Borough candidates pledge support for building tourism

WASILLA — Although the Private Property Protection Act, Prop. 1 on the Mat-Su Borough Ballot, is generating a buzz leading up to the Oct. 2 election, a quartet of candidates are stumping to fill two seats on the Mat-Su Borough Assembly.

Three of those candidates espoused a commitment to building the Mat-Su Valley as a tourism destination while fielding questions Friday from members of the Mat-Su Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Butte area resident Bruce Walden is challenging incumbent assembly member Lynne Woods in District 1, while Peter Houston and John Leiner are vying for the District 2 seat. All but Leiner attended Friday’s forum.

The trio all expressed a belief the lower Valley could do more to help the area’s tourism industry.

Rather than simply being a pass-through for people on their way to Denali or other parts of the state, “The lower Valley has yet to make itself a destination,” Woods said.

Walden said the Borough’s agriculture industry needs more attention and could be an overlooked resource when it comes to tourism. He would like to “develop the market between tourism and farming.”

Using the Valley’s history, particularly the era of colonization, could be a good hook for local tourism, Houston said.

“Cultural tourism is an area we can really expand,” he said, adding that restoring the old Matanuska Town site would have value historically and as an attraction.

Finding solutions to the Valley’s increasing traffic problems is vital to the area’s progress, all three said.

Woods said she can “get a little cantankerous about roads and funding for roads. Sometimes I’d just like to start over on our roads. But, that’s not going to happen.”

A federal and state funding shortfall leaves the Borough in a tight pinch, she said.

Walden said the Borough can learn to do more with less. He advises spending money more wisely, using better road building materials rather than expensive materials that don’t last long enough.

Other than knowing state and federal funding isn’t likely to increase dramatically in a short amount of time, Houston admitted he “couldn’t say what I think a solution is right now.”

The candidates were also asked about what industry has the most potential for success in the Borough.

“As the breadbasket of the state, we need to help our farmers,” Walden said.

Building a stronger tourism industry “is where it’s at,” Houston said. “It’s the biggest resource we have.”

Woods would like the Borough to find more ways to assist small businesses thrive as growth continues to bring larger retailers.

“Everybody has a good idea,” Walden said. “I want to be the guy who helps bring those ideas to fruition.”

Woods said that as a lifelong resident she believes tourism is “a very appropriate industry for our Valley.”

An outdoors enthusiast, Houston would like to promote tourism while protecting what makes our outdoors experience special.

“It’s that kind-of thing I want to preserve,” he said. “I see a huge tidal wave or tsunami [of growth heading for the Valley]. It’s essential we embrace that.”

Contact Greg Johnson at 352-2268 or greg.johnson@frontiersman.com.