Change of guard could be good for Alaska, Alaskans

Gov. Palin has done a lot of good things for the nation, state and locally. Despite losing the national election, she brought out an electorate that had felt ignored in previous campaigns. Her followers are still loyal.

Her work in the state ranged from reforming her party from within to getting traction on a gas line that could help the state immensely.

Despite all that, when Gov. Sarah Palin becomes citizen Palin and Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell becomes Gov. Parnell there are more than a few Alaskans who will breathe a sigh of relief. It’s a good time to let go and move on to a new chapter in our state’s future.

And maybe all those who have been writing, calling, e-mailing and tweeting from a variety of places across the nation can now turn their attention to solving their own states’ problems. Because let’s face it, they have plenty of work to do wherever they call home.

Maybe now Alaskans can go about trying to fix our problems without so much help (opinions) from citizens in other places.

It’s not like we don’t have some fences to mend around here, just among ourselves.

Having to hear on a daily basis from talking heads on television just what’s wrong with us has gotten more than old. And having to hear from some of our own on the same shows has become dulling.

It’s time we focus on a gas line, do something smart regarding clean and alternative energy sources, find out why gas and diesel cost so much here. Those are just a few items on the state agenda.

Locally, we have the prospect of a multi-million dollar area-wide sewer and water plant, a borough sales tax on top of existing city taxes, a massive bridge to build or not, a ferry project and other ideas to get us from one point to another — Palmer-Wasilla Highway widening, Bogard Road extension, Knik-Goose Bay Road overhaul.

While growth in the borough isn’t as wild as it once was, it continues to grow at a steady pace, but our infrastructure hasn’t kept up.

Where will the money come from for these projects if oil prices continue to stay at present levels or less?

Those are Alaska problems. We own them.

We don’t need people from California (economy), Florida (Everglades) or Massachusetts (Big Dig) to help us.

So long, Sarah Palin. You’re your own woman now.

Alaskans will figure out a way to continue on as you continue on in whatever arena that may be.