Candidate list reminder to stay informed

almon are still running in area creeks and rivers, and days are still plenty long. But Friday's closing of the filing period for public office in the Mat-Su Borough and its cities is a reminder, for better or worse, that fall is not far away.

Now that candidate lists are official, the American tradition of political campaigning will begin in earnest.

Here in Alaska, that tradition has a flavor all its own. Perhaps its our relative newness as a state and the challenges brought on by our unique geography and demographics. Whatever it is, Alaskans enjoy the distinction of being more intimately connected to those who govern them.

In the coming weeks, as the Oct. 4 election draws nearer, citizens will hear from candidates wishing to serve as city councilors and mayors, as well as members of the Borough Assembly and School Board. This newspaper will do its part, as it has since 1947, to keep borough residents informed about the issues of the day and what various candidates are saying about them.

Difference of opinion is a vital part of our form of government. We hope that any debate, however vigorous, is always conducted civilly, and that integrity and good sportsmanship are the primary motivators of all campaigns.

Most of all, though, we urge residents to pay attention. A well-informed citizenry, after all, is the best insurance against bad government.

Here are the candidates who will appear on area ballots Oct. 4:

Mat-Su Borough Assembly

District 4

Mary K. Kvalheim, Wasilla

Gregory A. "Greg" Koskela, Wasilla

District 5

Cindy Bettine, Big Lake

Henry L. "Hank" Corbin, Wasilla

Jule "Jay" Nolfi, Big Lake

Mat-Su School Board

Seat D

Mary Anderson, Wasilla

John Fairfield, Palmer

Patricia A. "Pat" Purcell

Seat E

Michael "Mike" Chmielewski, Palmer

Neal T. Lacy, Wasilla

Cheryl Turner, Palmer

City of Wasilla

Mayor (Three-year term ending October 2008) Dianne M. Keller

Cliff Silvers

Steve Stoll

Diana L. Straub

Council Seat C (Three-year term ending October 2008)

Steve Menard

Verdie A. Bowen

Council Seat D (Three-year term ending October 2008)

Marty T. Metiva

City of Palmer

Two three-year-term council seats

Anthony "Tony" Pippel

Brad Hanson

One one-year-term council seat

Emil A. "Butch" Fondahn

Larry J. Hil

City of Houston

Seat A (Three-year term)

Carol Johnston

Jeff Baron

Link Fannon

Steve Totten

Seat B (Three-year term)

Dannie O'Brien

Steve Frost