Colberg poised for historic moments to come

Dec. 24, 2006

SPECTRUM/Mike Chmielewski

In the inspirational movie &#8220Forrest Gump,” the young Forrest encounters a group of kids who threaten him. Burdened by braces intended to help, he struggles until he hears his mother's inspiring call

to run.

At first he seems constrained, but drawing on his inherent strength, does he ever run. In the most memorable moment, he frees himself and runs not so much away from danger but to success.

Looking at a news photograph of Gov. Sarah Palin with the recently appointed attorney general, Talis Colberg, reminds us of the movie's signature device - placing Forrest into the pictures of real events. While the movie used a mix of fiction and reality to make its point, I believe that Talis Colberg's real presence will be felt in those historic moments

to come.

In the movie, Forrest achieves success because he is honest, focused and possessed of a genuine caring for others. Whether speaking to a passerby at a bus stop, saving a fellow soldier in battle, or grasping an idea and moving it well beyond others' expectations, he consistently added value.

In the real world of Alaska legal matters and political intrigue, Talis Colberg is being asked to bring that strength of character without which achievement becomes ephemeral. Many observers have commented about his high level of intelligence but also his inexperience in the arenas of law in which the attorney general must work.

Experience is a necessary but not sufficient ingredient for good advice. There are hundreds of staff members associated with the attorney general's office. Those members are certainly competent and bring collective experience beyond that of any single legal adviser.

Gov. Pain has chosen someone to focus those resources of the attorney general's office and provide a summary voice with a component of ethical sensitivity. She deserves applause for that good

intention.

As for the man himself, time will tell how Talis Colberg measures up to the needs of the people of Alaska. I, for one, am betting on the man from Palmer. Run, Talis, run.

Mike Chmielewski is a

resident of Palmer.