2021 Election: Mat-Su Borough Assembly

There are eight candidates in the running for three separate Assembly seats. District 3 covers the Fairview Loop area and also pushes north surrounding Finger Lake and Mud Lake, with a western border along Seward-Meridian Parkway and an eastern border along Hyer Road. Currently representing District 3 is Assemblyman George McKee, who terms out in November. Running for the Assembly in District 3 is Mark Bailey, F. Jay Kruger and Dee McKee.

District 6 covers Wasilla Fishhook Road and much of Palmer Fishhook Road, with a southern border along Spruce Avenue. District 6 is currently represented by Assemblyman Jesse Sumner, who is running for reelection. Running against Sumner are Dick Clippard and Kristi Short.

District 7 encompasses the city of Willow as much as the majority of the city of Houston, stretching north along the Parks Highway. District 7 is currently represented by Deputy Mayor Tam Boeve, who is running for reelection. Running against Boeve is Ron Bernier.

The Frontiersman invited candidates to participate in a questionnaire.

Mat-Su Borough Assembly

DISTRICT 3

Ferdinand Jay Kruger — Did not submit questionnaire responses.

Mark Bailey

1 — To combat the change in state funding for School Bond Debt Reimbursement, what measures to raise additional revenue for the Borough would you support, if any?

If elected, I will propose raising the tobacco excise tax to outweigh the lack of State support for our children’s education.

2 — What road repairs or upgrades do you feel are of the highest priority to Borough residents and how would you work to support development of infrastructure in the Mat-Su Valley?

The road repairs and upgrades needed are Seward Meridian, Seldon road, and always looking to make safer routes to schools. I would propose a short-term gravel excise tax for short-term repairs coupled with a fuel tax to pay for long-term infrastructure development.

3 — What revenue generating changes would you support to the Central Landfill and transfer sites, if any?

I support the proposal to add scales to transfer sites ensuring more accurate pricing and creating a more consistent fee structure.

4 — If elected, how would you plan to use your time in office to improve the Mat-Su Borough?

My plan is to get back to the basics. That means good roads, good schools, and a government that works for you. I want to make sure that every resident has a safe road to drive on, a quality school to send their kids to, and a government that always works to ensure your constitutional rights are protected.

5 — Why did you decide to run for Borough Assembly and why do you feel Valley residents should vote for you?

I decided to run for Borough Assembly because I grew up here and I want to give back to my community. My parents moved here when I was young because of the freedom and opportunity they saw — and to raise a family. After graduating from Colony high and earning a degree in economics from the University of Alaska, that same potential brought me back here with my wife Jenny, to start a family — and a business. Valley residents should vote for me because as a young person starting a family here the Borough’s future is my future so I want to work to make it a bright future.

Dee McKee

1 — To combat the change in state funding for School Bond Debt Reimbursement, what measures to raise additional revenue for the Borough would you support, if any?

With the covid funding that will continue, it may not be necessary to raise additional revenue. The School District has a substantial unencumbered reserve of several million dollars as a result of excess contributions by borough property taxpayers coupled with federal covid contributions. I support that the majority of the borough budget goes to education but question the necessity to allocate more monies. Given our funding level, we should be in the top ten percent not competing for last place.

2 — What road repairs or upgrades do you feel are of the highest priority to Borough residents and how would you work to support development of infrastructure in the Mat-Su Valley?

Borough administration acknowledges that road repair and maintenance is likely the most pressing need we face. Taxpayers have frequently brought this to the attention of the Assembly. This need results from historically poor planning and monitoring by the borough and questionable construction practices decades ago. Options — increase road service area contributions coupled with judicious road bonding. The Assembly will put the bond package before voters in the upcoming election without stating funding methodology — an increase in fuel tax, a sales tax, an increase in property taxes, etc. It may be possible to accomplish a substantial amount of that work with the projected infrastructure funding currently before Congress.

3 — What revenue generating changes would you support to the Central Landfill and transfer sites, if any?

As to Central Landfill and transfer sites, these are an enterprise fund that is required to pay for operational costs and future development of landfill/transfer functions via fees generated by users. If additional money is required, this can only be done by looking at the fee schedule — will fee reductions offset revenue loss?

4 — If elected, how would you plan to use your time in office to improve the Mat-Su Borough?

I am a teacher which requires that I thoroughly research everything I teach. I bring this expertise to the Assembly — research the issue, talk to the folks, analyze the costs, and git ‘er done. The State financial landscape has radically changed and we can no longer expect Juneau to prop up our expenditures. If we want something, we have to figure out a way to pay for it.

5 — Why did you decide to run for Borough Assembly and why do you feel Valley residents should vote for you?

I am running for office because I want to continue the present fiscally conservative majority on the Assembly and make sure that the voices and values of the residents of the Mat-Su are heard and acted upon. I believe that the Assembly should spend taxpayer dollars as if they were their own. Margaret Thatcher, when talking about governmental excesses, said, “It is exhilarating to spend other peoples’ money!” The only way to stop government spending is...to stop government spending. You can’t spend what you don’t have.

DISTRICT 6

Cole “Dick” Clippard

To combat the change in state funding for School Bond Debt Reimbursement, what measures to raise additional revenue for the Borough would you support, if any?

I would support the cutting of school budget, not additional taxes on the people of Mat-Su.

2 — What road repairs or upgrades do you feel are of the highest priority to Borough residents and how would you work to support development of infrastructure in the Mat-Su Valley?

I believe the best way to support infrastructure development in the Borough would be to eliminate property taxes, giving more room for private investment.

3 — What revenue generating changes would you support to the Central Landfill and transfer sites, if any?

Finding more ways to generate revenue from garbage is difficult. Charging more for use of the landfill and transfer sites is one possibility but I would be open to other options, for example, ways to reuse and recycle the materials left there. I would not support any taxes imposed on the Mat Su to support these sites.

4 — If elected, how would you plan to use your time in office to improve the Mat-Su Borough?

I would use the time reducing government intrusion in the lives of everyday residents. I would Use the strength of local government to prevent unconstitutional federal overreach (such as federal firearms law), work to eliminate property taxes, work to give parents more choices for schooling in the Valley.

5 — Why did you decide to run for Borough Assembly and why do you feel Valley residents should vote for you?

Because what makes Mat-Su great is not the government, it is the beautiful nature, the community, and the individuals. I am running for assembly to spread the message of liberty, and to get government out of the way of the things that make here so great.

Kristi Short

1 — To combat the change in state funding for School Bond Debt Reimbursement, what measures to raise additional revenue for the Borough would you support, if any?

This year, the Borough did not require additional revenue for School Bond Debt repayment. I hope the State comes through to reinstate its prior commitment. If it doesn’t, the Borough Manager is optimistic we will not need additional taxes.

2 — What road repairs or upgrades do you feel are of the highest priority to Borough residents and how would you work to support development of infrastructure in the Mat-Su Valley?

I fully support passage of Proposition 2, the Road Bond, on this year’s ballot. I am thrilled to see District 6 is well represented, with a separated pathway on Palmer Fishhook, the turn lane into Shaw Elementary, a pedestrian pathway at Larson Elementary, and upgrades to Lucille Street. You could lose a small VW bug in the holes along the shoulder of that road! Edgerton Parks-Mountain Trails upgrade and pathway is needed in preparation for Arctic Winter Games coming in 2024.

The Bond Debt will most likely be paid for by the Federal Infrastructure Package without need for additional revenue.

I would also advocate for the State to implement the proposed extension of the Seward Meridian to Seldon instead of folks driving on the overused Tait Dr.

3 — What revenue generating changes would you support to the Central Landfill and transfer sites, if any?

We should implement scales at the three transfer stations. There has to be a fair rate for the single mom/dad bringing a few bags in the back of a pick-up truck versus the heavy commercial users. We should implement a “Useful Reusables” area and charge 5 bucks for a truck-load. Less waste in the landfill and people can look for treasures!

4 — If elected, how would you plan to use your time in office to improve the Mat-Su Borough?

I would like to promote Economic Development through tourism, agriculture, and recreation, among other areas. I am especially excited to see the Arctic Winter Games coming to the Borough in 2024. The funds that have already been appropriated plus additional revenues invested by the Games Committee, can be used for recreational infrastructure in District 6, especially the Borough’s emerald of a park, the Government Peak Recreation Area. These enhanced recreational facilities will serve residents far beyond the Games.

5 — Why did you decide to run for Borough Assembly and why do you feel Valley residents should vote for you?

I see a need for representation in our area and for someone to listen to the concerns of the entire District. I have listened to my neighbors as the Vice-President of Fishhook Community Council. I would like to foster communication between the Assembly and residents of District 6. I promise to attend the Community Council meetings of Fishhook, Tanaina, and North Lakes. The Assembly needs a moderate voice of reason and someone who can listen to all points of view, to weigh both sides of an issue, and to come up with the best solution.

Jesse Sumner

1 — To combat the change in state funding for School Bond Debt Reimbursement, what measures to raise additional revenue for the Borough would you support, if any?

In the three years I’ve been on the assembly we’ve been faced with a significant and ongoing challenge in state revenue reduction for school bonds, we took great care to control costs and have been able to set aside reserves for potential future reductions. In part due to this foresight and fortuitous growth in the MatSu we are today on a more sound financial footing and have been able to reduce the property tax mill rate the last two budget cycles.

2 — What road repairs or upgrades do you feel are of the highest priority to Borough residents and how would you work to support development of infrastructure in the Mat-Su Valley?

There are many important projects on the road bond package, our biggest issues revolve around access onto Bogard and school site intersections. The current assembly is committed to addressing important connector roads and prioritizing road infrastructure to meet the substantial growth we have seen.

3 — What revenue generating changes would you support to the Central Landfill and transfer sites, if any?

The landfill has been able to cover operational expenses and projected capital outlays from receipts, it is important that we allow the landfill to operate as an independent enterprise fund and not subsidize it with property tax which would just hide the true cost.

4 — If elected, how would you plan to use your time in office to improve the Mat-Su Borough?

If re-elected I will continue to spend my time promoting and lobbying for the best interests of the MatSu Borough, ensuring the government is run in a fiscally responsible manner while maintaining services, and putting the taxpayer first always. I will oppose all business killing mandates and never let the MatSu go the route Anchorage has gone.

5 — Why did you decide to run for Borough Assembly and why do you feel Valley residents should vote for you?

The Borough should always treat residents with respect, we should provide efficient services at a reasonable cost to the taxpayer.

Some of my accomplishments on the assembly have been:

Wrote and passed an ordinance prohibiting sitting assembly members from receiving Borough contracts without public notice.Wrote and passed an ordinance expanding apprenticeship opportunities in large Borough projects. Lowered the property tax rate 2 years in a row including authoring the amendment reducing the nonareawide(outside cities) tax by 15%.

Eliminated the Capital Projects department and rolled those functions back into Public Works allowing for more streamlined operations. Expanded EMS services by increasing staffing so that we could keep more ambulances on the road. Created a process for the Borough to self fund LID pavement and gas projects getting a better return on our reserves than treasuries, expediting the process, and improving rates for our residents. Prevented a job killing wetlands ordinance from passing that wouldn’t have saved an acre of wetlands.

DISTRICT 7

Ron Bernier — Did not submit questionnaire responses.

Tam Boeve

1 -To combat the change in state funding for School Bond Debt Reimbursement, what measures to raise additional revenue for the Borough would you support, if any?

First, I think it’s important that we continue to ask our Valley delegation to honor the financial commitment the State made to partner with the Borough residents to pay for new school construction. Changing the rules years later and passing that burden onto the local taxpayers is unfair. I have been proud of the way that Borough administration has been able to streamline operations and make fiscal cuts to accommodate the unexpected additional school bond debt repayment cost, but at some point, we may need additional revenue and I would take that discussion to my constituents for input.

2 — What road repairs or upgrades do you feel are of the highest priority to Borough residents and how would you work to support development of infrastructure in the Mat-Su Valley?

The road bond package on the November 2021 ballot identifies dozens of Borough roads that have significant transportation and safety concerns. Specifically in my district- the Cheri Lake/Karen/King Arthur Road upgrade in Houston and the Hidden Hills area upgrades in the Caswell community need funding. The Seldon Road Extension Phase 2 (approved by the voters on the 2018 ballot) has been funded and will be constructed in the next few years. I cannot speak to the road needs in the other districts.

I have been supportive of proposed infrastructure projects (roads, schools, and public safety buildings) during my three years on the MSB Assembly. I will continue to seek out grants and other funding opportunities to stretch our taxpayer dollars.

3 — What revenue generating changes would you support to the Central Landfill and transfer sites, if any?

The proposed Solid Waste budget brought to the Assembly for approval every year considers the current operating costs and projected future costs of opening and closing landfill cells. It is fiscally responsible to pay these costs with user fees. I do not support operating in the red.

4 — If elected, how would you plan to use your time in office to improve the Mat-Su Borough?

I would continue spending my time attending as many community meetings as possible. Listening to the concerns of the residents and building relationships with the Community Councils and local advisory boards, is crucial when making decisions that will affect the day to day lives of the residents in District 7.

5 — Why did you decide to run for Borough Assembly and why do you feel Valley residents should vote for you?

As an active community volunteer, I quickly realized that many of the issues we were dealing with in Willow required the support of the Borough Assembly (for funding, land, and legislation). I decided to run for office when our representative decided not to seek a second term. I ran, not as a politician, but as a citizen who wanted to see increased community involvement in the Borough decision-making process.

The Mat-Su Borough will hold regular elections for three Assembly seats, two Mat-Su Borough School District seats and the office of Borough Mayor on November 2. Additionally, voters will have the opportunity to approve or deny Proposition 1, a road bond package of $61,135,000 with 20 separate road projects. Early and absentee in-person voting will begin on Monday, October 18 and continue through Monday, November 1 prior to the November 2 election day. Voters can cast early or absentee in-person ballots at the Division of Elections Office at 1700 East Bogard Road in Wasilla or at the Mat-Su Borough Dorothy Swanda Jones building on 350 East Dahlia Avenue in Palmer from 8:00 a.m., until 5:00 p.m. Mat-Su Borough residents can find more information on polling locations, candidates, and the bond package at https://www.matsugov.us/elections.