Governor supports Palmer

As Palmer swings into our construction projects for 2008, I believe it is an appropriate time to thank Governor Sarah Palin for her efforts in assisting in the development of our community.

Thanks to the vision of our governor, the city of Palmer and the greater Palmer area will realize improvements to the east end of the Palmer-Wasilla Highway, water main replacements and paving projects on Blueberry Street, Lucas area streets and Felton Street. We have also been afforded grants for upgrading our own wastewater facility as well as funds to design a consolidated facility involving Palmer, Wasilla and the Mat-Su Borough. In addition, we will be adding to our street light project in the downtown area and upgrading sidewalks to Americans with Disabilities Act compliance.

Along with this, the governor has stabilized the city’s PERS (pension) contribution and championed an increase in municipal revenue distribution to all government entities. Additionally, Governor Palin signed into law Senate Bill 303, which lowers our matching funds for EPA and DEC funds from 50 percent to 30 percent. This alone will save the city of Palmer millions to complete necessary projects for our residents.

Palmer would also like to thank Karen Rehfeld, director for the Office of Management and Budget, for her tireless work in assisting the governor in sorting out requests from communities throughout the state. I have found the governor, Rehfeld and the governor’s staff to be very approachable and helpful in realizing the goals for the city of Palmer.

John Combs

Palmer mayor