Letters to the editor

July 20, 2007

A ‘sweetheart' deal?

I attended the Mat-Su Valley Borough Assembly meeting on Tuesday. There was standing room only because a decision on a new electric utility ordinance was expected.

This ordinance came about mainly because suspicious behavior on the part of Matanuska Electric Association caused constituents of the Borough great concern. In response to public outcry, and because no law exists governing these concerns, the ordinance was proposed. After courageously and wisely proposing the ordinance, the assembly failed to act on this urgent issue.

Instead, in apparent response to pressures and allegations from Usibelli Coal and MEA, the assembly failed to make a decision.

My main complaint is not with the assembly, it is instead directed squarely at assemblyman Bill Allen, who made every possible show, by word and deed, of having a sweetheart deal with Usibelli Coal. He repeatedly requested to have Usibelli Coal represented at the next special closed meeting to act as &#8220advisor” to the assembly on how to vote on this issue.

The residents of the Borough deserve better, and I call for his immediate removal or censure! Assemblyman Allen must understand his role is not to work for Usibelli Coal or special interests, but to serve the constituents of the Borough who voted for just and fair representation!

Rita Campbell

Wasilla

Words of fear

I have read Linus Mathis and Toni Truesdell's articles regarding the vegetarian issues.

Mathis certainly has his own belief system, biblical interpretation and I suppose congregational followers; however, what I read in his letter is fear. What does he have to fear? I guess he fears others with different opinions - fears of Eastern religions, Darwin theories, people who eat bean sprouts, vegetarians, health professionals who warn of the physical dangers of cholesterol, saturated fat and animal protein, and Toni Truesdell's perspective.

Mathis labels his namecalling tongue-in-cheek. I guess it depends upon whom Mathis directs his &#8220tongue-in-cheek” name-calling to determine if it is humorous. I did, however, find it humorous when he backtracks and tried to portray his use of the word &#8220fanatic” a s a good thing.

Mr. Mathis states that God did not make animals as companions. I can appreciate Mr. Mathis's love for his malamutes. He states they get the best food and medical care his money can buy and &#8220they are a big part of my heart.” My question to Mr. Mathis is have you ever considered eating them? Oh - I guess it is humans that determine which thinking, feeling beings are companions and which are dinner.

Thank you, Toni Truesdell, for your logical, compassionate, free from name-calling point of view. It makes us all look at our food choices differently. We need more people in the world like you!

Peggy Robinson

Wasilla