Prepare for the polls …

Frontiersman editorial board

It's been two and a half weeks since shock waves ran through the nation after terrorists launched a sophisticated and unexpected attack on our nation's largest city, the command center for military operations and another unidentified target.

In that time, Americans have banded together and portrayed a spontaneous spirit of unity and patriotism that few have seen before. Flags are waving on vehicles everywhere you drive. Windows are filled with flags printed on newsprint and those who own the real thing display it with gusto from homes, businesses and wherever else seems appropriate.

Now, as the local election season draws to an end, it's time to take that patriotism to the polls and show local governments that we value our freedoms -- especially the freedom to voice our preference for representation. And since local governments control the day-to-day issues that affect our lives, it's even more important to make that choice in local elections.

In Tuesday's municipal election, 29 candidates are vying for a total of 15 seats. A flock of 11 candidates is running for five seats on the council in Houston; three candidates are running for two seats on the Wasilla city council; two candidates are running for Palmer mayor; four are running for the two seats on the Palmer City Council; four candidates are running for three seats on the Mat-Su Borough School Board; and five candidates are running for two seats on the Mat-Su Borough Assembly.

In addition to the candidate races, all borough residents will be asked to vote on a 2-percent borough-wide sales tax measure.

Candidates in each of the races were presented with the opportunity to respond to two questions related to their race, and their responses begin on Page A11. We hope you take time to review the candidates' responses and, what's more, we hope you find them helpful to you in your decision to cast a vote.

Polls are currently open in certain places -- the Cottonwood Creek Mall in Wasilla will be open for early voting until Saturday. Voting booths there are open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. today and will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. tomorrow. Voters can also cast early ballots at the Mat-Su Borough Building in Palmer until Oct. 1. That building is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Regular polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday. For information about your proper polling place, contact the Mat-Su Borough Clerk's office at 745-9683.

In the timeless words of Thomas Jefferson, "[It is] by their votes the people exercise their sovereignty."