Candidate asks: Had enough?

A Spectrum, by Peter Burchell

It is time to set the record straight and respond to the accusations and character attacks Mr. Kohring has made on me and my campaign. I am Peter Burchell, candidate for the House of Representatives l4-G (Wasilla). The majority of voters in the district are other than Republican or Democrat. I am proud to represent that independent spirit of the Valley. No, I was not part of some clandestine letter-writing campaign to discredit Mr. Kohring. If creditability with constituents has been hurt it has been the actions and inaction of the candidate himself.

I am the retired founder and principal of the Mat-Su Alternative School (Burchell High School). Yes, this made me a government employee, like my opponent. However, I am comfortable having been a public servant then and now. I started with a dream of building a program for young people who had not succeeded in school and had special needs. We began with five students with a JTPA grant and housed the program in half a portable behind Wasilla High School. We moved four more times over the years.

Each step along the way was built with cooperation of the community businesses, agencies, and local, state and federal government. All students are required to have a job, attend school and prepare for successful futures. The program has received several state and national awards as a model for other communities to adopt. The key to the success of the school has been a formula. Look at the problem, recruit support for solutions, implement change to meet the student's needs. Burchell High School has become a contributing member of the community. Pathways and the new school in Houston are expansions of the legacy.

I have been called a "tax and spend" person. I can't believe that tired rhetoric is being used. I secured millions of dollars in gifts and grants for the school over the years. We purchased the present facility with bi-partisan support. We remodeled it with the same money. We furnished the facility with surplus furniture and equipment from Adak. I am proud of my ability to secure alternative sources of revenue to meet needs within the community.

Since retiring three years ago I have continued to be an active community volunteer. I agree that all forms of government waste and duplication must be eliminated from state and local government. My reputation, one of being cheap or frugal, depending on the observer, is one that I am proud of. The foundation that was built continues to expand and meet the needs of young people and their families. There are students at Burchell High School, Pathways, SeeUonline, District Correspondence, charter schools, and our comprehensive schools. We can all take pride in a superior district that provides such quality and variety as the Mat-Su School District.

We can take pride in Youth Court, Youth Detention Center, Juvenile Assessment Center, Dorothy Saxon Shelter, Wasilla Food Bank, and other services for youth and adults in the Valley. I am amazed and proud of the growth and programs that have developed over the last l9 years. These grass root efforts are the result of community commitment and hard work.

Mr. Kohring, there are people who do not accept or respect your positions on various issues over the last eight years. They feel it is time for change in Juneau. They believe it is time for the Legislature to replace partisanship with statesmanship. They believe we can solve the state's challenges by working together. I don't hide from you nor do I need to come out of the closet. My front door has been open for the past l9 years. I look forward to discussing the political issues. Along with the issues is a record of what you and I have contributed to the quality of life in the Valley. It should make for an interesting campaign.

Peter Burchell is a candidate for House of Representatives seat 14-G.