Cronyism defined

Cronyism defined is partiality to long-standing friends, especially by appointing them to positions of authority, regardless of their qualifications (or lack thereof).

Sad to say, but this term is most fitting when looked at in relation to the recent decision-making process of Mat Su Borough Mayor Larry DeVilbiss.

Most recently, former Buffalo-Mine/Soapstone Community Council President Brian Endle was appointed to the Mat-Su Borough Planning Commission by DeVilbiss. This, after several Buffalo Mine area residents noted both in emails to District 1 borough assembly member Warren Keogh, and during the audience participation portion of the meeting that other candidates (notably Barbara Hunt and Helga Larson) were more qualified.

It was even acknowledged by DeVilbiss that Endle himself wasn’t qualified. Said DeVilbiss, “I certainly don’t disagree that Mrs. Hunt is qualified, but mayoral appointments aren’t just about qualifications, they’re about values that align with the mayor. I think that Mr. Endle has a lot of potential. He is young man who would learn a lot ...”

As equally disturbing as the above statement is the fact that DeVilbiss, in his whole-hearted support of Endle, distorted fact, thus furthering the notion of cronyism. He noted that before Endle became involved that the Buffalo Mine/Soapstone Council (which covers the area closest to Usibelli Coal Mine’s proposed Wishbone Hill development) was working on a comprehensive plan that “was pretty radical and singly focused on shutting down mining.”

DeVilbiss continues, “Toward the end of that process Mr. Endle got involved, he did what should be done. Instead of shouting and screaming and trying to disrupt the body, he went door-to-door and tried to get the community involved.”

I, who was the lead planner in the early to mid-stages of the writing of this document, have to say that DeVilbiss’s statements are erroneous.

First of all, the Buffalo Mine/Soapstone Comprehensive chapter headers are titled “Green Infrastructure, Trails Management, Emergency Preparedness, Transportation and Land Use Planning.” Supporting research in each of these areas indicates that should the coal mine go in, it will have a deleterious effect on area residents and wildlife. Bias implies opinion. Careful research implies factual information. Comprehensive plans are written with the intent of preserving quality of life — or so those of us who put this together used to think.

Endle did go door-to-door with the intent of “quashing” the Buffalo Mine/Soapstone Comprehensive Plan. The question that then remained was, why didn’t he attend publicized meetings and instead work with the planners? As has been stated previously, all comp plan meetings were open to the public and community members were invited to attend. This included gatherings in which we had experts speak in the subjects of green infrastructure planning, trails maintenance, local history and emergency preparedness. And several of us went door-to-door in an attempt to get local residents involved.

Brian Endle is no longer the Buffalo Mine/Soapstone Community Council president.

It seems to me that those who are “chosen” to be on the planning board should both be good leaders and have proven leadership ability. And those who choose these individuals should select these individuals on the merits of such qualifications. This is most definitely not the case in this instance. Cronyism, indeed.

Alys Culhane lives in the Buffalo Mine area and was the lead planner on the Buffalo Mine Soapstone Comp Plan.