Comments

Lee P wrote on Oct 15, 2009 2:18 PM:

" I believe that you'll find through a bit research that the schools are capital property and therefore NOT property of the MSBSD. That being the case the physical maintenance and repairs of the buildings themselves rightfully belongs with the MSB and NOT the school district. The MSBSD is funded to "run" the schools and educational endeavors. I think they're two separate issues funded by two seperate pots of $ folks. "




to Fed up wrote on Oct 13, 2009 2:57 PM:

" article 7.1 of the Alaska Constituion reads...The legislature shall by general law establish and maintain a system of public schools open to all children of the State, and may provide for other public educational institutions....
I read that as we are entitled to an education. "




jp wrote on Oct 13, 2009 12:35 PM:

" jp is my name, everyone knows me by jp, it's been my name all my life, so what's yours? you are always "toJP" or "rumpranger" or some other "to someone".
I'm relived that i don't know you! that way i'm not trying to offend someone who may be a decent person! "




John Harkey asks wrote on Oct 13, 2009 8:58 AM:

" What is up with this rue of no name on your post. jp for example is always here but refuses to be known. SO who cares about his or others that remain unknown? Not I! Other folks with no name call people morons, Hey I see why you don't post your name. Use your name or expect that your post are really just ignored! "




To Scott Gregory wrote on Oct 13, 2009 5:57 AM:

" I'm sorry, but it doesn't take spine to post here, with or without a name. It takes a keyboard and the internet.

I object not to him posting here so much as the tone and content. He has basically ended his working relationship with "the other two" by his poorly spelled rhetoric. That's not effective representation. Further, labels ("Koolaide" [sic]) are best left to the echo chamber of AM radio.

I still believe our elected officials should have more dignity. I guess I'm alone in that opinion. "




jp wrote on Oct 12, 2009 6:14 PM:

" i find it hilarious that those on the left spout " we are educated, therefore we are smarterer"

an education is important, however, an education is still no replacement for practical / real world experience!
and most on the left are lifetime students, and can't balance a checkbook! "




To Ewing wrote on Oct 12, 2009 2:20 PM:

" New blood! We are all bloggers wishing we had the guts to become involved. Watch, listen, make a difference and read our blogs- for we are on the outside watching. good luck.- the Fair blagger. "




Scott Gregory wrote on Oct 12, 2009 11:33 AM:

" The voters in Mr. Ewing's District should be proud and comforted to be represented by an individual with such spine and courage as to speak his true mind, indeed, to append his real name to his comments. Those whom attack him for those qualities don't seem to value them, and I aver that it is the loss of those values that is contributing to the loss of our very freedoms today. Such attacks on a man point to the veracity of his principles. Kudos, Mr. Ewing, do not surrender to weakness or political correctness. "




fed up wrote on Oct 12, 2009 11:11 AM:

" What a bunch of morons. We want failing schools. NO you idiots we want them to manage the money they have and budget just like I have to do with my money at home. We spend more money on churches and schools in the last 20 years then ever and we have more idiots and less religious people than ever. It isnt money that gets you a education. Look at Homeschoolers that out do the public school kids on testing for 1/8 the cost annually. Where in the Constitution does is say we are entitled to a education "




to John Harkey wrote on Oct 12, 2009 10:30 AM:

" Good to see you voicing your opinion. Isn't it nice to be able to blog and say what you want. Looks like lots of bloggers are able to do the same thing. From the Fair blogger. "




Poser wrote on Oct 11, 2009 3:14 PM:

" Oh, No! Oh, No! It's a poser, it's a poser!! I would think if there was anything questionable about language the editor would not allow it to go live on the web site...............
Oh, my! It's a poser! "




To Ewing Again wrote on Oct 11, 2009 9:07 AM:

" I guess I'll start by praying again that you are not really Mr. Ewing, but someone posing as him.

I do not believe that it is appropriate for an elected official to use the type of language you have used in this forum. Maybe I'm just old fashioned.

I realize that it is common practice on the right these days to shout and belittle when discussion and support would serve better, but I had hoped our officials were above that. I guess not.

I pity those you represent. "




To the gutless blogger wrote on Oct 10, 2009 9:31 AM:

" Pen named "Dear Mr. Ewing", "Show Some Class", "To JP",, "and "To Ewing". Normally I would not respond to someone hiding behind their laptop, but you are truly spineless. Your qoute's like "juvenile at best" "childish" and the one I love the most "a complete embarrassment to all of Palmer" show how out of touch you are. Must everyone have your Politicaly Correct ideas to fit into your world? You don't live in my district. My district is the greater Wasilla area. 80% of the voters agreed with my stance on the sales tax. See ....the...sales...tax...voter....results...Mark Ewing...and...your...name is? "




Sarah ASD wrote on Oct 10, 2009 8:18 AM:

" And.....................we all digress! "




Dear Exclamation Point Guy wrote on Oct 9, 2009 3:40 PM:

" I see by your many exclamation points that you feel deeply for this issue. However, I didn't mean that he's tone-deaf because of his votes. I happen to agree with him on many things. I just think it would seem to be beneath elected official to bad-mouth others in a newspaper blog, especially with 7th grade grammar issues and a petty tone. I wouldn't want my representative representing me in that way. That is all.

Oh, and by the way -- ! ! ! ! ! (means I'm super serious! ! !) "




Frontiersman wrote on Oct 9, 2009 1:32 PM:

" Are these things about Katkus true? Do you really have information on her being a tax dodger? If so why haven't you printed anything? I am a business owner myself and would never support a tax dodger or somebody who was above the law and doesn't buy the correct business licenses!! I want to recast my VOTE! "




To To Mark Ewing wrote on Oct 9, 2009 1:29 PM:

" You call him politically DEAF????? REALLY?? If he is so politically deaf then why is it that the TAX he voted against FAILED miserably on the ballot? You call that DEAF? I call it in touch with the REAL people. It seems to me that he is more in touch with the hard working people than you are. I suspect the person making that post is Michell Church. Hmmmmmmm........ got some sour apples in your mouth? Thank goodness for the first amendment and people like Mr. Ewing "




Sarah ASD wrote on Oct 9, 2009 1:26 PM:

" I for one would like to thank Mr. Ewing for being honest and forthright! You call him childish? What was it that he said, was childish? He has openly and honestly let everybody know how he feels about the election. What was childish about that? I also admire Mr. Ewing for taking a stand for those of us who live here in the Valley. He is absolutely correct! We need a change in the assembly. Bettini, Woods and Church were only out to line their pockets and pockets of friends.........not...to..help..the..little guy. "




To T.K. wrote on Oct 9, 2009 1:15 PM:

" TK must be Taffina Katkus. You blog as if you were blogging to a man. What if it was a woman who blogged, the blog that apparently got under your skin? Hm? What then? You brag about a woman beating a man? This is not the 18th century. It is not a big deal anymore. You talk about a sore looser? What about good sportsmanship on your part? Is this the kind of immaturity you will lead our city with? Wasilla really has gone to the dogs! "




To Ewing wrote on Oct 9, 2009 5:30 AM:

" I pray on behalf of those Ewing represents that you are not really him. How embarassing, if so. Perhaps a recall is in order.

Really -- shamefully juvenile, petty, divisive, and just plain ill-considered.

Frontiersman: is there any way for you ask him to deny or confirm these remarks? His constiuency deserves to know. Maybe they don't mind, maybe they're of the same mind. I'd be pretty inscenced if it was me he was representing...

If that is really him. Can't believe he'd be so politically deaf... "




Drain Plug wrote on Oct 9, 2009 12:14 AM:

" The Assembly is the Board of Directors. The Administration is the Management. The Voters are the Shareholders.

When this truth is realized, real change will happen. "




To JP wrote on Oct 8, 2009 9:52 PM:

" Everyone has a right to an opinion. The problem here is that I for one would expect more from my elected official than what appears to be a childish response. I am all for getting in an elected member that will cut spending and come up with some reasonable ideas on how to accomplish this. Can we do this constructively? Mr. Ewing please share your insights not your bashing I for one am all for some great ideas! "




jp wrote on Oct 8, 2009 6:12 PM:

" i have to agree with Mark Ewing.
and to those who are condemning him for his posts.......... waaah, get over it, there is this thing guaranteed to all of us in the 1st amendment, free speech. at least until Obama and the liberal hoarde take that from us too!!! "




idiots wrote on Oct 8, 2009 10:32 AM:

" Some of you are absolute idiots. So, whenever your house needs repair is that a direct failure on your part to prevent normal wear and tear? Our maintanence crews should be able to stop time and make everyone wear slippers inside to prevent the need for new carpets? What is wrong with you people? "




show some class wrote on Oct 8, 2009 10:24 AM:

" How unprofessional, can Mark Ewing be if he really is going to take to the blogs to dis his fellow assembly members and advocate for the removal of others. If this really is Ewing spewing this then shame on him. If not then he better find out who is using his name to spread the hate . I would say to the new assembly members pay attention to the way some folks handle themselves. Trust and integrity are not a long suit for clearly, "




John Harkey wrote on Oct 8, 2009 10:05 AM:

" WOW, an assemblyman with character? Congrats Mark Ewing on your comments, it is about time true feelings were just, well, relieved for a change. Assembly members seemed to want to do for the minority at the expense of the majority and can I ever think of examples! "




Dear Mr. Ewing wrote on Oct 8, 2009 8:49 AM:

" You are a complete embarrassment to all of Palmer. Please remember that your days are limited in office, we wonder what "kool aid" it is that you are drinking sir. Your behavior in public, and online in these forums is juvenile at best, and not fitting of an adult, nor a public figure, nor a representative of the company you work for. Your welcoming to the table of the newly elected is funny to watch, as if you are the host of something. Please sit down. "




Right on North Valley wrote on Oct 8, 2009 12:02 AM:

" They do not listen to anything else. The fact that the schools need repair is a direct failure of the school district leadership and administration.

We are simply unwilling to keep throwing money at an incompetent system. "




Veritas wrote on Oct 7, 2009 7:31 PM:

" Mr. Mackey - ask for an explanation fron the city clerk. If you don't get an explanation or it is not sufficient, contact the division of elections. I will say that in the municipal elections that I have seen, there are a lot of reasons why there is a difference. Sometimes, people don't mark part of their ballot. Sometimes, the mark is not sufficient to be counted.

Ask and find out. "




voteearlyvoteoften wrote on Oct 7, 2009 6:26 PM:

" these schools care a lot better than the ones I went too,let the white trash and welfare bums get a job and pay some taxes and support there own brats, "




Katkus is a Tax Dodger wrote on Oct 7, 2009 6:25 PM:

" No taxes paid to the city, No licence with the City, Borough, or State for the last 4 years for three businesses inside the city. If she takes the oath of office she will be faced with criminal charges and I'll bet the IRS will also step in. Owes the city $20,000 in back taxes and her APOC is full of holes. Good luck if she is seated the council members that vote to allow this breach in city code will also be allow those that vote in favor to be sued. I'll file the charges. Mark Ewing Taxpayer "




Thamk You Mat-Su Voters wrote on Oct 7, 2009 6:12 PM:

" For defeating the Koolaide sales tax supported by all the Assembly members opposed by me Mark Ewing and our Mayor. Just go's to show how really out of touch they are with the public. Next year we vote out other two that voted to make the rich richer and put the tax burden on the working class, poor and seniors. Welcome aboard Vern Halter, Ron Adrin and JIm Colver a fresh change to a government none ever trusted and thank you voters for not drinking the Koolaid same flavor as Jim Jones used in the 70's. Mark Ewing "




Mark Ewing wrote on Oct 7, 2009 5:24 PM:

" Thanks to the voters the Cindy Bettine and Pete Huston sales tax failed. We voted out Wells and Church next year we can vote two more out time to stop the tax and spend group on the borough. thanks for the new blood at the assembly table. Mark Ewing district seat 4 welcome Halter, Arvin and Colver look forward to working with you to really listen to the public the 80% that the assembly forgot. Welcome aboard. "




Back at ya- from so disappointed wrote on Oct 7, 2009 4:58 PM:

" Yes you are selfish- you refuse to spend money on schools, yet your kids sit in these buildings that are falling down around them. You ARE very sad. Bet you have a couple of snowmachines and 4wheelers in the driveway though, and are probably on Denali kid care though too aren't ya? "




jp wrote on Oct 7, 2009 4:51 PM:

" i think the real problem with prop 2 was the fact that they wanted approval from the voters "AFTER" they already gave the go ahead for the work, and some of it is already completed, and just expected us to say "OK"
let this be a lesson to you! "




North Valley wrote on Oct 7, 2009 3:35 PM:

" This election proved AGAIN for the sixth time since 1991 that the voters do NOT trust the assembly or gooberment.

We are not against education, we are against throwing OUR money at education. We are against a school administration that is run like that gold plated disaster that Anchorage runs.

What else can we do but say NO? They do not listen to anything else. The fact that the schools need repair is a direct failure of the school district leadership and administration.

We are simply unwilling to keep throwing money at an incompetent system. "




alaskamountainman wrote on Oct 7, 2009 3:01 PM:

" It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood in district three. "




lifelong resident wrote on Oct 7, 2009 1:06 PM:

" The voter turn out was pathetic. I am speaking on deaf ears because the ones who did not vote do not take the time to read this.

Shame on the no show voters.
Shame..shame..shame "




Anna Wilbur wrote on Oct 7, 2009 12:44 PM:

" Idle youth in our community will have huge economic impact in the coming years - we need to support our youth - they are our valley's future leaders. Our local government and schools need help. I wish there were more community minded folks taking action in our community. "




Anna Wilbur wrote on Oct 7, 2009 12:41 PM:

" I have a hard time believing that our community does not care about education - but the no vote on school district renovations means something. Does it mean that our middle and high schools do not give enough focus on civic engagement so we create a local population is not civically engaged and thinking? "




to Mr. Mackey wrote on Oct 7, 2009 12:29 PM:

" Ya know...some folks are just more interested in one issue than the other....just because you voted on every issue on the bllot doesn't mean evryone had to...maybe they didn't feel informed about someting and thought it might be better to pass than to vote one way then find out they didn't agree with that at all....maybe they are not the ones who are mentally challenged? mmmkay? "




The right thing to do... wrote on Oct 7, 2009 12:24 PM:

" I really have to agree with the commenters who point out that the school disctrict should be including repairs and maintenance into their general budget just like everyone else. Maybe it is difficult to plan for a whole new school, but certainly if they are smart enough to run the school system they can figure out that they need to plan ahead just like those of us who have to figure out how to make it work. Not just like they sudenly found they needed a new roof... "




Pete Petram wrote on Oct 7, 2009 11:56 AM:

" The last phrase in the last sentence in Prop 2 read, "including without limitation the projects described below?" I might have been persuaded to vote for Prop 2 had the MSBSD been limited to funding only the $31,725,000 worth of projects listed. But my interpretation of that last sentence led me to believe the MSBSD could have chosen with School Board approval to use the money elsewhere. And I can't get over the belief that the MSBSD should be including facility maintenance in each year's budget request to the Assembly. So I voted, "NO!" "




jp to j summers wrote on Oct 7, 2009 11:48 AM:

" of course you wanted the sales tax to pass, you're out of state! and not subject to a sales tax!
but i bet you still receive a dividend don't you?
i suppose you don't spend 180 days out of state do you? or at least you don't report that. "




JD wrote on Oct 7, 2009 11:34 AM:

" Taffina! You should show more grace even if he is old and sexist. Be a role model for our young leaders,please. You are better than that! "




PT wrote on Oct 7, 2009 10:43 AM:

" Yet another Menard in an election? How many are there? "




wake up wrote on Oct 7, 2009 10:26 AM:

" The reason the district is forced to ask for maintanence bonds is because they are 20 years overdue!!!!! The state refuses to pay until it is a crisis and the assembly refuses to invest in our children and so the maintanence crews bust their butts to keep everything in working order well beyond the expiration date. Wake up, people!! Buildings that house hundreds of children for years on end eventually break down!!! Get your head out of your butts and care about our future generation!! "




Jack Campbell wrote on Oct 7, 2009 9:47 AM:

" It is a a sad day when we chose not to support replacing fire alarm systems and re-roofing schools. I have to believe that the majority of people saw "$$" and didn't actually read what it was for. "




Mr. Mackey wrote on Oct 7, 2009 9:13 AM:

" It's not how you vote, it's who counts the votes, mmmkay. Point in question...add the above numbers; total votes for mayor 9521, total votes on prop 1 -10,222 prop 2 - 10,137 and 284 people voted in Houston. Why such a discrepancy in these totals? Why would 85 more people vote on prop 1 but not prop 2? Why would 721 less people vote for borough mayor than voted on prop 1 and 616 less on prop 2? I know we have a lot of people here who are mentally challenged but come on, mmmkay. "




John Harkey wrote on Oct 7, 2009 8:43 AM:

" Thanks for saying a positive NO to the Assembly folks that do not listen, good bye Church and Wells, you did not listen to the majority regarding so many issues, next year take out the rest of those assembly members that just DO NOT GET IT nor listen to the public. Maybe some staff need be next in line to loose, their jobs! The time has come that elected officials listen to those that elected them or simply BE GONE, as it should be! "




Menard ruined it wrote on Oct 7, 2009 8:27 AM:

" What was Steve Menard thinking? He signed up for the race but was a complete no-show! No signs, no door-to-doors, nothing. But because of his name recognition, he split conservative votes with Cox and now we are stuck with an FOMS wanna-be in Katkus. If Menard wasn't willing to put in any work to get elected, the least he could have done is endorse Cox sometime in the last week. You look at the results and it is obvious the people wanted a conservative - they just couldn't decide which one. Thanks Steve! "




Definition of stupidity wrote on Oct 7, 2009 8:26 AM:

" Doing the same thing and expecting different results.

You voted for the same people and you want to see things change. What a misconception. Dunleavey and Colver are the same you have had for years. At least you were all wise enough not to get Turner or Doyle. That would have flushed us away.

Since you didnt support the capital bonds are you ready for an increase in crime and maintenance on buildings? Take away education and you have the hoodlums running around causing problems. Like father like son! arm yourselves! "




Reaction to James wrote on Oct 7, 2009 8:09 AM:

" James do your homework before posting. Matsu Teachers are not even in the top 5 in Alaska and are not even in the top 100 in the country and Dunleavy is a proven Union breaker. Half time employess do not get full coverage for themselves or their families! "




Crazy wrote on Oct 7, 2009 7:51 AM:

" It is crazy for as many people who live here do not vote. No wonder our country is going to who knows where in a hand baskit. YOU who don't vote have no right to complain. Your opinion does not count! NO one wants to pay for anything and we want it all to be the best. YOU get what you pay for. So welcome to broken down schools and property owners footing the bills. "




Too close to call..hahahaha wrote on Oct 7, 2009 7:45 AM:

" I missed it by 7%, I said 85-15 it turned out 78-21.. Still the tax vote was no where near TOO CLOSE TO CALL...Frontiersman, start doing some sort of investigative reporting before you print yet another pointless story from your lala land world. Start listening...to the people...and cover stories they want to hear about, events, t/partys, picnics, instead of sticking to your narrow minded, liberal agenda.Think like a leader....Think things through...... Otherwise you will be like the new Mat-Su Lodge...already out of business from poor thought processing... "




lessons learned wrote on Oct 7, 2009 7:22 AM:

" What did we learn from this election?

1. Sales tax is not the answer unless you eliminate the property tax.

2. People are smart enough to see that schools need to do operations and maintenance- not make taxpayers foot the bill after the fact.

3. Cindy Bettine left a legacy of.....nothing. Thanks, Cindy- our homeowners association in particular is grateful you're gone.

4. That for some reason (still) only a small percentage of people show for elections. You cannot complain about things if you do not vote. "




To SO Disappointed wrote on Oct 7, 2009 7:11 AM:

" " in this valley. No on the school bonds? Will you never spend money on these schools? These buildings are falling apart around our kids. Pathetic. Selfish people. "... I am not selfish and have kids in the system... will always vote no until we have responsible people in Admin. People who actually are in there for the kids and carefully spend alloted funds and aren't in there for the $$$$$$, watching each others backs all the time. "




Off to a Good Start wrote on Oct 7, 2009 6:59 AM:

" Defeat of the sales tax, school bonds and the dethroning of Michelle Church by Ron Arvin are all good news We valley conservatives wish well to Jim Colver and Vern Halter and hope to work with you on a constructive agenda for less government and more personal responsibility. The sales tax defeat by more than 75% shows the mood of the people. Be careful with OUR money. It is time to start thinking of good candidates to replace sales tax advocates Pete Houston and Lynn Woods in 2010. In 2011 Cindy Bettine will face the electoral "Judgement Day", good riddance. "




Observer wrote on Oct 7, 2009 6:38 AM:

" Pity the poor,poor schools. Painted on the wall just inside the MatSu Borough School District building In Palmer is their mission statement. It reads," Developing Citizens for a Global Society By Inspiring Students to think, learn, achieve and care". How nice, they are seeking to mold our kids into good little "Citizens for a Global Society". The MSBSD is subtlety seeking the erosion of family, religious values and national sovereignty . These are strong words but does accurately reflect the Globalist agenda. It is time for "change". Are you listening school board and politicians? Support a voucher system and homeschooling. "




jsummers wrote on Oct 7, 2009 5:53 AM:

" we are out of state presently, but we voted absentee. We always vote. Not that we're better than anyone else, we just think it's that important. We are disappointed to see the sales tax fail. Will it always be only homeowners who finance the Borought ? We suspected Valley voters would not believe it might finally lower property taxes. But it would have. The school bond failure really crushes us. Who wants their children to attend schools with the roofs failing ? Are we really that short sighted in the Mat Valley ? We're just sad. JKS "




T.K. wrote on Oct 6, 2009 11:39 PM:

" Oh you poor sore loser. Mad because you were beat by a woman. i know who you are you posted three plus times under different fake names and blamed the local paper for your short comings and not taking your bad advice of running a story you thought was fact but in reality lies invented by you. Stop hiding behind a screen name. "




xcxjk wrote on Oct 6, 2009 11:16 PM:

" I did my civic duty and didn't vote "




Oh a juciy one wrote on Oct 6, 2009 11:03 PM:

" The Frontiersman is completely aware of a story that is going to bust wide open as soon as the new city officials are seated. Although they had the information BEFORE the election they refused to print it!
I am sure this is so they can have a much jucier story once all the elected officials are seated. Just wait folks there is MUCH more to come. Thanks Frontiersman for steering elections. "




To Scott wrote on Oct 6, 2009 11:02 PM:

" You are one of the many reasons we have such screwed up elections. BE INFORMED. Also, the media controls even the small elections on tiny cities like, palmer, wasilla and houston. Do your own homework. Don't rely on this sorry paper to provide the truth or even stories they are aware of but refuse to print even though they have all the FACTS on paper. "




Just me at home wrote on Oct 6, 2009 10:18 PM:

" Houston residents. Please remember that you do not need to become a first class city to vote for your Mayor. If you can get the City counsel to agree you can make it a vote of the people. "




So disappointed.. wrote on Oct 6, 2009 10:16 PM:

" in this valley. No on the school bonds? Will you never spend money on these schools? These buildings are falling apart around our kids. Pathetic. Selfish people. "




Literate wrote on Oct 6, 2009 9:55 PM:

" I think it was pretty obvious the election was today. "




James Rollison wrote on Oct 6, 2009 9:39 PM:

" This is a very, very sad time for the Mat-Su Valley. Congratulations, Alaska-National Education Association. You officially own the Valley. Taxpayers beware - you will now have the highest paid teachers and the highest paid custodians in the country. The unions will use their newly elected puppets to get healthy raises and higher benefits with new contracts. We taxpayers are paying for this along with full insurance coverage for all these employees AND all members of their families even if they only work half-time. Wake up, MatSu!!!!!!!!!! "




Voted wrote on Oct 6, 2009 3:25 PM:

" I voted NO! "




johnson wrote on Oct 6, 2009 10:46 AM:

" No, voting is always on TUESDAYs Scott "




Scott wrote on Oct 5, 2009 8:40 PM:

" I don't suppose it occurred to you to provide a DATE along with those POLLING TIMES? "