Letter to the editor:

Region II, the “Valley Region”, of the Alaska Republican Party is proud to announce the endorsement of two conservative school board candidates. They are Thomas Bergey serving Mat Su Borough District 1 (North Palmer) and Brittany Harvey serving Mat Su Borough District 4 (Greater Wasilla). These two Republicans will be campaigning to replace registered Democrats Sarah Welton and Deborah Retherford.

The education of our children is what counts. The school board’s past record is clear, our children’s national test scores have continued to decline while our per-student costs have gone up significantly. This record is shameful and must be reversed.

Improving our children’s test scores while controlling costs will only come about if we change the makeup of the school board. We must elect board members who are deeply concerned about the quality of the education of our children, not the welfare of the unions.

Here is a glaring example of present school board union protection. The board voted to spend an estimated extra $1.2 Million per year of taxpayer money on over priced union janitors at the expense of the classroom. Those who voted for this union benefit over classroom needs must be replaced by conservatives who are truly committed to deliver the finest education to our children. We start by electing Harvey and Bergey to the board to replace two liberal Democrats.

We urge the residents of Mat Su Borough Districts 1 and 4 to vote for our endorsed Republican candidates, Thomas Bergey and Brittany Harvey. Our children’s education depends on your vote.

Aaron Downing

Region II Representative

Alaska Republican Party

907 232 1739