Candidate forums are a gift to the community

To the editor:

Sept. 11, 2012, I read a letter to the editor in the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman from Bish Buckle and I would like to address his questions.

His letter indicates the Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce is not holding a forum or debate event for Mat-Su Borough Assembly District 3 and he is correct. I would like to share why the Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce is not providing the community with a candidate forum for MSB Assembly District 3:

1. The city of Wasilla is located in Assembly District 4. GWCC members are businesses located primarily in the city of Wasilla. Visit the borough website matsugov.us/it/published-maps/assembly-districts to view a map of the assembly districts.

2. Straub Strategies is a paid member of the Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce. As a member, Straub Strategies gifts to the community the organization and facilitation of candidate forums while absorbing any fees and expenses associated with the organization and facilitation of such events.

I would like to assure Buckle and other readers that it is the intention of GWCC and Straub Strategies to provide the community with opportunities to get to know your candidates when possible. There is no great conspiracy from the business community to keep you from comparing candidates. It simply comes down to the fact that I must work for pay part of the year to be able to work for free on behalf of my community and pay for the expenses of my free work.

It has been my experience through the years that Alaska’s elected officials are highly approachable. I would suggest to any reader to find the candidates of your district on the MSB website at matsugov.us/Clerk/elections and contact them. I’m sure the candidates will be happy to visit with you regarding your concerns.

It is important to acknowledge other partner business that gift their time, service and also pick up the expenses associated with providing our community with candidate forums produced on behalf of the Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce.

1. The Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman has provided advertising to the community before the forums, coverage of the forums and follow-up coverage for the past three years.

2. Country Legends radio station 100.9 has provided the community with advertising, interviews, podcasts and live broadcasts (when technically possible) for the past three years.

3. Music and Memories by Gary Mack and Alaska Professional Entertainment (APE Entertainment) have provided technical services, equipment and staff to provide the live broadcasting.

4. The Alaska Club Valley has provided the theater in its facility and our moderator Stu Graham for the past three years.

5. This year, Ohana Media was able to pitch in and help with additional advertising.

With the support and commitment to public policy and public service, these businesses, Straub Strategies and the Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce have produced nearly 40 candidate forums in the past three years as a gift to our community. I think I can speak for all of the partners listed and say we are glad you place a high value on these events and we will continue to offer such events as a free service to our community when possible.

The Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce invites all members of our community to join our members each week for the $7 lunch program located at the Grand View Inn and Suites (lunch may be purchased for an additional $15).

Many elected officials are present at our weekly meetings and offer updates regarding items affecting our community. Today, assembly members Ron Arvin and Steve Colligan gave brief reports to the membership and advised the audience of assembly agenda items, which will have an impact on business in the borough and encouraged our participation at the meeting.

Please join us next week, Sept. 18, at our lunch program for the city of Wasilla candidate forum featuring candidates for city council.

Diana L. Straub

Wasilla