Public Service or Self Service

Wasilla Public Service or Wasilla Self Service

I am clarifying to the public why I have called two executive sessions recently.

When someone chooses to serve in an elected office, they need to understand that means serving the people first and not themselves. To be effective, you have to earn the public’s trust and put the public’s interest first, ahead of your own.

A significant part of that trust involves integrity, dignity, and respect for the office held. To maintain that trust for all of our elected city officials, I have heard and seen reprehensible behavior that needs to be addressed, and those involved need to be held accountable. I am in disbelief that when disgraceful behavior on the part of our city officials is brought to light, a tight knit group seems to rally together to thwart any attempt to address it.

Any one in public office who is truly interested in putting the people first, should want to know the facts to see if at least if there are any grounds for further inquiry. From actions of certain members, it would seem that they know exactly what happened and are just as deficient as character for wanting to stop any attempt to hold those people accountable. There is no room, no place for vulgarity, threats, libel and defamation from elected officials.

Integrity, character is pivotal in public trust and leadership. I will continue to serve the public in the best way I know how while using the public process. It is my belief and value sysem, that when I may come across unethical people, I still treat them in an ethical way.

Our city code has the excecutive session to treat people ethically, I chose to use that process. I am disappointed in our Council, for we have a lot of city business to do for the citizens of Wasilla. The city of Wasilla's elected officials need to move toward working together with goodwill, serving the public not ourselves.

I also do not want "guilt by association" and therefore take the appropiate action. I will make mistakes, but I will always strive to do what is right regardless of the consequenses. I will continue to serve the public as a priviledged public servant, stemming the tide for higher standards and integrity in myself and other elected officials.

Wasilla Council Member

Taffina Katkus