DeVilbiss’ skills best address our needs

I am proud to support Larry DeVilbiss for Mat-Su Borough Mayor. He is the outstanding candidate possessed with the experience, knowledge and skills to best address our needs. Let me list a few points which set Larry apart from others running for the seat.

On the economy:

“It takes a business to turn opportunity into jobs, and we are open for business,” is Larry’s motto. He is dead on center when he says the best jobs are created by business, not government. He is right; the new wealth of our people depends on private industry to practice the wise use of natural resources in creating a value-added product. We will not become wealthy as a society by higher taxes and redistribution, we will only become equally poor. It is the role of government to protect the individual’s rights and property while at the same time encouraging the growth of legitimate business.

On education:

Larry believes we need to be certain our children receive a world-class education if we are to remain competitive with the world. He has pledged to work with the school district to put in place programs that are world-class, innovative and effective. He will work toward partnering with the University of Anchorage to provide upper-level courses at our Mat-Su campus for students pursuing a higher education and partnering with business and industry to make other students job-ready for those openings that will come with greater economic development. He strongly believes in kids and classrooms first.

On infrastructure:

Larry knows that economic development cannot happen if the existing infrastructure will not sustain the development. Infrastructure needs are met by planning, identifying, funding then putting in place the roads, airports, rail extensions and utilities, when needed. Government must enact regulations that enhance infrastructure, but also protect the rights and properties of the resident. Our borough government must also work toward securing state and federal aid for projects that have wide effect beyond the local level. I expect to be working diligently with Larry to accomplish the placement of needed Valley infrastructure to meet the needs of economic development.

On energy:

A long tenure on the Matanuska Electric Association Board of Directors has positioned Larry to be very knowledgeable of our energy needs. He understands that Cook Inlet gas fields are waning and will soon be unable to meet peak demands. He has an excellent program of least-cost solutions in both the short and long term. I highly recommend you go to his website, matsumayor.com, and review his position on energy.

On government:

Larry believes government exists to protect our freedoms and provide opportunity for the residents to obtain their dreams. Government should be a facilitator, not a director nor a dictator. Onerous regulations must be removed. The cost of government must be frugally applied.

There is so much more to be said about Larry DeVilbiss and what he stands for, but there is not the space in this brief article to do so. Go to Larry’s website and read for yourself about Larry DeVilbiss, his experience, bio and positions.

I am supporting and voting for Larry DeVilbiss because his positions on issues are exactly as mine, I know him well. We have pledged to work together to reach our common goals for the good of our Valley residents. I ask you to please vote for Larry DeVilbiss on Jan. 11.

State Sen. Charlie Huggins represents District H in the state Senate, which includes rural Mat-Su and Chugiak.