MEA GM supports borough bonds

To the editor:

Yes, for kids and jobs!

As a major long-term private sector investor in the Mat-Su Valley, we at Matanuska Electric Association know the value of our public schools and transportation infrastructure. We are a high-tech business and the education of our workforce is crucial to us as it ensures the workforce of the future. We need to get to our facilities to keep the lights on. Further, the costly infrastructure we build and operate must have an economy that is growing to fund it. Quality education ensures the viability of the economy.

Our future is growth. We must grow and diversify our economy to continue the job market in the Valley. The bonds coming before the electorate facilitate the continued growth of our high quality schools. Of more immediate import, the infusion of capital into the economy by virtue of these bonds will help maintain our workforce. And, the time is right to take on debt as interest rates are the lowest I have ever seen (and I am old enough to say that with alacrity).

Private sector expansion will help spread the future debt service obligation, not just on the current homeowners, but to those who choose to live and work here for the job opportunities and good schools. The school bonds are a long-term investment. It matches excellent facilities with an excellent public school district.

Similarly, the road bond proposition is consistent with the aforementioned Valley growth concept. The proposed road projects will lead toward greater private sector investment and facilitate growth in the economy. When families have good jobs, many community challenges shrink substantially.

Most importantly, local taxpayers will pay only a fraction of such economic stimulation. A large portion of the bonds will be funded by the state.

Please vote yes for the bonds on Oct. 4.

Joe Griffith

General Manager

Matanuska Electric Association