Picks Chesbro

To the editor:

Let’s finally term-limit Rep. Bill Stoltze — legislative employee for 32 years. Mr. Stoltze is running against Pat Chesbro in Senate District F — the horseshoe-shaped expanse that emerged from redistricting that runs from Chugiak to Palmer and around the arm through Fairview Loop.

You might be interested in the differences between the two candidates. Pat Chesbro actually lives in the Mat-Su Valley, not the Municipality of Anchorage, and she has been helping to improve life in her community for decades — as an educator (teacher, principal, superintendent of schools, and college dean), a volunteer and board member at many local nonprofits, and a high-school sports scorekeeper and prom monitor. Pat and Jim Chesboro raised six children in the Valley and are counting the grandkids.

Pat’s opponent, meanwhile, has stayed at the Legislature for more than 30 years, first as a staffer and then as a representative. He hasn’t experienced much else or had any other serious employment. He resides in the Municipality of Anchorage, not the Mat-Su, and maintains close ties to Anchorage political interests. He supported amending the state constitution to give public money to private and religious schools, approved of the no-bid contract for new luxury legislative offices in downtown Anchorage, and voted to have legislators decide when Medicaid abortions might be necessary, rather than keeping it a medical matter.

Get more information before you vote. Check out the candidates’ websites. Let’s retire Bill Stoltze and elect Pat Chesbro to represent Senate District F. She’s from here.

Judith Meidinger

Wasilla