Chamber, assembly try to heal split

MAT-SU -- The Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce extended a metaphorical olive branch to the Mat-Su Borough Assembly Tuesday, and indicated its intent to move past previous differences and work together with the borough to bring economic growth to the Valley.

"We are here tonight to extend our open hand to uphold the free exchange of information," said newly elected chamber president Annette DeLong. ". . . it is our hope that we will be given the same courtesy by the assembly and the manager."

The two bodies have clashed several times over the past year, with the Wasilla chamber weighing in as opposed to actions taken by the assembly, particularly in relation to Hatcher Pass. When the assembly discussed purchasing Hatcher Pass Development Corp., the Wasilla chamber board of directors, in addition to several other local community business organizations, passed a resolution opposing the purchase.

DeLong, on Friday, said the appearance of the new members at the meeting had less to do with burying hatchets than simply with progress.

"It really had nothing to do with the issues of the past," DeLong said. "We wanted to express our intent in a really positive [manner]. We felt it was important -- I especially felt it was important -- that we begin on kind of an unconventional note. I think it's good for the community to see that our board is united, . . . that our elected officials have support . . ."

DeLong said her goal was to present an open line of communication and show that the board was willing to participate in discussions.

"My observation is that most conflicts arise when there is insecurity," DeLong said. "And if you are the first to open the door, . . . it eliminates any further insecurity."

Assembly members, both during DeLong's presentation and during assembly and mayoral comments at the close of the meeting, expressed a reciprocal desire for communication between the two groups.

"You can be assured that we will certainly work together with you," Mat-Su Borough Mayor Tim Anderson said.

Assembly member Dan Kelly proposed a more extensive cleaning of the slate.

"There's been some frustration and difficulties that are reported to have existed between the Mat-Su Borough and the Wasilla Chamber of Commerce," Kelly said. "It is my desire to request that we resolve these issues."

Kelly asked DeLong to submit, in writing, any outstanding issues that need to be addressed in order to allow the two groups to move forward together.

Assembly member Sara Jansen added her support, comparing the split between the two groups to the greater fissure felt throughout the borough on several issues.

"I think there's been a time of strife, to say the least, in the Valley and I think the time is now to find a common area," Jansen said. "It makes me feel very hopeful toward the future."