Local politics make a difference

In the maelstrom of political upheaval since the Aug. 29 announcement about Gov. Sarah Palin’s meteoric rise in national politics, it’s pretty easy to lose track of the fact that there are some pretty hot races right here in the Valley, including one for the mayor’s seat Palin once occupied.

Five men are battling to succeed Mayor Dianne M. Keller of Wasilla, who has reached her term limit. Wasilla lawns and businesses proclaim support for the candidates: Verne Rupright, Marty Metiva, Steve Menard, Greg Koskela and Michael Carson.

There’s some overlap in their stances, but the five men have varying visions on how one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation should handle its growing pains.

That’s just one of the questions that may come up when the Frontiersman hosts debates later this month so that you, the voters, can hear from candidates for the Wasilla mayor’s office, Wasilla City Council, Palmer City Council, Houston City Council, Mat-Su Borough Assembly and School Board.

The first debate, Monday, Sept. 22 at the Mid-Valley Seniors Center in Houston, begins with a 6:30-7 p.m. forum for assembly and school board seats. Only one school board seat — Seat D — is contested, with incumbent Pat Purcell facing a challenge from R. Ole Larson. There are no contested Assembly seats.

From 7 to 9 p.m., the focus will be on the often-contentious Houston City Council, which has three contested seats. Griz Smith and Virgie Thompson are vying for Seat A; appointee Paul Stout is challenged by Ruth Blanchard for Seat B; another appointee, Ralph Buzard, has two opponents, Natasha Rife and Joseph Stanistreet.

After the new council is seated, it will select a mayor from its members.

The second debate is Monday, Sept. 29, this time at the Wasilla Multi-Use Sports Complex. At 6:30 p.m., there’s a forum on the Palmer City Council, where no seats are contested, followed by the 7 to 9 p.m. debate by Wasilla mayor and council candidates.

With the five mayoral hopefuls and two contested council seats, it could be a lively evening.

Leone Harris and Gretchen O’Barr are both seeking Seat C, while Nancy R. Hall and Mary Kvalheim are jousting for Seat D.

We all know the excitement of a national race in our own backyard. But that doesn’t make the local races any less important.

The rise of Palin from Wasilla city councilwoman, to mayor to governor to vice presidential candidate proves local politics aren’t insignificant. Not only can they be building blocks for a candidate’s future, they are the foundations on which our communities are built.

Get to know your local candidates. Come hear them at the debates. Not only will some of them be shaping local policies in the coming months, there’s just no telling what their futures may hold.