SPECTRUM: Vote ‘yes’ on Proposition B-4 Mat-Su Recreation Bond

This fall election season is all about choices we as residents of Alaska and the United States want for our future. The decisions we make should not be taken lightly by any means. From electing our next leaders for the nation down to our local borough, these elections will mark a new direction for all of us.

As I sit here writing this piece, the clouds are scudding across the skyline as a new weather pattern settles in. I think about how fortunate we are here in the Mat-Su Borough to enjoy the recreational opportunities that we do. There is a myriad of trails for all users across the borough to hike, ski, ride or mush on; pools to exercise, and teach our kids how to swim; and ice rinks to carve the elusive figure eight, or score a goal. There are community groups and volunteers across this borough that are committed to ensuring everyone has the opportunity to access and enjoy these resources. The Borough and in turn we as residents have invested in developing the recreation resource assets we have. However, now is the time to be looking forward to maintaining, sustaining, and developing new recreational opportunities that will support and improve the lives of our ever growing region.

I get asked whether all of the trail projects will get completed. My first answer is I certainly hope so as there are many community groups that have been involved in this process. But the reality is there are many hurdles to cross before each

project is ready to launch. It is important to note that while the total bond is for just over $22 million, that won’t impact our taxes all at once. Only when projects are ready to proceed will the Borough proceed with bonding on that project.

So right now, if all of the projects were bonded at once, it is estimated that the average household would pay just $3.83 more per month, or the price of a coffee and a donut, to complete all of the projects. The reality is that these will be

phased in over many years, so we will see smaller incremental increases which we can absorb over time.

So, whether you are taking your children to the pool to learn a necessary life skill of swimming, hiking a trail in summer, or taking the family for an ATV excursion we are all tied to these recreational assets throughout the borough in one form

or another. Many maintenance projects have been deferred over the years for our community’s recreation assets. Our trails, parks, pools and ice rinks have all needed important upgrades to sustain them for another decade or more.

On Oct. 4, you will have the opportunity to help change that path. The Mat Su Trails and Parks Foundation urges you to Vote Yes on Proposition B 4. Your vote of support shows the leadership and courage needed to tackle this challenge head on today to ensure these valuable recreation opportunities are available for current residents and those

that move to this amazing place we call home for at least another decade.

Please Vote YES to ensure over 40 miles of improved and new trails will be developed serving multiple user groups and our recreational facilities and parks get the much needed attention they deserve.

Your vote will continue to shape and impact our quality of life here in the Mat Su Borough. Thank you for supporting Proposition B 4.

Stuart R Leidner, Executive Director, Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation