Rosemary is for remembrance

When I told a young lady I was a candidate for Mat-Su Borough Mayor, she said, "That's a tough job, and you're a tough lady!" Yes, I'm a tough Alaskan chick, and I'm ready for this challenge.

I've had lots of adventures and experiences living and working in four states — Texas, California, Hawaii, and Alaska — and I've traveled throughout most of the other states. And now I want to give back. My education and media experiences are a marvelous background for serving as mayor. In effect, I can be a cheerleader for the Mat-Su Borough. I'm, also, a big supporter of our American democratic system, and now I'm grateful to be a part of it. It's time for me to give back.

I'm a big supporter of our Alaska-grown products, our public transit systems, our libraries, our year-round tourism, the Smoke-Free Alaska program and our wonderful way of life here in the most beautiful part of the most beautiful state. I'm optimistic about our economic outlook. I want to help shape our future — for the next 50 and the next 100 years.

I have lived in Alaska almost 30 years, and in the Valley just over four years. I love living here and I want to give back to express my appreciation — by serving as mayor of the borough.

Every flower and herb has a special meaning. The herb rosemary is said to be for remembrance. I like that meaning for my name.

I want this campaign to be the best campaign the people of the borough have ever experienced. I'm looking forward to meeting and talking with more people. It's going to be a wonderful two-month campaign. It's going to be fun! As the owl would say, "Life's a hoot!"

I remember growing up on a farm in Texas thinking, "When I grow up, I want to travel and have a life of adventures and all kinds of experiences."

As I became an adult, life happened that way without my actually planning it. My educational experiences and media work propelled me to a variety of adventures. And now it's time to give back. The best way I see to do that is to run for mayor of the Mat-Su Borough.

Everyone who has read Danielle Steel's newest book “Country,” will understand the phrase “carpe diem” — seize the opportunity. That's exactly what I'm doing. I'm seizing this opportunity to be a cheerleader for the Mat-Su Borough.

Remember the name Rosemary on Election Day, Oct. 6.

Rosemary Vavrin lives in Wasilla and is running for election as Mat-Su Borough Mayor.