A father's objection -- or confusion

Mat-Su Mouth

MAYOR TELLS CITIZENS TO WASH THEIR HANDS -- This is the kind of borough leadership that has been lacking.

Mayor Tim Anderson orchestrated a public safety program to respond to potential chemical threats against our nation and our Valley. Many helpful speakers offered professional advice to mail handlers from government and private businesses. Such noteworthy advice is being passed on and Mayor Tim told everyone to "use common sense and wash your hands a lot."

QUOTES

"The state is willing to spend Sen. Stevens' money. The borough is willing to spend the state of Alaska's money. And my son is willing to spend my money. That's how it goes." Public comment during Hatcher Pass testimony.

"Whether it comes out of my left pocket or it comes out of my right pocket, it is still MY pocket." Public comment during Hatcher Pass testimony.

"Thousands of kids can't be wrong." Public comment regarding feasibility during Hatcher Pass testimony.

"Goodness knows, I'm a fan of restrooms from way back." assembly member Sara Jansen regarding her support of a rest stop.

"I don't want a public notice violation of a public notice violation." Mayor Tim Anderson cautioning assembly about public notice requirements.

"I like sitting on this side (of the table.)" assembly member Talis Colberg, regarding his new seat assignment at the Mat-Su Borough horseshoe table. (MOUTH note: Mr. Colberg's former assembly seat was under a yellow-green ceiling light. Anyone sitting under the green spotlight tended to appear slightly alien.)

"I don't like to see this discrimination against chickens." school board member Larry DeVilbiss regarding the school board discussion of animals in the classroom.

RON L. LARSON BEAT -- The Ron L. Larson Elementary School was dedicated last week. It is a beautiful new school with an energetic staff and savvy principal. The students are delightful. The dedication attracted many good people despite the fact that an early winter blizzard was raging.

Former state Rep. Ron Larson died two years ago. The school was named in his honor and for his love of children and education.

Friend and pastor Howard Bess offered a gentle tribute to Ron Larson, who was lovingly known to his grandchildren as "Grampy."

Howard explained that the spirit of Ron Larson will live on in the school. In fact, every child at the new Ron L. Larson Elementary School will have a "grampy" applauding them from the sidelines.

The tone was upbeat. Despite tight smiles from legislators Green and Ogan, friends and supporters were rejoicing. Comments heard were, "I haven't seen this many happy Democrats in one spot in a long time."

Another person said, "It's like old home week."

The Mat-Su Democrats offered pink punch and Verda's bakery cookies.

One local Republican was wary of the Democratic refreshments. He said, "Do you think I should eat any of it?" The response was, "Please do. It just might help."

"I OBJECT" -- Young Jerry DeVilbiss was nominated to the board of the Lazy Mountain Community Council. Unanimous approval was offered by the full membership -- almost.

There seemed to be one objection -- from none other than Jerry's uncle, Larry DeVilbiss. After a bit of explanation and confusion, it turned out that Uncle Larry was objecting to something else entirely.

THE MOUTH WONDERS:

Is it true that Principal Karl Schleich of the Ron Larson Elementary School wore a stunning formal tuxedo along with his brown Birkenstocks?

Is it true that the borough mayor introduced the commissioner of Environmental Conservation as the commissioner of Environmental CONVERSATION?

Is it true that the "Fill the Helmet" donation program collected $63,000 . . . more than a buck a resident?

Is it true that the effort to "Shut Down Government" is really an effort to create chaos?

Is it true that Sen. Green invited everyone to her birthday party?

Is it true that Sen. Green graciously asked for no presents at her birthday party?

Is it true that Sen. Green welcomed large amounts of birthday cash and political campaign contributions?

Is it true that the school district's student count is up 128 this month?

Is it true that after 2.5 years MEA is finally installing borough street lights?

Is it true that there is a significance to the curious pair of sneakers hanging on the electric wires outside the Palmer post office?

Is it true that a mystery fire service meeting was scheduled by nobody? (Thankfully the mysterious non-meeting was later canceled.)

Is it true that the borough mayor claims to have experience "herding cats?"

Is it true that the city council took an incorrect oath of office?

Barbara Hunt is a local writer and listener. The Mat Su MOUTH is in its sixth year and is printed twice a month, more or less, depending on the Valley buzz. The MOUTH may be reached at e-mail address bhunt@alaska.net. MOUTH contributions and submittals may be dropped off, mailed, or faxed to the MOUTH c/o the Frontiersman, 5751 E. Mayflower Ct., Wasilla, AK 99654, fax (907) 352-2276. Good taste is required and confidentiality will be respected.