2021 Election: Mat-Su Borough Mayor

While three candidates will appear on the ballot for Borough Mayor, former Wasilla Mayor Bert Cottle announced on September 27 that he was withdrawing from the race. Still vying for the seat vacated by current Mayor Vern Halter are former Mat-Su Borough Deputy Mayor Matthew Beck and current Palmer Mayor Edna DeVries. Beck served on the Assembly from 2013-2019 and DeVries previously served on the Assembly and as Borough Mayor.

The Frontiersman invited candidates to participate in a questionnaire.

Matthew Beck

1 — What previous experience within local government would you bring to the table if elected as Borough Mayor and how would those experiences help you lead effectively?

I served two terms on the Borough Assembly and as Deputy Mayor for four years. Those years gave me perspective of the diverse communities from every corner of the MatSu. My knowledge of Borough operations is current. I understand the budget and believe the Borough can always find ways to use our property tax dollars more efficiently. I’m prepared to hit the ground running.

2 — What additional revenue generating measures would you support to combat the change in state funding for School Bond Debt Reimbursement, if any?

When the price of oil dropped and the State cut reimbursement for the new schools that we had bonded for, it greatly impacted the Borough budget, but we rolled up our sleeves and made it work without raising property taxes. My experience as a Valley business owner helps me understand not only the role of local government, but how important private sector investment is to our economy. I’m not a career politician. I have a history of success in all of my private and volunteer ventures.

3 — Do you support a strong mayor or strong manager form of government for the Mat-Su Borough, and why?

This is one of the most important issues to the MatSu property tax payers in this election. I do not support the strong Mayor form of government. Creating a strong Mayor would cost the tax payers more money. The mayor should be a non-partisan position, working collaboratively with the Assembly and the Manager. With a strong Manager form of government, Assembly members represent 7 distinctly different districts and the Mayor runs the discussion through leadership and presents the Assembly’s legislation to our legislators in Juneau and Washington D.C. to make certain it is front-and-center in their minds. Currently, The power of governance is in the diversity of the seven Assembly members, and that system works well in service to the people of the MatSu.

4 — What relationships with local, state and Federal lawmakers have you cultivated and how would those assist you as Borough Mayor?

In my businesses, I have dealt with many branches of government for permits and licensing. As an elected official, my goal was and will always be to streamline permitting and licensing for the ease of doing business. While serving on the Assembly, we determined what the Borough priorities would be for short and long term development. This required meeting and communicating with state and federal elected officials as well as Directors and Commissioners. As MatSu Mayor, I will collaborate with the Assembly, the Borough Manager, the School Board, MatSu Borough Boards and Commissions, MatSu business groups such as the Homebuilder and Realtor Associations, the Convention and Visitors Bureau, Farmland Trust, the MatSu Veterans Foundation, the MatSu Health Foundation, Chambers of Commerce, and the many recreational groups that make the MatSu the best place to live.

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

Friends and neighbors from across the Borough have encouraged me to run for Mayor. My wife and three daughters agreed. Truly, the time is right for me. I’m 51 years old and my life as a family man, business owner, hobby farmer, and a public leader coupled with my recent six years on the Assembly, makes me the best choice on November 2 for MatSu Mayor. I’m fiscally conservative, my values are traditional, and I’m a staunch believer that government should protect our freedoms and quality of life.

Edna DeVries

1 — What previous experience within local government would you bring to the table if elected as Borough Mayor and how would those experiences help you lead effectively?

I was the first Treasurer for the City of Palmer; I was the first woman elected to the Palmer City Council; to serve from Palmer as a Mat-Su Borough Assembly person; I was the first woman to serve as Mayor of the Mat-Su Borough; and I was the first Republican Senator to serve in the State of Alaska Senate from the Mat-Su Borough. I have paved the way and broken many barriers in my years of service. All those experiences have molded me into the strong and effective leader. I have many years of experience chairing meetings and practicing correct parliamentary procedures, listening to our citizens, and implementing changes when needed. I was co-sponsor of legislation for term limits in the Mat Su Borough years ago. I will bring that same visionary ability to the challenges that we will face in the next three years.

2 — What additional revenue generating measures would you support to combat the change in state funding for School Bond Debt Reimbursement, if any?

First and foremost, I would keep the pressure on for the State of Alaska to live up to its promises on reimbursement for school debt. The State of Alaska also needs to address the differences in funding for urban schools versus rural schools.

3 — Do you support a strong mayor or strong manager form of government for the Mat-Su Borough, and why?

Whether the Mat-Su Borough has a strong mayor or strong manager, the most important aspect of local government is listening to the citizens, addressing their needs, providing services they request, and limiting government in their lives. The effects of a strong mayor or manager will always depend upon who is holding the position.

4 — What relationships with local, state and Federal lawmakers have you cultivated and how would those assist you as Borough Mayor?

I know all our elected officials on a first name basis. I can place a call to each of them and will receive a personal phone call back within a short period of time. As Mayor of Palmer, I have met personally with our federal lawmakers within the last few months. I recently attended a listening session with several of our state lawmakers. I meet monthly with the Mayors and Managers. These relationships provide insight and expertise in handling challenges and provide opportunities and guidance for future agendas in the Mat-Su Borough.

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

The Mat-Su Borough is growing and with that growth comes challenges and opportunities. The Borough needs a listening mayor, a take-charge action mayor, and a results-oriented mayor. I am that person. Recently the City of Palmer protected the citizens’ right to address their government and have their voices heard. I have the experience and the contacts to assist the Mat-Su Borough in moving forward in the next three years. Edna DeVries is a name you can trust. I have served and volunteered in our community and fought to protect all your rights. I know how to get things done. Vote November 2 for Edna DeVries for Mat-Su Borough Mayor.

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.