Menard new mayor

Former state representative takes decided victory in borough race

October 4, 2006

By Michael Rovito/Frontiersman

PALMER - Local dentist and former state legislator Curt Menard will take over the position of Mat-Su Borough mayor after being voted into office by a large margin Tuesday evening.

Unofficial election results show Menard with 6,224 of the votes to Charlie Fannon's 2,638. Jody Simpson followed closely behind Fannon - garnering 1,638 votes - with Bruce Walden and David Straub receiving 312 and 166 votes, respectively.

Tuesday's winner became apparent after nearly half the precincts had reported, with Menard consistently besting Fannon by as many as 100 votes in some precincts. As voting wound down and Menard's win became apparent, a party at the Colony Inn, next door to the borough building, was in full swing.

Owner Janet Kincaid, who was covered in Menard campaign buttons, touted the dedication of campaign volunteers and sign wavers, who said they were praying the race would not come down to a run-off - which only occurs in the mayoral race if a candidate does not get more than 40 percent of the vote.

That run-off wasn't necessary Tuesday, after Menard took about 52 percent of the vote.

&#8220I'm very excited and very thankful,” Menard said after he arrived at his party to loud applause. &#8220I thank God for my strength and my community.”

When asked if he thought his win had anything to do with an eleventh-hour controversy that involved Fannon using an old, unauthorized endorsement from gubernatorial candidate and former Wasilla mayor Sarah Palin, who recorded the radio advertisement for Fannon's previous attempt at mayor, Menard did not comment.

&#8220We won the race,” he said. &#8220I don't want to second guess that.”

Across the room, embracing campaign workers and friends, Menard's wife Linda was in a jubilant mood.

&#8220I feel very appreciative of the community,” she said.

The current borough school board member said she is in talks with legal counsel to determine if there are any conflicts of interest now that her husband is the mayor-elect, something mayoral candidate David Straub grilled Menard on during a recent Frontiersman debate.

&#8220I would love to stay until the end of my term,” Menard said, adding that she did not want to leave the board in the middle of an ongoing superintendent search.

Turning their attention back to the party, both Menards stood in front of a large cake topped with a picture of Curt Menard walking in front of the borough building.

Menard toasted the crowd, saying he was getting emotional, and praised what he called his dream team of campaign volunteers.

Outgoing mayor Tim Anderson, who said he was a Menard supporter all along, said he has full confidence in the new mayor.

&#8220I'm feeling really good about it,” Anderson said. &#8220Out of the five candidates, I think he is the only one who could continue doing what we've been doing.”

Menard's first order of business, he said, is to meet with his staff and other departments in the borough to set policies and familiarize himself with his new co-workers. He added that he has full confidence in the voters to fill the District 3, District 6 and District 7 seats.

&#8220I'll work with whomever the community chooses,” Menard said.

Contact Michael Rovito at 352-2252 or michael.rovito@frontiersman.com.