Changes sought

Chamber weighing new form of government

November 24, 2005

DARRELL L. BREESE\Frontiersman reporter

WASILLA - They're not plotting to overthrow the government, but members of the Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce are talking about some radical changes in how the Mat-Su Borough will operate and govern in the future.

Rapid growth, increased pressure on existing infrastructure and increased taxes are all part of the formula that has led the chamber to begin a study on what the best form of government might be for the borough.

Topping the list of option is upgrading the status of the borough government from second class to first class, with a strong mayor leading the way.

&#8220It's all preliminary right now,” Chamber president-elect Chas St. George said. &#8220We're doing research that will lead toward us drafting a petition on what our membership views as the best possible form of government to meet the growing needs of the community.

&#8220The business community in the borough is already growing together,” St. George added. &#8220There are three (Houston, Palmer and Wasilla), maybe four communities if you include Willow that are quickly becoming one. Together they are facing the same rapid growth and borders are beginning to blur between each.”

In order for the borough to change its status from second class to first class, it would first have to be approved by the Mat-Su Assembly and then put on the ballot for the voters to decide.

&#8220That's what we want,” St. George said. &#8220We want to determine what will fit our needs. Not a copy of the Anchorage or Fairbanks-North Star model, but what is best for the community and the people who live here. It is up to them ultimately to decide what type of government they want.”

As a second-class borough, there are limits set on the borough's powers to govern.

A recent question on the Oct. 4 ballot asked residents to grant limited health powers to monitor so-called precursor drugs and ingredients used to manufacture methamphetamine. That measure failed, with 6,478 people voting no and 6,429 voting yes.

Assembly members in a first-class borough would not have had to put the decision before voters and could have authorized the limits themselves.

First-class status gives the assembly greater power to set public policy and also raises the status of the mayor's position.

If the borough were to transition from a second-class to a first-class rating, it would likely mean personnel changes and redefining of job descriptions.

Most affected would be Borough Manager John Duffy.

Most of his duties would become the responsibility of the mayor, but his position would not be eliminated. The new borough manager's position would be directly under the supervision of the mayor and not the assembly, as it is now.

&#8220I think if people look at the transition seriously they will see that there are certain benefits to having a strong mayor leading the borough as opposed to a manager handling all the business,” St. George said. &#8220A strong mayor brings a fresh perspective to the table every election cycle. That's a better expression of what the voters want.”

As part of its research, the Chamber has invited borough officials to the table to discuss their vision of the future government model.

Borough officials said Tuesday that they had no plans in the immediate future of seeking first-class status, but would consider the possible transition if that is what the people want.

&#8220It's not on any agendas right now,” assistant manager Marian Romano said. &#8220Of course if that's what the people determine they want I'm certain it will considered at the borough level.”

St. George concluded that the Chamber is not seeking an immediate change in the form of government. Instead, it is talking about what would be the best form of government.

&#8220What we're proposing is that we roll up our shirt sleeves and get our minds together to work on this,” St. George said. &#8220Our desire is to grow our government in direct correlation with the growth in population and the corresponding demands for government services. We have some great minds in the borough who are involved in the discussion with us.”

Contact Darrell L. Breese at 352-2267 or darrell.breese@frontiersman.com.