Letters to the editor

Thank you Havemeister Dairy

On behalf of my family, I wanted to say thank you to Havemeister Dairy for all of their years of hard work. Their milk tasted so much better than any other brand, and I loved supporting a local dairy. Our Valley will be emptier without them.

Shorti Elder,

Wasilla

I’m still in

To the editor:

I’m still in. That’s right, I’m still in the race for Mat-Su Borough Mayor. Initially, I tried to withdraw from the race after finding out I was going to have to go through chemotherapy. This would make it difficult to campaign, attend community council meetings, and candidate debates. But, the withdrawal time had already passed, so my name remains on the ballot.

Since that time, I have responded well to my chemo treatments, and I have had many calls and messages from residents asking me to stay in the race. So, I have made the decision to actively get back in this race and give it 100 percent.

Although I’m feeling positive about my ability to be effective as mayor, if for any reason in the future I would have to resign from office, a special election would take place. This would open up the opportunity for a whole new list of candidates and more choices for Borough residents. If you still believe in a bright future for the Borough and feel I am the one to help us get there, I ask for your vote on Nov. 2.

Bert Cottle,

Wasilla

Vote No on the Transportation Systems Projects Bond Proposition

The Borough is asking us to approve 61 million dollars in bonds with no clear way to pay for them. Initially there was a sales tax proposed, but that did not make the ballot. There is some vague talk of pass-through federal or state money, but no actual plan,

If those funds do not come through the taxpayers will see a large increase in their property tax as bonds have to be paid for. This will be on top of any RSA increases in specific areas.

I would normally be in support of any infrastructure improvements, but not this time due to my experience this summer.

The Borough officials and engineers have not shown themselves to be good stewards of road funds and they do not look for economical but safe ways to make improvements.

My subdivision had a major road project conducted this summer for a small 20 home subdivision road. The waste of money and the safety issues that now exist due to how this project was designed is horrible. It was a poorly engineered project designed by someone who never toured the area. We were given assurances about multiple things none of which occurred the way we were told they would happen. The Borough employees and the RSA Board refused to listen to the residents.

The project was not wanted by anyone who lives here, but rather was a project done to appease a local business and a member of our local RSA Board. We now have a horrible situation. The spot we had for parents to park and wait for their children’s school bus to arrive is gone. There is no place for children to wait safely along a busy road. Where we once had a small drop off along the road with trees to stop a car that might slide off the road we now have a very steep bank which will result in a serious accident if anyone slides off the road. There is no way for ATVs and Snowmachines to cross our road where they previously had a safe space, so they will now be on Big Lake Road.

We have 2 1/2 foot ditches along the road, so we can no longer quickly move over to avoid hitting someone who may be coming around a blind turn in the middle of the road without damaging our vehicles. A small ditch would certainly help in the spring, but what they did was outrageous and unnecessary.

A stop sign was moved and now people getting off work at the local business speed out the road without stopping. There are often ATVS, bicyclists, children walking, snowmachines etc on this road.

The turn off Big Lake Road into our subdivision, which was already hazardous, is even worse. It is almost impossible to turn into the subdivision if there is a car waiting to pull out. Our new driveways with culverts that were not needed are already eroding anytime it rains and I doubt the Borough will pick up the tab for repairs next spring.

We were told this would make our property values increase and our road safer. Instead we have a horrible situation that benefits no one but the business at the end of the road and even that may not be true this winter when large trucks are coming and going at the same time.

Until the Borough can work with local residents and spend money on projects that fit the neighborhood/area they should not get a blank check for more extravagant projects.

Vickie Knapp

Supporting Berrigan for school board

To the editor:

I am writing this letter to show my enthusiastic support for Lori Berrigan who is running for school board in district 1. I believe the Mat-Su Valley is fortunate to have a candidate of Lori’s caliber and dedication. She has spent the last 18 years in the valley working persistently to start and run a successful small business, she was a founding member and APC board member at Birchtree Charter School, a volunteer and advocate for education, all the while raising her children and maintaining a strong family. Now, Lori is willing to put her drive, commitment and passion to work for us as a member of the school board.

Lori has the experience and knowledge to help make our schools a better place for all our students. Her background as a business owner and her experience as a board member at Birchtree Charter School has prepared her with the tools necessary to understand and responsibly manage school budgets. Lori is a compassionate and caring person who will take the extra time to listen to and hear all sides of an issue. She will carefully weigh decisions while working with her colleagues to do what is best for all children. She understands the importance of having quality schools in our community and will work hard to keep our schools open, provide school choice, support educators and build partnerships with families.

I encourage all voting member of district 1 to vote for Lori Berrigan on November 2.

Nicole Kelpe,

Palmer

Supporting DeVries for borough mayor

My name is Marty Kincaid, a life long Alaskan that has been a resident of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough since 1962. I am writing to demonstrate my strong support for Edna DeVries. I have know Edna for over 50 years and she is a woman of honesty and integrity — a priceless commodity in today’s society. One of her best attributes is the foresight and vision she has for tomorrow’s leaders. Many leaders today have been mentored and encouraged by her to take that first step. That is the mark of a true leader! Her voice has always been to serve the people!

Marty Kincaid,

Palmer

Student supports Beck for borough mayor

I’m a high school senior and am excited to vote for Matthew Beck for the MatSu Mayor in my first election. I’ve known Matt for my entire life and he has a great sense of humor and has always been someone I can talk to. He cares about me and my friends. He respects young people and listens to us. Matt asks me questions that challenge and inspire me and make me feel like I matter. He will be a great Mayor.

Grant Keyes,

Palmer

Beck has experience to be borough mayor

To the editor:

I am supporting Matthew Beck for Mat-Su Borough Mayor.

I know Matt, and I know that as a small business owner and a man of faith, he will do what’s right for the working families of the Mat-Su Borough. He will be a voice of reason and a voice for all residents of this large and diverse borough.

Matt is the only candidate with the experience necessary to do the job. He served two productive terms on the Borough Assembly, including four years as Deputy Mayor. As Borough Mayor, he will bring the same open mind and common-sense approach to his job.

Please join me in voting for Matthew Beck on or before Nov. 2

Tim Hale,

Borough Assembly member, Butte/Lazy Mountain district

Supporting Short for assembly

To the editor:

Join me in supporting Kristi Short for Assembly Seat 6 on the Borough Assembly. Kristi is already involved in our district. She serves on the Fishhook Community Council board – and as a former member of that board I can tell you it takes a lot of time and effort. But volunteering in your community so you know what is happening at the most basic level is what makes a good elected official.

Kristi owns a small business, Alaska Farm Tours, LLC so she understands the importance of budgeting, planning, and outreach. She also believes that property owners carry too much of the local tax burden. Diversification is important. As a supporter of the 2024 Arctic Winter Games she will help new revenues come into the Borough and put a spotlight on Hatcher Pass and Government Peak recreational opportunities.

Kristi will bring a lifetime of Alaskan experience to the Assembly. Let’s send Kristi to the Assembly so she can represent us, the property owners, not special interests.

Sara Jansen

Aspen Ridge Subdivision

Beck will be a servant leader

To the editor:

I am proud to know and vote for Matthew Beck for Borough Mayor, and so is my son, Grant. He is a first-time voter this year, and he shares my enthusiasm for Matthew Beck and the servant leadership he will bring to the Borough.

I know Matthew will always make decisions based on what’s best for the people he serves, not on politics. He is a willing listener, and he knows how to bring people together to get things done. He’s going to make a great Borough Mayor for all the residents of the Mat-Su.

Vote Matthew Beck for Mat-Su Mayor on Nov. 2.

Arthur Keyes

Glacier Valley Farm, Palmer

Do your patriotic duty

To the editor:

The notion that you have an unfettered right to refuse to be vaccinated is just wrong.

Although our constitution guarantees certain freedoms to individuals, not one comes without restrictions. You have the right to speak, but not cause a stampede in the theater, worship as you please, but not perform human sacrifice, to bear arms, but not to carry a sawed-off shotgun. You only have the right to be free from searches that are unreasonable, without probable cause. Our constitution clearly puts community, society, the nation ahead of the rights of the individual.

The Founders read and incorporated the works of Hobbs, Locke, Rousseau and Kant. These political theorists refined the idea of the “Social Contract”. They deplored the notion of an absence of political order or a “State of Nature” in which the individual owed no duty to members of society. To avoid anarchy, we all enter a sacred contract with others to establish a political community, a civil society.

All of the rights we enjoy in our republic are granted in return for acceptance of this sacred duty to respect and defend the rights of others.

The Founders embraced this duty to community and nation. Just as our nation has the power to deny us many freedoms, even conscript us to go war to defend our society, so too can society demand that we do our duty in this war against a deadly pandemic.

Do your patriotic duty. Get vaccinated to protect yourself, your community, your country.

Mark Roye,

Cordova

Beck is the best choice for borough mayor

The Mat-Su Borough mayoral election this November 2nd is an important one for all borough residents. Like you I want a bright future for the Mat-Su. One with good jobs, safe neighborhoods, affordable housing, low property taxes, great schools, abundant hunting, fishing and recreational opportunities. The decisions we make now can bring us closer to that bright future and one of the decisions we face is who we should elect to be our next mayor.

Matthew Beck stands out as the best choice for our next Mat-Su Borough Mayor. He has the experience, energy and knowledge to make sure that the Mat-Su remains a place of opportunity and freedom for all of us.

I got to see Matthew’s effective leadership first hand at Borough Assembly meetings while he served as an Assembly Member and as Deputy Mayor of the Borough. Members of my community in Willow wanted to see our local fire department better supported and we took our concerns to the Assembly. Matthew took the time to talk with us and his efforts helped bring about real improvement in public safety in our community. This is far from being an isolated case, as on numerous occasions I witnessed him work with communities towards common sense solutions on a multitude of issues.

I met Matthew 7 years ago but you don’t have to know him nearly that long to know what a great guy he is. It just takes one conversation with him to see how much he cares about his fellow borough residents and how hard he is willing to work for them.

In conclusion I cannot think of an individual who possesses more of the qualities Mat-Su residents want in a Mayor or someone who is better prepared to be the Mayor than Matthew Beck. I have no doubt that Matthew will serve in an exemplary manner as Mayor and I ask you to join me in supporting him this Nov 2nd.

Talon Boeve,

Willow

Voting for Berrigan on Nov. 2

To the editor:

Our kids are so valuable, and our schools are so valuable.

What a joy to see Lori Berrigan offer public leadership and service through the School Board (District 1).

Why the joy? Because she sees the importance of financial soundness AND keeping classroom sizes small. Because she will build and strengthen parent-community-school relationships.

Because she sees the need for fiscal transparency for public funds, and wants to build trust.

How does it get better than that?

By actually voting for her on Nov 2.

Ellen Vandevisse,

Palmer

Supporting Beck, Bailey and Boeve in upcoming election

To the editor:

As a 44-year resident of the MatSu Borough, owning property in two assembly districts, and having been on at least five different boards or committees — dealing with road and fire service areas, the waste and septage advisory board, and the fish and game advisory board. I’ve had plenty of time and interaction with many of the borough’s mayors and assembly members.

In my opinion, the current election has a terrific candidate for mayor in Matthew Beck. He demonstrated excellent skills and concern for the entire borough while he was on the assembly. I know he’s well vested personally and in business and has a good sense for what is right and how to progress forward.

Living in Wasilla, in Assembly District 3, I’ve found the past six years a nightmare with contrary, confusing, and conflicting stands and votes by our current assembly representative. This was particularly difficult because absolutely no calls that I made to him during the six years were returned. I do not like the thought of that attitude and performance continuing with his wife running to replace him.

I have met and talked with Mark Bailey, a promising young up-and-coming community- and business-oriented candidate. Mark has shown interest and initiative and enthusiasm and has listened to those who have been active on issues within the district. Mark took the time to knock on doors – and then remained available to talk about concerns of neighbors. Mark ‘has a clue’ about what’s going on now and is intent on learning about what is on the horizon. With reference to the boards, Mark is interested in and understands what it takes and will take to keep our roads in good shape and keep our fire protection and emergency services top-notch. And, more important, Mark has demonstrated he’s willing to ask questions and listen to the answers. Mark has my full support.

Last, with property in Willow I’ve had a fair amount of time to work with District 7 Assembly member and Deputy Mayor Tam Boeve. Tam has consistently been available, interested and responsive with any of the issues I’ve brought to her. If questioned with her position, Tam demonstrated to me that she thoroughly investigated the item and came to a reasonable, fair, and impartial conclusion – which was all I asked. Tam has my full support to continue the great job she’s been doing.

Dan Tucker,

Wasilla

Berrigan is a special candidate

To the editor:

We have a very special candidate running for the Ma-Su School Board for district 1. Lori Berrigan. She comes with a wealth of experience in education, as one of the founders of Birchtree Charter School, as a business owner/manager of her own childcare/preschool, and as a volunteer for Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children. But her biggest asset is her philosophy that the connection between teacher and student is what inspires a successful educational process. She understands what it takes for teachers to make this connection, and will be the best board advocate for a successful learning experience for our Mat-Su Valley students. Please vote for Lori Berrigan in the upcoming November 2 election.

Linda Sloan,

Palmer

I cannot support Jesse Sumner

To the editor:

Jesse Sumner is running for re-election to the Mat-Su Borough Assembly for District 6. While he supports economic development, less regulation, and fiscal responsibility, I cannot support him.

During his current term there was an issue that defined him for me. A man from Oregon moved into our neighborhood in District 6 and built a makeshift firing range for his commercial business of making custom built, high caliber rifles. Not only was this firing range not appropriate for a residential area, his firing lines were aimed directly towards homes in the area without adequate backstops. Understandably, our neighborhood banded together and opposed this operation.

Jesse Sumner somehow made this into a 2nd amendment issue. While I support the 2nd amendment, this issue was one of public safety, not the right to bear arms. It took 2 years and finally with the help of other Borough Assembly members and the mayor, Vern Halter, an ordinance was passed regulating commercial firing ranges in the borough. Jesse Sumner fought this ordinance at every turn. I have to feel as though if it was his home that was in a direct firing line, he would have behaved differently.

For this reason, I am supporting Kristi Short for the District 6 Assembly seat. Someone that does not have the good sense to support public safety issues does not deserve to be an elected official.

Bob Thompson,

Palmer

Voting for Short for assembly

To the editor:

As a long-time resident of the Borough, I am excited to see Kristi Short running for Assembly! Kristi’s career in both agriculture and tourism brings together two important economic drivers in our community. Her interest in making the Arctic Winter Games happen and in developing infrastructure to make the games run well is an added plus for all of us. Kristi is not a novice to local government; her service on the Fishhook Community Council will serve her well on the Assembly. She is not motivated by divisive political stances on small single issues, but rather is motivated to see that all of the citizens of the Borough can have satisfying lives through good and sustainable jobs, high quality education, plentiful recreational opportunities, and access to good health care. Vote for Kristi!

Carol Thompson,

Palmer

Support Beck for borough mayor

To the editor:

I’m writing to urge Mat-Su voters to support Matthew Beck as the next mayor of the Mat-Su borough. I know Matthew as a level-headed and even-handed guy who will carefully consider all viewpoints and run a civil meeting. Matthew is a small business owner and is very involved in our community, and his experience serving on the assembly and as deputy mayor means he can jump right into the job. He’s dedicated to securing funding for our schools and other local infrastructure, protecting local agriculture, and encouraging new business development and economic diversification in the Valley. Matthew also supports our “strong manager” form of government, which means we the taxpayers have better representation because the manager works for the seven assembly members instead of a “strong mayor.” Finally, I appreciate that Matthew is not beholden to any political party; he will work hard to help all people and communities in the Mat-Su. The election is November 2, and early voting starts October 18. Remember, your voice is your vote!

Mark Masteller,

Palmer