Blaze a trail!

Editor’s Note: This one is a slightly edited version of a speech Rosemary Vavrin gave at the July 12 Mat-Su Toastmasters 15th anniversary event in Wasilla.

Are you running for office again?

Yes, I ran for Mat-Su Borough mayor last fall. No, I have not yet decided if I’ll run again in two years. But I’m grateful and encouraged that folks keep asking me if I’ll run againl

It was an incredible experience. I met so many wonderful people involved in all aspects of life here.

It was the first time in my entire 70 years that I ran for any office. I never even considered running for office in my younger years.

In 2014 I began to think -- what is my next step in life? How can I use all my experiences here in the borough. What if I run for borough mayor? What if I actually win? The mayor position is largely honorary; I realized that I could be a cheerleader for the Ma-Su Borough.

Last July when the FRONTIERSMAN ran the announcement of the two-week filing period to run for office, I went to pick up the paperwork. I had no idea what was required! A week later I turned it all in: the page with my contact information, a 100-word statement for the Election booklet, a statement from APOC on finances, a photo, and a $25 dollar filing fee - cash only. Of course, I asked a hundred questions -- it was my first time.

I’ll never forget the day I took all the paperwork to the Borough Clerk’s office. I rode the elevator to the second floor, turned right and walked maybe the length of two cars. I was thinking: these are the footsteps of transition. If my paperwork is accepted, everything will change today.

And -- all my paperwork was accepted! I did it all correctly!

Several people asked me if I could accept money for my campaign. Yes, I could, but I chose not to because -- win or lose -- I did not want to be beholden to anyone.

I thought the two-month campaign would be mostly speeches and I made a list of groups to contact. Lo and behold, there were about a dozen local groups who sent me surveys asking about my position on the issues they were concerned about. It took quite some time to answer all these questions. They in turn sent out the information to their members and everyone on their lists. In effect, they were doing my campaigning for me -- via modern technology.

I wrote two Spectrum pieces for the Frontiersman - one at the beginning of the campaign and the second was published the Sunday before Tuesday’s election.

There were radio and television interviews, as well as about a half dozen public forums in Big Lake, Wasilla, and Palmer where all three candidates were asked a variety of questions. My Toastmasters experience sure came in helpful for all this extemporaneous speaking! Most of the time the organizers of the forums had me set between the two gentlemen who were running. Once I was labeled “a rose between thorns.”

Prior to the campaign, I had never met either one of the two gentlemen who were running. Shortly after the campaign began, I met Vern Halter (who is now our mayor). There was a lady taking photos and she said something like - let’s take photos before the mud-slinging starts. I immediately responded with, “There’s going to be no mud-slinging. It’s going to be a good campaign, a positive campaign. It’s going to be fun.”

Then shortly after the election results were final, I saw Mayor Vern Halter at a community event, and to his credit, he gave me a bear hug and said, “It was a fun campaign.”

The way the national presidential campaign is going, I think those candidates should follow the example of the Mat-Su Borough candidates and be courteous and respectful to one another and talk about what they think is best for the citizens. Both of the gentlemen who ran for mayor here were kind and gracious to me. I think we have set a high standard in Alaska. The presidential candidates should take a lesson from us!

Now I want to use my experience to encourage more borough residents to think about running for office -- whichever office they feel they can do the most good and be the most effective. Note -- I said I want to encourage residents to think about running. I never want to say “You should run for office or for a particular office.” It has to be 100% that person’s decision.

The Mat-Su Borough needs people of all ages and experiences to lead us the next three, five, ten, and 25 years. Our borough is larger than several of the small states put together and our population is exploding.

We need the energy and enthusiasm of young adults in their 20s and 30s. We need adults in their 40s and 50s who are in business, tourism, medical fields, education, hospitality and all kinds of services -- this age group has so much to offer. And, we definitely, need the experiences and abilities and perspectives of those who are in their 60s, 70s, 80s, and older.

Running for office and being in office are both excellent opportunities for networking, making new friends, and “giving back to the community” -- leaving one’s mark on the world.

You never know what you can do until you jump in. Always run with the firm intention of winning. Visualize yourself with your new title. Even if you do not win the first time, you will have had an incredible experience. You will be even more prepared and ready for your next campaign. Folks will know who you are.

The individuals who are currently in office and those who will be elected this year, and in the next two, five, ten years are blazing a trail into the future. We are at an historic crossroads -- both in our borough, in our country, and in the entire world. We are making history. We are blazing a trail and others will follow.

Instead of whining and complaining about our current problems, think about running for office to help solve the problems. Think about blazing a trail to make the situation better. Complaining does not solve anything. Think about all the experiences you have had and how much you have to offer.

We live in the most beautiful part of the most beautiful state. We are so blessed to live in a democratic society. We have a right to vote and we should always vote. We have the right to run for office and to work for positive changes and solutions. Think about running for public office so you can make positive changes.

Blaze your own trail into the future so others can follow in your footsteps!

Rosemary Vavrin is a resident of Wasilla.