Election 2023: Candidates on the ballot for three borough assembly seats

Candidates for three local districts on the Mat-Su Borough Assembly had the opportunity to submit answers to the Frontiersman candidate questionnaires as part of our 2023 election coverage.

Election Day is Nov. 7. Early and absentee voting is now open. See matsugov.us for more.

District 5

Bill Gamble

Profession: I have worked for the Alaska Legislature since 2017 as a Chief of Staff, Senior Policy Advisor, and Constituent Relations for several Mat-Su legislators. Prior to that, I was the Director of Emergency Services for the Mat-Su Borough, Fire Chief for the West Lakes Fire Department, and an FAA Air Traffic Controller at the Anchorage Air Route Traffic Control Center.

Tim in the borough: I have lived in the Mat-Su, specifically Big Lake, for over 34 years. I commuted to Anchorage for 22 of those years.

Experience: My public service began in 1989. My position as a Fire Chief, then Director of Emergency Services, required significant interaction with the borough assembly. I have been involved with the Big Lake Community Council since the late 1990’s and served as the President three times. I began working for State of Alaska Legislature since 2017 after retiring from the Mat-Su Borough.

Priorities and goals: My number one priority is to return the District 5 assembly seat to the people. The past three years we’ve witnessed our elected representative side with the State of Alaska to use eminent domain and take private property to construct a trail with a culvert under Burma Road at a cost of almost one million taxpayer dollars. We watched the District 5 assembly member instruct the borough administration to vacate a public easement on West Lakes Blvd, to benefit one of his friends. This same assembly member has spent three years trying to force unwanted legislation, such as a gravel ordinance which would remove all public input from the permitting process. He has proposed legislation to reduce the water body set-back requirement from 75ft. to 25ft. to the detriment of many property owners. He tried to force Road Service Areas to change existing contracts to time and material contracts, which could exponentially increase the cost of road maintenance for local taxpayers. Finally, he voted to override a veto by the Borough Mayor, and passed a resolution supporting IRS tax-exempt status for a business seeking $250 million in funding, providing an unfair advantage over businesses in the same profession. The abuses demonstrated by the current District 5 representative has got to stop. We deserve ethical elected officials. I am the candidate for office who will do just that. My name is Bill Gamble, and I am running for Mat Su Borough Assembly, District 5. I would appreciate your support and your vote on November 7.

Mokie Tew

Profession: Retired

Time in the borough: 28 years

Experience: Current Mat Su Borough Assemblyman

Goals and priorities: I promised to always stand up for you and get things done. For the past three-years I have delivered on those promises by bringing historic high funding to our district for road repairs while simultaneously lowering the mil rate every year and increasing the Senior Citizens and Disabled Vets property tax exemption. I have defended the 2nd Amendment, reduced garbage fees to affordable rates, and we have built two schools and a firehouse debt free.

We are only getting started! I’d be honored to have your vote by November 7.

District 6

Jackson Abney

Profession: I’m currently a network technician, sometimes called a low voltage electrician. I work for numerous companies on a contract basis.

Tim in the borough: About 10 years. I lived in Anchorage/Chugiak for about 2 years prior to that.

Experience: I’m very new to politics from the candidate perspective. I’ve followed political news and stories since I was in middle school though. My closest encounter with public service was a short stent in the Army before I was sent home from basic due to an injury.

Goals and priorities: My goals are to improve the valley’s infrastructure, help rein in school board spending (especially spending towards the Superintendents salary), and protect the rights of all citizens.

Kerby Coman

Profession: I am a local cannabis business owner. But I first find my identity in what’s really important: Christ, my beautiful wife Marissa, my lovely children Liberty and Jethro, all my siblings, then comes my passion for my occupation and the joy of seeing firsthand how what I do has made a positive impact on so many individuals.

Time in the borough: A combined total of over 15 years but most recent I have lived on the outskirts of Wasilla for 10 consecutive years. My wife and I bought our first house up Wasilla Fishhook in 2003.

Experience: Although this is my first time running for public office I have always felt a duty to serve others and stand up for what I believe is moral, right and constitutional. I feel I will be a great leader and strong voice for my constituents when it comes to serving their needs

Goals and priorities: I plan to accomplish three major things during this one year term. Make the Mat-Su Borough a Second Amendment Sanctuary and a Constitutional Safe Haven, protecting its citizens rights given to us by God and guaranteed by our forefathers by signing the Constitution of the United States. Replace MSB Property Tax with a borough wide sales tax. Reduce government regulations and spending.

Dmitri Fonev

Profession: General Contractor, Property Manager.

Time in the borough: Since 1995.

Experience: Mat-Su District 6 Assemblyman

Goals and priorities: I am Dmitri Fonov, a proud resident of Wasilla, Alaska, for over 27 years. My life is enriched by my loving wife, five wonderful children, and the connection I share with my nine siblings. The Mat-Su Valley is not just my home; it's my heart, and I'm determined to make it an even better place for all of us.

During my time as your Assemblyman, I've had the privilege of achieving significant accomplishments that reflect my unwavering dedication to our community. One such accomplishment is our commitment to maintaining a balanced budget. I understand the importance of fiscal responsibility, and I've worked hard to ensure that our resources are managed efficiently to support vital services and community projects.

I've also been driven to reduce the mill rate, which has lightened the financial load on our residents and businesses, making the Mat-Su Valley an even more attractive place for investment and growth.

Our local parks are a precious asset, and I'm proud to have played a role in their improvement. By enhancing these spaces, we've created safe and enjoyable areas for families to connect with nature and each other.

Safety is a paramount concern for me, and that's why I wholeheartedly support the Alaska Safe Riders Program. It promotes responsible and safe outdoor activities, ensuring the Mat-Su Valley remains a secure place for us all.

In a show of community support, we've made it possible for residents to access a free landfill for two weeks, allowing everyone to tidy up before winter arrives. This initiative promotes cleanliness and environmental preservation, preserving the beauty of the Mat-Su Valley.

My commitment to the environment and the well-being of our community is further demonstrated by my creation of the Junk Car Removal Program. This not only enhances our local aesthetics but also contributes to environmental sustainability by responsibly disposing of old, unused vehicles.

If you want to learn more about my platform and vision, please visit my website at FONOVFORASSEMBLY.COM. As your Assemblyman, I am dedicated to continuing the hard work necessary to improve the Mat-Su Borough. My track record of balancing budgets, reducing mill rates, improving parks, supporting safety programs, and advocating for the environment showcases my commitment to your well-being. I humbly ask for your vote, as I am the candidate who will continue working tirelessly to make the Mat-Su Valley an even better place to call home. Together, we can make our community thrive.

Stafford Glashon

Profession: I am a professional civil and environmental engineer. I develop recommendations for constructing roads, bridges, buildings, water supply wells, dams, and utilities. I believe it is important for my clients to understand not only how much something costs now but also what the long-term costs are; often a small increase in the project construction cost can save many times that amount over the life of a structure.

Time in the borough: I first came to the Borough in 1994. My girlfriend and I spent the summer in Talkeetna, fell in love with Alaska, and each other, and were married on Denali that summer. After we finished college, we moved to the Borough with our daughter in 1997 and have been here ever since.

Experience: I served 6 years on the Planning Commission between 2016 and 2022 and was the Chair in 2022. While on the Planning Commission I was appointed to the Recreational Rivers Advisory Board by Governor Dunleavy. While I am not active in any political party, I have been a registered Republican in Alaska since 1996 and have voted in almost every election since then.

Goals and priorities: I will be the best representative of the residents of District 6 that I can be. I believe that the Borough is too dependent on residential property tax revenue. I believe that we need to work to diversify our tax base and our economy. I will listen to anyone with constructive ideas about how to make District 6 a better place. I will strive to help plan for the future of the Valley, with your input, and avoid the mistakes of the past. Above all, I will remember that every dollar that I approve to be spent for Borough expenses was first earned by the residents of the district. It’s your money and I believe that you should have a say in how it is spent. As the District 6 assembly person I will keep you informed of assembly matters that might affect you, encourage and listen to your input, respect your views, and spend every dollar like it was one of my own.

District 4

Incumbent Rob Yundt is running unopposed.

Contact the Frontiersman at news@frontiersman.com.