Former assemblyman known for honesty

Dec. 15, 2006

By MATT TUNSETH

Frontiersman

WASILLA - Those who know Talis Colberg say the 48-year-old Palmer attorney and lifelong Valley resident will bring intelligence and open-mindedness to the state's top law enforcement

position.

&#8220He is honest, ethical and thoughtful,” said Jody Simpson, who served two terms on the assembly alongside Colberg. &#8220He's really a brilliant guy.”

Colberg is a relative unknown in Alaska politics, with two terms on the Mat-Su Borough

Assembly as his only political experience. He also served as president of the Alaska State Fair board of directors and taught as an adjunct history professor at Mat-Su College.

Those who served with him say Colberg is anything but a neophyte when it comes to the political game.

Fellow assembly member Cindy Bettine goes back a long way with the Colberg family. In fact, the first-term assembly member was delivered by Colberg's grandfather, a Valley doctor, back in 1951.

Bettine said Colberg is a good choice, and said any criticism over lack of experience is unfounded. She described Colberg as thoughtful and articulate, but also someone not afraid to stand up for what he believes in - even if he's not on the popular side of an issue.

&#8220His parting shot when he left (the assembly) was, ‘I don't know what's going to happen now that there won't be any more 6-1 votes,'” Bettine remembered.

During her election campaign, Palin promised to bring a strong ethical foundation to Juneau, and Bettine said Colberg is the perfect choice to make sure Palin follows through on that pledge.

&#8220He's not going to be up to any shenanigans,” Bettine said.

State Rep. Carl Gatto, R-Palmer, on Thursday characterized Colberg as someone who will bring an open mind to the attorney general's office.

&#8220Talis is the kind of guy who says, ‘give me all the information and we'll move from there,'” Gatto said.

Gatto related a story about a time he went to Colberg's private practice in Palmer for some legal advice. Colberg patiently listened to Gatto's problem, then sent him to another lawyer who Colberg thought could better help him. The point of the story, Gatto said, was that, instead of spending a bunch of time dispensing expensive advice, Colberg was willing to recommend another attorney who could better solve Gatto's legal problem.

&#8220He didn't even charge me,” Gatto said.

The Palmer legislator said that's the kind of straight shooting he believes is sorely needed in Juneau, and he doesn't believe Colberg's inexperience in statewide politics will hamper the new attorney general's ability to do a good job.

&#8220You're better off with a guy who's bright and listens to people than someone who is experienced,” Gatto said.

Borough Manager John Duffy said Colberg certainly won't be overwhelmed when he gets to Juneau.

&#8220He always did his homework,” Duffy said of Colberg's days on the assembly.

Duffy said he thinks Colberg will bring a fresh perspective to Juneau.

&#8220I don't think he's got any kind of an agenda,” Duffy said.

Although Colberg is most known for taking thoughtful, reasoned positions, Duffy said the often-quiet Colberg isn't afraid to take a solid stand when he feels he must make a point.

&#8220If he thinks his position is sound and rational, he definitely will stick up for himself,” Duffy said.