Sticking with Begich

To the editor:

I’m Sharen Rockefeller, I’m 71 years old, I live in Wasilla, and I am a retired office worker for the local hospital. I’m old enough to remember what many veterans have gone through. I remember Vietnam and every conflict since then. I want to personally thank all veterans and tell you how much we all value your service to this country and to the citizens of the United States of America. The world we are living in today would not be the same without your sacrifices. Thank you!

If you’re like me, you can’t wait for the November Senate election to be over. I’m sick of the constant telephone calls, surveys, TV ads, the incessant bickering, you name it. It’s gotten to me so much that several times in the past week I woke up thinking about it, agonizing, wondering when will this nonsense stop. I woke up this morning with the thought — “if it’s not broken, why fix it?” That’s an old saying we’ve all heard most of our lives and it’s very appropriate in today’s political environment.

Right now the residents of Alaska have the best possible situation. I’m sure you’ve heard what I’ve heard — Lisa Murkowski and Mark Begich vote together on issues 80 percent of the time — this shows bipartisanship works! They’re showing the rest of the country that working together benefits their constituents, the U.S., the residents of Alaska. It’s disappointing that Murkowski has been running from her record of working with Begich because it’s something Alaskans are proud of! We can honestly say that bipartisan politics is working right here in Alaska. Why would we want to change that?

I’m not here to bash Mark’s opponent Dan Sullivan — I’m sure he’s a nice enough guy and we all appreciate what he’s done in Washington, D.C., as well as his military service. But Dan is an “unknown” when it comes to Alaska. We don’t know the kind of job he’ll be able to do for us because only his campaign spokesman speaks to the press. Dan Sullivan is in our living rooms every night on pre-recorded commercials, but never in interviews with reporters or newspaper journalists. He also has been very hesitant to commit to debates with Mark. Why is that? I’m very concerned with what Dan Sullivan has planned if we send him to D.C., if he won’t talk to us here, why would he talk to us from there?

I hope you will join me in supporting Mark Begich for re-election to the U.S. Senate. Mark Begich has been here, raising his family, sharing our values, and standing with us. He takes our concerns seriously and will always listen to our ideas about the future of Alaska. That’s one thing that everyone seems to agree on — Mark is open and willing to talk to anyone about any issue. Even though he may disagree, he’ll take the time to listen — unlike many politicians who prefer to defer the question, or say, “I haven’t had time to look fully into this.” Mark’s open and honest with us — how many areas of the country can people say that about their elected officials!? Mark has been available to help with veteran issues around the state and has been highly successful, working for each and every one of you.

For example, he was personally responsible for pushing the Veterans Administration to contract with local health facilities in rural Alaska (something that’s never been done before) so veterans could see a healthcare provider immediately instead of travelling hours or days even to see a VA healthcare provider in one of the bigger cities. That has truly helped veterans across the state receive the care they need when they need it. Waitlists went from being an average of 900 people to almost zero! Begich also passed legislation recently that increases payment for veterans receiving disability compensation.

Again, “if it’s not broken, why fix it?” We have a true Alaskan in the Senate standing up for us every day, getting us real results. Why change that?

Sharen Rockefeller

Wasilla