Comment questions motivation

Frontiersman

MAT-SU — The newest member of the Mat-Su Borough School Board is surprised about a remark board Vice President Cheryl Turner made about him following his appointment on Wednesday.

Turner reportedly said Myrl Thompson is simply using Seat G on the board as a way to get to Juneau, implying the longtime Valley resident’s motive for applying for the seat is purely political.

“I was surprised she said it,” Thompson said. “I personally would not have done that to her.”

Thompson refused to comment further, saying he wants to keep his relationships with the board civil.

Long known around the Valley as active in the political scene, Thompson often travels to Juneau to observe and write about legislative sessions. On Friday, he called Turner’s claim baseless, adding that he has no plans to run for the Legislature any time soon.

Speaking from Homer Saturday, Turner said her comments about Thompson are not personal, and she’s happy to serve on the board with him. But, she still questions his motive.

“What else has he done? What involvement has he had in the school district? None,” Turner said. “Even in his interview all he basically talked about was Juneau and what he does down in Juneau.”

Regardless of the appointment, if Thompson wants to continue on the school board he will have to run in the fall, at which point the public will decide.

“My guess would be he’s a very, very nice man,” Turner said. “I like to see school members that are dedicated to being on the school board.”

Reaction to Turner’s comment wasn’t limited to Thompson.

“I think it’s unfortunate that Mrs. Turner chose those words,” school board President Sarah Welton said Friday.

She added that a self evaluation by the board this week will explore issues like this one.

“I’m sure how we treat one another in public will be part of the conversation,” Welton said.

For board member Jim Colver, who has said he voted for Thompson, Turner’s comment was unnecessary.

“There’s appropriate decorum when you’re a public official,” Colver said.

Turner’s public comment and wariness toward Thompson’s appointment essentially voids the purpose of the secret ballot used by the school board. School district spokeswoman Catherine Esary said the voting is done in secret to avoid animosity and maintain integrity among board members. Ballot results of this type do not have to be revealed under Alaska’s open meeting act.

Having board members jump to the Legislature is not an uncommon occurrence. Both Rep. Charlie Huggins, R-Wasilla, and Rep. Carl Gatto, R-Palmer, have made the move. Thompson ran twice for the Legislature against Rep. Mark Neuman, R-Big Lake, as an independent.

Still, Thompson said he’s made up his mind.

“I have no plans to run for the Legislature,” Thompson said. “It’s just an assumption Cheryl made.”

Contact Frontiersman reporter Michael Rovito at 352-2252 or michael.rovito@frontiersman.com.