Races for Juneau under way

With the filing deadline passed last week for candidates in state legislative races, we see a healthy slate of candidates for local races. No matter how we feel about the performance of incumbent legislators, we see the upcoming contested primary and general election races as good opportunities to make sure our representatives are indeed representing us.

As we’ve reported, District 13 is a real horse race, with three Republicans and two Democrats seeking the seat Rep. Carl Gatto (R-Palmer) hopes to retain.

But that isn’t the only race.

While appointed legislator Rep. Wes Keller (R-Wasilla) has no opposition to earn his party’s primary bid on Aug. 26, Rose Smith and David Alexander, whose candidacy has not yet been certified, both of Wasilla, are seeking the Democratic nomination in an attempt to replace Keller as the District 14 representative.

In District 15, Rep. Mark A. Neuman (R-Big Lake) will face Trapper Creek resident April Moore in the primary, with the winner squaring off in the general election on Oct. 7 against Lew Dischner, a Democrat, who lists a Palmer contact address on the Division of Elections Web site.

On the Senate side, incumbent Sen. Lyda Green (R-Wasilla) faces Linda K. Menard of Wasilla in the primary. The winning Republican will face Erick Cordero Giorgana, who lists a Palmer contact address, in the general election.

We have already seen some less-than-friendly jabs between the dueling candidates. We suspect there will be more as the weeks bring us closer to the elections. But that’s OK — it’s part of the process.

For the process to truly be successful, it is important for voters to take advantage of the opportunities granted by the candidates to tell them what’s important to them, and ask questions as to the candidates’ stances. Read the interviews, candidate profiles, campaign literature and other materials and decide for yourself which candidates will take your concerns to Juneau.

If you are enthusiastic about a candidate, lend your support in time and/or money.

And then vote.

We’re glad to see so many hats in the ring. It should make for an interesting summer and fall.