Election 2024: Mat-Su Borough candidates participate in Frontiersman questionnaire

The 2024 Mat-Su Borough election features the race for mayor, three assembly seats and three school board seats.

Incumbent Edna DeVries is vying to return as mayor. Hillary Palmer is campaigning as a write-in candidate. Incumbent Dee McKee is running against Luke Hyce in Assembly District 3, and incumbent Ron Bernier is against Sheena Forte in District 7. Dmitri Fonev is running unopposed in District 6.

The school board races include incumbent Thomas Bergey and challenger Ben Kolendo in District 1. Andrew Shane (District 4) and Brooks Pitcher (District 5) are running unopposed.

The following submitted answers to the Frontiersman candidate questionnaires as part of our 2024 election coverage. Participation is voluntary.

Mat-Su Borough Mayor

Edna DeVries

What is your profession?

Former Real estate broker and post-secondary education instructor.

How long have you lived in the borough?

Moved to Palmer in 1969, spent 9 years (2000 to 2009) living outside came back in 2009 and been here ever since.

What is your experience in politics and/or public service?

First job was City of Palmer Treasurer/Finance Director in 1971, a job I needed to care for myself and my two young children. I’ve held many both appointed and elected offices with several years of absences in between. Current Mat-Su Borough Mayor.

If elected, what are your priorities and goals while in office?

Stay connected with our citizens and continue to work to make the Mat Su Valley the best place to live, work and play.

Hillary Palmer

What is your profession?

I'm a geospatial program manager for an engineering firm based in Washington D.C. Basically, I help solve complex challenges using information and location intelligence. I graduated from Palmer High School, then earned my degree in Geology from the University of Alaska. I began my career at Alaska DOT&PF, spent several years at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and worked for the Mat-Su Borough as their E9-1-1 Addressing Officer.

How long have you lived in the borough?

I’ve been a resident of the Mat-Su Borough for 34 years.

What is your experience in politics and/or public service?

I have experience with writing new legislation and advocating for projects/programs both in Juneau and in Washington D.C. I recently secured $1.01 Billion in Federal funding for broadband expansion in Alaska. I've worked on several projects and task forces related to food security and recently won a leadership award at the national level for my work in helping other states & communities understand & implement Next Generation 911…did you know Alaska is the LAST state to get started?!

If elected, what are your priorities and goals while in office?

I'm running for mayor because we need new ideas and new energy! Did you know that first responder radios don’t work inside many Mat-Su schools? It’s a challenging problem that I know exactly how to fix. Southcentral Alaska is on the brink of a natural gas crisis that threatens to triple our energy costs. It's about to become very expensive to live here, and instead of being proactive, our current leadership is focused on banning books. It’s time to get serious about school safety, sustainable energy and planning for our future.

Assembly District 3

Dolores “Dee” McKee

What is your profession?

Retired Mat-Su middle school teacher (1997 - 2023) - math, science, social studies, health, creative writing, Spanish

How long have you lived in the borough?

31 years

What is your experience in politics and/or public service?

Borough Assembly, District 3 since 2021, Volunteer of the Year for the Alaska-based branch of a national conservative political action group, committee director for a charitable education-oriented organization, campaign volunteer on several campaigns and community –wide programs (Get Out the Vote, election date reform, etc.)

If elected, what are your priorities and goals while in office?

Education - support a school district budget for which almost 2/3 of our taxes are allocated actually reaches the classroom so regular public schools match the performance of our charter and career tech schools; infrastructure to support explosive growth of the valley, including roads/traffic; support for small business development – reduce regulations and promote tax incentives; tourism – the possibilities are endless; continue progress at

Port Mackenzie – under the current Assembly and administration, Port Mackenzie is generating revenue for the first time while developing a broad customer base; land use that better promotes a more harmonious relationship amongst business, resource development, and personal property; to continue to promote availability, transparency, meaningful public participation, and insuring that the wishes of community are honored by the government that serves it.

Assembly District 7

Sheena Forte

What is your profession?

I am a Licensed Massage Therapist.

How long have you lived in the borough?

I was raised in Wasilla but did high school and college out of state. I have lived in Willow now for nine years.

What is your experience in politics and/or public service?

I am on the Board of Directors for the Sunshine transit, Upper Susitna Community Council, Upper Susitna Community & Senior Center and the Caswell Road Board. I believe volunteering is a great way to give back to your community.

If elected, what are your priorities and goals while in office?

My priorities are residents getting the most out of their tax dollars while trying to keep taxes as low as possible. I also want to ensure all MSB residents' voices get heard.

School Board District 1

Thomas Bergey

What is your profession?

I own a farm in the valley.

How long have you lived in the borough?

I have lived in the borough for over 30 years.

What is your experience in politics and/or public service?

I have served on the Mat-Su School Board for the last six years. I have served on several state and borough boards and commissions. I have been an officer and member of the Mat-Su Farm Bureau. Additionally, I have been an officer of the Butte Community Council.

I retired from UAA and have worked in many education positions across the state serving students in middle school to adult education. My military service started with serving as an Air Defense Artillery officer in the U.S. Army and then transitioning to the Alaska Army National Guard.

If elected, what are your priorities and goals while in office?

My priorities are to continue to increase and improve student achievement across all grade levels to ensure that Mat-Su students have access to any opportunity of their choosing.

We can accomplish this by:

• Building new school facilities for our highest performing schools of choice.

• Ensuring that our students, girls and boys, have an even playing field for sports.

• Focusing on academic achievement to continue to grow the academic gains our students have been making.

• Focusing on Career and Technical Education programming and achievement.

• Continuing to focus on Advanced Placement programming to increase achievement and student opportunities.

• Being fiscally responsible with state and constituent funds.

• Being a strong advocate for parental rights giving parents the maximum amount of control over their child’s learning opportunities.

Finally, our children will benefit greatly from the focus, guidance, and stability the school board is providing. I hope to continue moving the district forward to provide quality educational services to our most important and precious resource: Our Children.

School Board District 4

Andrew Shane

What is your profession?

Alyeska Pipeline employee and small business owner

How long have you lived in the borough?

Little over 10 years now, lifelong Alaskan

What is your experience in politics and/or public service?

Currently serving as a Planning Commissioner for the Mat-Su Borough District 4. Served on the School Library Book Committee

If elected, what are your priorities and goals while in office?

Strong Education System, School safety, Protecting Women’s sports, Fiscal Responsibility,

One of my goals is to take a long hard look at our lunch programs and find ways to improve nutrition for our students.