Local reaction to Kohring arrest unfavorable

May 13, 2007

Frontiersman staff

WASILLA - Reaction has been swift and unequivocal from Mat-Su residents about what should be next for Wasilla Rep. Vic Kohring.

The seven-term Republican, a popular and seemingly invincible legislator for much of the 12-plus years he has held state-level elected office, Kohring was arrested May 4 on charges of bribery, extortion and conspiracy as part of a federal investigation into Capitol corruption.

Kohring maintains his innocence and has stated his intention to finish out his term. But some of those he represents aren't sure that's the best course of action.

Outside the Wasilla post office Thursday afternoon, local residents were nearly unanimous in their belief that Kohring should step down.

&#8220Get him out,” Leslie Fatrow said while on his way to check his mail.

Fatrow said he doesn't believe Kohring belongs in office, and said the sooner the legislator resigns, the better.

&#8220Kick him out of there,” Fatrow said. &#8220We don't want him.”

Cecilia Pavek agreed that Kohring should resign. She said that if the representative is too busy looking out for his own interests, then the people of Wasilla are the ones who will suffer.

&#8220What about what's best for us?” Pavek asked. &#8220How do we know he's doing what's best for us?”

A Wasilla resident since 1979, Vera Gorab said she was none to happy to hear of Kohring's indictment.

&#8220I'm very disappointed in that man,” Gorab said.

Others expressed similar feelings.

&#8220It's shiftless,” said Wasilla's Dawn Westphale. &#8220Get him out.”

Most area residents said that, if true, the allegations against Kohring are simply too bad to ignore.

&#8220If he did what they say he did, it's pretty disgusting,” said Steve Short.

Wasilla's John Phillips said the best way for Kohring to handle the situation would be to step aside quietly and gracefully.

&#8220I think he ought to politely resign,” Phillips said.

Phillips said he has not been a Kohring supporter in past elections, but always respected the Wasilla legislator.

&#8220Even though I don't agree with his politics, it did come as a surprise,” Phillips said.

The worst part of the whole affair, Phillips said, is Kohring has further tarnished the image of the state's politicians.

&#8220When this sort of stuff happens, it gives a black eye to the ones that are doing good,” he said.

Phillips said he believes Kohring can help to heal the wounds his alleged actions have caused by leaving office.

&#8220I like the man. I wish all the best for him. But I think he should bow out gracefully.”

Like Phillips, constituent Pam Smith said she didn't vote for Kohring. But her reasons for thinking the seven-term lawmaker &#8220most definitely” should resign had nothing to do with personal politics.

&#8220We need honest, trustworthy people representing us as a whole,” she said. &#8220That's what I expect when I vote someone into office.”

Young voter Dan Luther, 19, questioned Kohring's fitness for office, based on the allegation that he had a credit card debt in collection.

&#8220If he doesn't know what to do with his own money, what's he going to do with ours?”

Vicki Hand, whose son works for VECO Corp., the oilfield services company whose top executives pleaded guilty to bribery, extortion and tax fraud in the case, said she is &#8220very disappointed” in Kohring.

&#8220I don't think he will be respected too much, and it sounds like he is guilty,” Hand said.

Some local elected officials shared the general sentiment.

School board member Sarah Welton said she isn't sure Kohring should resign so close to the end of the legislative session, but ultimately thinks Kohring's career should be over.

&#8220It's difficult to say, but any time a cloud occurs over your head, you're less effective,” Welton said. &#8220For him to resign right now, and someone to step in at the end of session, that might not be the best thing. But certainly, he can't be effective anymore, especially with the information that's coming out now in the press.”

Valley business owner Cheryl Turner, also a member of the school board, agreed.

&#8220I'm not supportive of the things he's done, if they turn out to be true, and it sounds like they will be,” she said. &#8220I think they get too cozy down there in Juneau like nobody's watching. We'd be fools if we don't stand up to them and demand that the people representing us be truthful.”

But Turner cautioned against rushing to judgment.

&#8220I've supported Vic for years. I've thought him a good representative. So I think it's important to wait to pass judgment until all the evidence comes out,” she said. &#8220But I still think resigning might be a good idea.

Wasilla City Council member Marty Metiva, who described himself as a moderate Republican, said resignation is probably best for Kohring.

&#8220I think the proper thing to do would be to step down, for two reasons,” Metiva said. &#8220For him personally, he can better defend himself. He's innocent until proven guilty, but it's the perception. I think (resigning) is the wisest thing to do.”

Wasilla Mayor Dianne M. Keller said she has worked with Kohring over the years on city business when she travels to Juneau to lobby for Wasilla issues. She disagreed that the lawmaker should resign.

&#8220I'm glad we live in the United States of America, where each individual is entitled to due process,” Keller said. &#8220I think his peers in the Legislature should make the determination (about his future).”

Borough Assembly member Michelle Church was less diplomatic. She said the unfolding scandal is evidence that the state has been hurt by the presence of Kohring and the others in the Legislature.

&#8220He ran on being a hard-working, honest conservative. The hypocrisy is so great here,” she said. &#8220He should do himself and the state a favor and step down and apologize.”