I am a friend of Mat-Su …

A Spectrum, by Lynn Fuller

I am not an environmental extremist, or a socialist, or a radical this, that or the other thing. I am not that political except for a commitment to vote and be involved in some positive way to shape the future of our community and its children. I don't hate much except for the strip highways in places like Bakersfield, Calif. I don't dislike the people there, or the communities, or the government or the businesses or anything in particular -- what bothers me is the cumulative effect of strip highway, traffic congestion and lack of pedestrian access in the busiest parts of town. I hate the fact that no one apparently paid any attention a long time ago to what they wanted, so urban sprawl dictated what there is today. That is why I joined Friends of Mat-Su (FoMS) and eventually became a board member. I am not out to get you. I am not out to get rid of your job and force us all into a barter economy. I am not "anti-business" or "anti-progress." FoMS is the people that make it and I am one of them.

We have had some interesting discussions lately in our board meetings about how (or whether) to respond to the negative publicity that has been directed at FoMS. Mr. Vromen's spectrum article (Friends of Mat-Su no friend) is an example. Friends of Mat-Su is linked to the zoning issues currently under discussion at the borough, but there is a misconception that FoMS is this outside force that is forcing zoning on the community. Do we tackle the misconceptions one by one to try and set the record straight? Do we let it go and hope that people will take the time to sort out what Friends of Mat-Su's goals really are? I am pretty confused -- it is hard to know how to be pro-planning in this community without alienating people. Mr. Vromen's article provided a little clarity for me. I want him, and others who malign Friends of Mat-Su, to realize that FoMS is made up of people like myself who have a history, and a stake, in the community, but who also simply view planning differently. It doesn't make me anti-anything to be pro-planning. There were enough people in the community who thought planning was a good idea that FoMS was able to form a membership, a board and become a non-profit organization. Pretty grassroots, pretty democratic -- a group that came from within the community. Not all members share the same views, and the board meetings reflect a diversity of opinions, but we share a common goal -- to think about how our community will look and function down the road. As a FoMS member, I do not want to focus on Mr. Vromen's yard. Yet if it or somewhere else becomes a real eyesore, I am glad there is a junk ordinance that says there are a few limits to personal freedom in the name of a better community.

When Friends of Mat-Su comes up, Mr. Vromen's tolerance seems to shut down and I am struggling to understand why. If it is distrust in government or regulation, my role as a citizen and board member of a grassroots organization shouldn't be that threatening. I am someone who hasn't had time the read the Core Area Zoning Plan in any detail, and I find it darn hard to read. But I do support the concept of zoning, as does Friends of Mat-Su.

But zoning is what you make it. As a board member, I do not know how many chickens or old bicycles will be allowed in your yard if the core area is zoned. But I believe in the process.

If you live in the core area I think you should read and comment on the plan, or ask questions if you don't understand it. I think the borough is pretty responsive to public comment.

As a FoMS board member, I want to encourage people to educate themselves about their options for the future look of our community. It doesn't just happen by itself or it will end up like Bakersfield. Fight for your right to have chickens. Or speak against whatever you fear most moving in next to your house. Go to the meetings. But, please, please, don't make any assumptions about what I want, or what Friends of Mat-Su wants, in the plan. FoMS did not write the plan. Our recommendations to the borough will be based on our collective opinion on what is acceptable for noise in a community, or types of businesses allowed in a residential area or other things we feel are important. Everyone in the community has the right to follow the same process and if a zoning plan is adopted it will be better due to public input.

Friends of Mat-Su is more than the issues we have been aligned with in the press. We have a set of "action plans" that guide our executive director's time and the board members' time. Some of my time as a board member has been involved with our community recognition program that says thanks to businesses or organizations that enhance the look of the community. I am also personally interested in promoting interest within the community for a borough-side sign ordinance. But I hope people won't label me anti-business because of my personal belief that business, growth and nicer signs are extremely compatible. I want to promote discussion in the community about the issue. Other board members and members have issues important to them. Look for them at the trash clean-ups, or donating time at our new office. Look for them at borough meetings giving their input. I sincerely invite those that are unsure but interested in what we do to come to a board meeting or a membership meeting. You might see some of your neighbors there.

Lynn Fuller lives outside of the core area, but does most of her business within it.