Debates showcase local candidates

WASILLA — Inquiring minds want to know.

Not those waiting in checkout lines and looking at tabloid coverage of Gov. Sarah Palin. It’s time for local residents running for various elected positions around the Mat-Su Borough to take part in forums and debates, giving voters a chance to get to know their potential representatives better.

Debate season begins Monday when the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman hosts a forum for Borough candidates and debate for Houston City Council candidates beginning at 6:30 p.m. Monday at Mid-Valley Senior Center in Houston.

The following day, candidates for school board and Mat-Su Borough Assembly get their chance to impress the public at the Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce lunchtime forum. School board candidates, incumbent Pat Purcell and her opponent, Palmer resident R. Ole Larson, along with incumbent Myrl Thompson and Palmer resident Brian Sullivan will talk about their platforms and take audience questions.

Also at Tuesday’s chamber meeting will be both candidates for assembly, Mark Ewing and incumbent Cindy Bettine. Sullivan, Thompson, Ewing and Bettine are all running unopposed for their seats.

The chamber forum will take place from noon to 1 p.m. at the Glacier Canyon Grill inside the Grandview Inn. Candidates will have three minutes for an opening statement, then will take written questions from the floor.

The following week, Wasilla’s in the spotlight.

The Frontiersman will again host a debate for Wasilla mayor and city council candidates 7 to 9 p.m. Sept. 29 at the Wasilla Muli-Use Sports Complex. Preceding the debates will be a forum for Palmer City Council candidates at 6:30 p.m.

Then on Sept. 30, the Wasilla chamber will again welcome residents to its own candidate forum from noon to 1 p.m. at the Glacier Canyon Grill. Five men are running for Wasilla’s top administrative position. Marty Metiva, Steve Menard, Verne Rupright, Greg Koskela and Michael Carson all have said they have what it takes to lead the city for the next three years.

Municipal elections take place Oct. 7 this year.

ON THE WEB

More information on local elections can be found online.

Wasilla: www.cityofwasilla.com

Palmer: www.cityofpalmer.org

Houston: www.houstonak.com

Mat-Su Borough: www.matsugov.us