Can the police enforce city code?

To the editor:

I attended the Wasilla Mayoral candidates’ debate Sept. 29 at the Wasilla Alaska Club. As the candidates fielded questions from the moderator I was able to learn something about what they all stood for and envisioned for Wasilla. Of all the remarks made during the forum, one stood out above the rest as alarming to this Alaskan.

When asked if she thought Wasilla needed any more regulation, Taffina Katkus said if elected mayor she would use Wasilla Police Department officers to enforce city codes. She was speaking specifically about homes with junk in the yard. The fact that Wasilla already has a code compliance department and staff handling the issue was sufficient for the other candidates, but not Katkus. She’d like to send the police to your home if she thinks your yard is too messy.

Really, I was there. So now this raises the question: What would her Wasilla Police Department bring to bear on a citizen with a couch in his yard? Would they write tickets? Would they have their guns or Tasers? What about jail, would she lock them up for a junk car?

This would be government at its very worst; big, expensive, and in your face.

We all enjoy and benefit from a clean Wasilla, but most Alaskans want no part of such a force beating on our doors about how she thinks our yards should look. Consider this when you cast your vote Wasilla.

Larry Bekkedahl

Wasilla