Debate attracts meager turnout

Nov. 3, 2006

By Michael Rovito

Frontiersman

WASILLA - A meager turnout marked what may have been the last candidate forum ahead of the Nov. 7 mid-term election Wednesday, as 12 of 14 Mat-Su legislative candidates answered prepared questions from students, faculty and staff at Mat-Su College.

Seated in front of mostly supporters and campaign workers, Republican incumbents, along with their challengers, answered an array of questions concerning substance abuse, education funding and the more national issue of health care. The event was moderated by Mat-Su College Student Government President Eric Swanson, and organized by assistant professor of communication Pete Praetorius.

&#8220I would have liked it if there were more people,” Praetorius said in a phone interview Thursday, adding that the candidates seemed a little tired, perhaps indicating they are ready for the legislative race to be over.

When it was independent Senate candidate Jay Cross's turn to take the microphone for his opening statement Wednesday, he attacked the Republican Party's use of closed-door meetings in the decision-making process. His opponent, Republican Sen. Charlie Huggins, said he would let his record represent him, saying talk is cheap and action speaks louder than words.

That statement was brought up again by Cross during closing arguments, when the Big Lake resident discussed the financial reality of higher education.

&#8220My opponent says talk is cheap,” Cross said. &#8220Is anybody paying less (for college)? That's cheap talk.”

One-on-one debate between district candidates was lacking, Praetorius said, and he would like to see more debate in the future.

All 12 candidates seemed to agree education is the top issue in Alaska. Speaking to the few students in attendance, candidates warned that college will be unaffordable in the future if government spending remains minimal on higher education.

Talk of education led to a question posed to Cross about how he would end crime in the state. Cross, who is a lifelong Alaskan, said crime has been a problem in the state ever since he can remember. But getting to the kids early, he said, would educate them about the dangers of a life of crime.

&#8220If they are part of the community, they will understand,” Cross said.

Huggins agreed that early education is a good step toward preventing crime, adding that, once the mention of a new prison comes about, it is already too late.

&#8220We can't build prisons quick enough to be able to keep up with the crime rate,” he said.

Wednesday's questions also addressed national issues, such as the long-running debate over government-provided health care.

Rep. Vic Kohring, a District 14 Republican, said he thinks access to health care should be provided through the marketplace, with the government relaxing regulations to promote competition and lower prices.

&#8220The less government, the better,” Kohring said.

His opponent, Democratic challenger Katie Hurley, cited Norway's system of health care as an example for the United States.

In that country, she said, every citizen will have health care for their entire lives because of oil money.

&#8220Every American should receive equal access to medical care,” Hurley said.

During closing arguments, Rep. Mark Neuman, R-Mat-Su, Huggins and Kohring touted their own accomplishments while in office and extended praise to their colleagues in the Valley legislative delegation. Challengers took a more offensive approach, with Hurley saying ethics are lacking in the current government.

&#8220I think we should demand of our legislators and our government people the highest ethics,” Hurley said.

Myrl Thompson, District 15's independent candidate, echoed Hurley's sentiments.

&#8220It's really hard to distinguish between the leaders and the followers,” he said. &#8220It will take 10 years to undo legislation this group has put into state law.”

The debate also included District 12 challenger William Johnson, D-Sutton; District 13 incumbent Rep. Carl Gatto, R-Palmer, and challenger Jim Wardman, D-Palmer; District 16 incumbent Rep. Bill Stoltze, R-Chugiak, and challenger Pat Chesbro, D-Mat-Su; and Senate District F challenger Tim Beck, D-North Pole.

House District 12 incumbent Rep. John Harris, R-Valdez; and Senate District F incumbent Sen. Gene Therriault, R-North Pole, did not attend.

The election is Tuesday.

Contact Michael Rovito at 352-2252 or michael.rovito@

frontiersman.com.