Editorial creates a stir

Sunday’s editorial about the fence in former Gov. Sarah Palin’s yard drew a huge response from near and far. An otherwise reasonable editorial was wiped away by the last paragraph.

I do not condone violence against anybody, nor does anyone else on the staff of the Frontiersman.

Unfortunately, many people took away that impression from the editorial.

I apologize to those who were offended. I will be more circumspect in the future.

—T.C. Mitchell, managing editor

Election season begins with the passing of the candidate filing deadline

Maybe it’s just a coincidence, but it seems odd that the Valley area has three candidates for state offices running unopposed.

Is it because Sen. Charlie Huggins and Reps. Wes Keller and Bill Stoltze have done a good job and constituents are pleased with their performance? Or could it be apathy?

As for the latter, voter turnout recently would indicate that. However, the more recent national trend to throw all the bums out would seem the perfect opening for a new face who would like to run for office.

One part of running for office is the increasing scrutiny that comes with the job. Some people might just feel they aren’t comfortable in the fish bowl. Another reason might be moving to Juneau for three months or more, leaving behind family, friends and jobs.

Whatever the reason, these three shoo-ins can cruise on to another term.

On the flip side, there is a glut of candidates for governor — 12 by the time the filing deadline had passed.

It’s going to be an election where voters will have to separate the wheat from the chaff.

In a field this large, name recognition is going to go a long way. Admittedly, some candidates don’t have high expectations that they will be running the state anytime soon. Most have a message they want to get out through forums or media coverage. Or maybe they just like to tell people they once ran for governor.

The first chance to look at the gubernatorial candidates will be June 10 at the Alaska Club theater. It’s hosted by the Palmer and Wasilla chambers of commerce. Whether the full dozen will show up is unknown. After the forum from 5:30 to 7 p.m., people can visit with the candidates.

During that forum, a selection committee will choose four candidates for a debate the following week.

This is a great time for Valley residents to size up the candidates and begin the process of narrowing the field for themselves.