Don't meddle with the District 14 selection process

July 17, 2007

Spectrum/Steve Colligann

As Republican chairman of District 14 in Wasilla, I announced Friday the names of three potential replacements for the District 14 House seat that are now being forwarded to Gov. Sarah Palin. These people were chosen in a professionally conducted, impartial and open process by serious, capable residents of District 14.

On Thursday, an Anchorage Democrat House representative criticized this process and attempted to influence the outcome. His unsolicited, inappropriate comments represent outright disrespect for the people of District 14, to say nothing of our state Constitution and laws. Mat-Su Valley residents do not need the assistance of a downtown Anchorage Democrat to help choose who they want to represent them in the Alaska Legislature.

The Alaska Constitution states that legislative members of both sides of the aisle are elected by voters from their respective districts. State law further specifies that whoever is selected by the governor to replace the resigning member must be confirmed by that resigning member's caucus. In this instance, it will be the Republican members of the Alaska House who will confirm the appointment. Democrat House members have no role in this process.

The process used by District 14 to make the selections was carefully considered and executed. The notice and application process was publicly advertised. It began with submission of an application portfolio that includes the usual personal and professional biography. The only requirement was the Alaska Public Offices Commission Legislator Disclosure Form.

Each applicant was reviewed for his or her qualifications, including their registration and residency.

The District 14 selection committee, composed of the officers of the district and precinct chairpersons, met with each applicant for a personal interview. During the interview, applicants were asked to describe their perceptions of the Alaska Republican Party platform, which advocates personal freedom and accountability, strong national defense, fiscal responsibility, development of Alaska's natural resources and parental involvement and support for education.

The final component of the selection process was a public speaking component. Each applicant presented a campaign message to the people of District 14 and the media who were present. Young Republican members of District 14 asked the candidates three questions: What would you do to create long-term fiscal stability? How would you define ethical behavior? What are your thoughts on controlling and stabilizing education funding in light of decreasing state revenues?

The District 14 committee graded each component of the process in a diligent, professional and impartial manner. This carefully executed deliberative process was designed to be objective, fair and open. The committee understood the serious nature of its work and its impact on their community. This process spanned two evenings of work by the committee and applicants.

At the end of this rigorous, objective process, three names were forwarded to Gov. Palin: Darroll Hargraves, Wes Keller and Colleen Sullivan-Leonard. These are all long-time residents of Wasilla with histories of public service. The other four applicants were equally well-regarded members of the community.

Our governor has demonstrated her knowledge and respect for our state Constitution and laws. She has also acknowledged the responsibilities all Alaskans have to participate in improving their communities and participate in the public process. Further, as a resident and former mayor of Wasilla, like her neighbors who served on the District 14 selection committee, I am confident Palin is quite capable of making this selection without the interference of a meddlesome outsider.

Steve Colligan, is the ARP District 14, (Greater Wasilla Aea) Chair and the ARP Region 3, (Eagle River & Mat-Su) Chair