Peek at the Past

Here’s what made the news 13 years ago, from the March 5, 1999, edition of the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman:

IBEW, MEA strike goes on

With the IBEW strike against Matanuska Electric Association about to enter its third month, and legal actions and complaints flying between the union and the utility, even casual observers may suspect there’s more going on than just a pay dispute.

A group calling itself “Rewire the Board” is gathering signatures in an effort to recall the entire board of directors. A former board member has filed a lawsuit to stop MEA from spending any more money trying to take over Chugach Electric Association. He also wants an accounting of the funds already spent and to make board members personally responsible for reimbursing MEA customers for the hundreds of thousands of dollars expended so far. MEA has filed a lawsuit against IBEW Local 1547, asking for the strike by five information services workers to be declared illegal. The IBEW responded by calling MEA’s case “a frivolous lawsuit” and asked that the union be awarded damages.

Lake plans pass muster

Most of the 73 people who spoke to the Mat-Su Borough Assembly regarding a proposed ordinance to put 19 local lake-management plans into effect owned property on or near one of those lakes. They used their allotted three minutes at the assembly meeting to say they now want power to enforce quiet hours and other regulations on the lakes near their homes.

People who want to use Mat-Su lakes for waterskiing and personal watercraft also spoke, saying the ordinance would be an ominous first step toward ending public access to the lakes for anyone who doesn’t own lakefront land.

Mayor wants pay cut

Wasilla City Council members are expected to finally decide what to do with the mayor’s $68,000 salary. By law, a salary for the position must be set at least 60 days before the next city election. The council has twice postponed voting on the matter. The mayor’s wage was increased from $64,000 to $68,000 in 1996, just before Sarah Palin was elected. Palin said she requested the council lower her pay, then found herself accused of trying to avoid being put in a higher tax bracket.

It cost what?

According to advertisements, in 1999 you could:

• Purchase a three-bedroom, two-bath home for $126,700.

• Rent a two-bedroom apartment with all utilities included for $650.

• Take a seven-day Carnival Cruise for $599.