on this matter. Put your politics aside and do the city of Wasilla justice. Pay the leader what is right. AT least $100K/ year. "




Issues wrote on Aug 14, 2009 7:29 AM:

" Who cares about Ewing or Lucky? They are not the issue here. The mayor may be doing well for the city now but what about those in the past? We can't be sure history won't repeat itself in the future. "




TO LUCKY wrote on Aug 13, 2009 11:45 AM:

" Dear Lucky, are you able to read the posting dates and times?? Or is it that you don't have the intelligence to understand the difference between AM and PM??????
Posts that he made: 6:01 PM; 7:10 PM; 7:09 AM; and 12:32 PM which is lunch time. All of his posts were made either before work, after work or on his lunch hour. I for one appreciate the fact that he is a strong enough person to actually put his names on his posting. Unlike you. "




RWH wrote on Aug 13, 2009 9:41 AM:

" Rupright for Governor!!!! "




Draggin Main St. wrote on Aug 13, 2009 9:26 AM:

" You get what you pay for in this world and today 75K does little to get and keep good people.
That is why the local government payrolls are so high.
Rupright has saved the city more than 10 times any pay raise would cost already in less than a year.
There is obvious a lot of sour grapes in these blogs. Give credit where credit is due !
If the Council does not see fit to grant this increase, I for one will be watching very closely their voting record on expenses in the future. "




Wasilla 1st wrote on Aug 13, 2009 9:14 AM:

" Putting all your jabs aside, if you want a productive Mayor/City Manager you will have to pay him a salary commensurate with the task.
Keller was a part time mayor and took home $75K.
We now have a professional not a shoe store clerk and fortunately we don't have a traveling music man. We are blessed with the talent that is in place now. Don't lose it over this kind of squabbling. Pay the man and expect the job! We need the changes he is making! "




Lucky wrote on Aug 13, 2009 7:35 AM:

" I guess Mr. Ewing is lucky to have a job where he can sit on the internet posting comments all day. Wish I had one like that. He credited Rupwrong with many things at Monday night's meeting that was incorrect. The stuff at the airport was in the works before Rup even qualified as a candidate and was decided by the FAA not him. The HR person was not recruited nor hired by him. He only approved her after other recommended her. And, the debt reduction has it's own schedule and the mayor has nothing to do with that. "




different tone now wrote on Aug 13, 2009 7:26 AM:

" the SAME people that are for this NOW, are the same people that were complaining about ANY raise when Keller was the mayor. Including Ewing.
Now all of the sudden he thinks its a good idea.
and the Mayor does not do both, that is what a deputy administrator is for, Keller did without one for a while and then hired one. I am not against a raise, but to see the people in favor of it now, that were adamantly opposed to it when it came to the previous mayor, is saddening. "




opps wrote on Aug 13, 2009 6:39 AM:

" The Borough manager gets $129,000 Im sure the govenor got a bit more that that and I know the mayor won't need body guards or a airplane/jet, or thirty member staff either with press sec. and when you make an appointment with the Mayor you really get to meet with the Mayor not his spouse, or flunky. "




To Of Course wrote on Aug 12, 2009 6:00 PM:

" You only have part of your head up..
Yoder is NOT the city manager, nor the Assistant to the Mayor. The Mayor IS the city manager as well as the Mayor, Since he is holding two jobs and puts in a full day at it, then pay him accordingly and quit whimpering and sniffling !
More money is wasted elsewhere with none of the results that Rupright has given to this city.
P.S. Why should Ewing take a pay cut to serve you anyway? "




Oops wrote on Aug 12, 2009 5:15 PM:

" Wasn't the gov's pay $125,000? come on MAYORS? $75,000 tops!!! "




Quote wrote on Aug 12, 2009 3:08 PM:

" "None of those cities have a strong Mayor form of government, or full time Mayor." . . . and, Wasilla normally doesn't either. So, why pay the deadbeats of the future a high paying salary? Instead, let's change the structure of the government to match those throughout the state! That way you have something tangible with which to compare. "




Wsilla 1st wrote on Aug 12, 2009 2:54 PM:

" The figures do not lie !
Wasilla's mayor is the lowest paid for a 1st class city.
He is the city Administrator in addition to being the mayor. He comes to work at 8 am every day and stays all day. Not like his predecessor who fly all over the world. The deputy is a joke and contributes little to management.
I will debate anyone who tries to dispute the accomplishments that Rupright has made in his tern to date. Pay WHERE MERITED. HE DESERVES at least 100K. Or become a ribbon cutterand let COW go to pot. "




Tax Payer wrote on Aug 12, 2009 2:35 PM:

" Thank you Mayor Rupright and Mr Ewing. You both have a great attitude, common sense and the best interest of all in mind across a variety of issues. More important, considering the current political climate, I am confident to TRUST your judgment. A rare luxury these days. "




Check your facts Dosent Add Up wrote on Aug 12, 2009 12:32 PM:

" Almost everyone of the cities I listed also have a Deputy City Manager, and some even have an Administrive Assistant on top of that, these number don't even include them. Do a little research and see for yourself. So add $60K to my numbers to get a little closer to the truth about the cost. I just love it when people just blog without the facts. None of those cities have a strong Mayor form of government, or full time Mayor.

Mark Ewing "




Doesnt add up wrote on Aug 12, 2009 9:59 AM:

" If we are going to compare compensation of Wasilla to other municipalities isn't fair to add the Deputy Adminstartor's salary to that of the Mayors?

In that case Wasilla's total compensation is well over $150K compared to say Kenai at $121K.

Seems fair & equitable to me - either leave it where it's at or let the Deputy Administrator go & make the Mayor do the job.

Or better yet, if my memory holds true Mr. Eweing like things to go to the vote of the people, why not put this on the Oct ballot. "




Bad Policy wrote on Aug 12, 2009 8:19 AM:

" The mayor sets the dept heads wages. So, if the mayor wants a big raise then they could raise their dept heads salary to get one as long as this ordinance has the mayor guaranteed to make more than a dept head. Anyway, Verne knew the salary before he ran for mayor. If you are going to change it, make it for the next election not the current mayor. "




Next Time wrote on Aug 12, 2009 8:15 AM:

" What about the next mayor? Suppose you get a drunk who only works 4 hours a day? You only have to be a registered voter, aged 18 & a city resident to be mayor. The next mayor may not be worth a pot to . . . well, you know. This mayor may be great but there is no guarantee the next one will be as worthy. Look at the city's past mayors. "




I remember wrote on Aug 12, 2009 7:09 AM:

" When the two jokes ran for mayor neither had a job and one had no education. You cowards hide behind your computer like a fired employee what did your mother really name you amused jr. and Of Course. Clowns both of you I have no intent of filling Vernes slot will take a much stronger and smarter person to carry on what he has started. Again my name is Mark Ewing and I am dang proud to post it so the gutless can read it, Try standing up for yourself and for others you may like the way it feels "




amused wrote on Aug 11, 2009 9:17 PM:

" funny, the mayor of wasilla is not about the salary, what an excuse. Step matrix? remember when Koskela or Menard or whoever did it, tried this, and he was chastised and laughed at? He tried to take the politics out of it, and make it simple, to start at $X, and go with the annual adjusted inflation rate of Anchorage, for every year they are in office. Pretty simple, and if I remember correctly, Rupright even spoke at the hearing and was against such a pay increase. Try and attract qualified candidates with money, THAT IS FUNNY. "




Of Course wrote on Aug 11, 2009 8:28 PM:

" Ewing is in favor of the raise because he plans on running for Mayor one day. Nothing like feathering the nest before you get there. And no, the Mayor isn't worth that much because it's a symbolic position. Get rid of Marvin Yoder who is the "Mayors Assistant" and then you can pay the mayor more money. Until then, you have a pseudo-city manager with Yoder so why does the mayor deserve the pay. Is this a strong mayor form of government or city manager (Yoder) form of government? We don't need both! "




Mayor Manager comparable wrote on Aug 11, 2009 7:10 PM:

" Soldotna population 8,883 $121,600
Kenai Population 7,533 $121,460
Kodiak Population 5,689 $112,611
Sitka Population 8,833 $106,000
Homer Population 5,435 $104,635
Palmer Population 6,163 $128,003
Valdez Population 4,454 $102,500
Seward Population 2,661 $93,000
Wasilla Population 7,028 $75,000
Get it now these are weak Mayor /Manager forms of government combined Annual Salary for both positions. Mayor Rupright is doing both jobs Strong Mayor First Class City.
Thanks Mark Ewing "




AK1958 your answer wrote on Aug 11, 2009 6:01 PM:

" City of Wasilla Wages by Positions
Director of Finance $94,965
City Clerk was $85,285 raise last week to $89,000, Rec& Parks Director (fired last week Urban)$84,375 less now
Controller $84,000 Deputy Administrator $83,200 DeputyPublic Works $83,055
Chief of Police $83.037
Director Public works $81,763
Deputy Chief of police $77,376
MAYOR $75,000 he's done more to move Wasilla forward in the past in eight months. Verne won't toot his own horn. Maybe our only local newspaper will follow up on the what has transformed in 8 months Keep it up Mayor Rupright Thanks AK1958 Mark Ewing "




Steve wrote on Aug 11, 2009 2:25 PM:

" Why is there a guarantee of a raise anyways. If you work in private industry and the company doesn't have a good year there is no raise, why should the public sector be any different. I would think most people are either looking for work, taking pay cuts to stay working, or not getting raises this year. Why should our officials be any different. If your the mayor, how could you in good conscience take a raise when a lot of your constituents are not. Maybe that's just me. "




Just wondering--- wrote on Aug 11, 2009 1:17 PM:

" BTW, a 100% increase on water and sewer....ridiculous...and annexing Williwaw where a lot of low income people live so you can charge them for water and sewer that they can't afford. And police protection when the police department can't cover the current city limits because they are short staffed. Small businesses in Wasilla are being robbed regularly and the cases are not being solved. How about instead of a raise for the mayor, we hire another police officer and forget annexation and let the State police deal with Williwaw. "




TO OK Bruce wrote on Aug 11, 2009 12:54 PM:

" Maybe that's why Urban got fired...or was let go.... "




Just Wondering wrote on Aug 11, 2009 11:42 AM:

" 1.5% doesn't even keep up with the inflation rate, but I would like to know how this compares with other cities of like size and include comparative information relative to his benefit package. "




Facts to consider wrote on Aug 11, 2009 11:09 AM:

" The sales tax considered by the assembly is a borough tax, not a city one, so would not be used to pay the Wasilla mayor's wages. Mark Ewing testified in support of the mayor receiving a raise last night. Few people were at the meeting. Only two testified on the mayor's raise, including Mr. Ewing, and both were in favor of a raise. "




read the article wrote on Aug 11, 2009 11:07 AM:

" Alaskan 10 are you so blinded by your anti everything government you failed to realize this has nothing to do with the MSB Assembly or Ewing saving the day...Ah its Wasilla. Mayor Vern while dissin the MSB for trying to lower the property mil rate is not only gunning for his own salary increase but 100 percent increase for his peoples sewer and water service...hmmm look a little deeper "




Ok Bruce wrote on Aug 11, 2009 11:05 AM:

" Too much time on your hands Alaskan10? lol. The Mayor is doing a great job and there needs to be a better step increase. Even Bruce Urban made more then the Mayor. "




Wasilla 1st wrote on Aug 11, 2009 8:34 AM:

" I believe that the city clerk's salary is more than the Mayor's. Both positions are worthy of the best salary possible, but the responsibility of the Mayor seems to be much more inclusive, requires imagination, innovation and excellent management skills.
If Wasilla is to keep ahead of the Borough and stay an independent city, then a pay raise is definitely in order. The sooner the better! "




What wrote on Aug 11, 2009 7:27 AM:

" too many people show up at the public hearing last night? "




AK1958 wrote on Aug 11, 2009 5:13 AM:

" NO, the town of Wasilla doesn't warrant a salary for a mayor of $75,000. this is ridiculous, name other city employee's wages comparable, I'm curious. "




alaskan10 wrote on Aug 10, 2009 10:39 PM:

" So this is what the sales tax will pay for a raise for the mayor. What a frace a bunch of free loading idiots on the assembly except for Mark Ewing at least he has showed some common sense. "