Borough assistant manager steps down

MAT-SU -- The port's barge dock is fully operational, all indications point to a near-future construction of a deep-water dock at Port MacKenzie, and the stage is set for a private developer to step in and begin construction of a ski area at Hatcher Pass -- David Germer has come a long way in the past two years.

Although he's not solely responsible for all these projects, Germer, the assistant borough manager at the Mat-Su Borough since August 2001, has played a strong hand in getting them to where they are today. But after two years at the borough and, prior to that, eight years as the deputy director of the state's Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority, Germer has decided to return to the private sector.

Although his recent work has been in the public arena, Germer said he spent 17 years prior to that working in the private sector. The primary difference, he said, comes down to goals related to economic development.

"From a public-sector standpoint, you've got two goals -- the public's best interest … and generation of revenue," Germer said. On the private side, he said, revenue generation is the primary goal. "You don't often have that same balancing act."

Germer said although he had made the decision to leave the borough a couple weeks ago, he held off on the announcement to avoid questions with timing.

"It doesn't have anything to do with the recent election," Germer said. "And it doesn't have anything to do with dissatisfaction with my present job; I have really, very much enjoyed working with this administration."

Germer will be leaving the borough next week to work with Anchorage-based JL Properties.

"I wanted to pursue a job that's maybe better aligned with my career path," Germer said. "This is an excellent opportunity to do that."

Mat-Su Borough Manager John Duffy said he's beginning the search for a new assistant manager, however reluctantly.

"He's done marvelous work for us," Duffy said. "He put together the package for the joint venture with NPI … he was able to make great strides on the mapping project."

Duffy said he didn't, as of last week, have any potential replacements in mind, but the position will be filled.

"We'll start the paperwork process and move it right along," Duffy said.