Mayor nixes special election

School bonds vote dealt a setback

February 7, 2006

Frontiersman staff

Mat-Su Borough Mayor Tim Anderson on Monday vetoed a special election proposed for April 25 that would have set just over $40 million in school bonds before voters. As a consequence, a public hearing set for tonight on the proposed special election will not happen.

&#8220It is my belief that the proposed special election does not rise to a level requiring a special election,” Anderson stated in a memo sent Monday to Borough Clerk Michelle McGehee. &#8220It is my opinion that bringing [the bond questions] back so soon is simply telling the voters we did not believe them last October.”

People who cast votes in October's municipal election decided against a $39.7 million bond issue that would have funded elementary schools planned for the burgeoning areas of Knik-Goose Bay and south Palmer and other renovations needed for Wasilla Middle and Wasilla High schools.

McGehee said she is researching the question of the earliest date that the assembly may take up Anderson's veto.

She was more certain about the outcome of the date slated for a proposed special election, which could still take place if the assembly chooses to override Anderson's veto in the coming weeks.

&#8220The April 25th date is gone,” she said. &#8220That's the only thing I can tell you Š and that the public hearing date for (tonight) will not happen.”