Supports Colligan for assembly

To the editor:

My wife, Rose, and I have known Steve Colligan for more than 20 years, first as a client of my fishing charter business and secondly as a longtime friend and personal fishing partner.

I got a taste of his integrity while we were fishing with a young family member whom he was mentoring. The young family member forgot his king tag in the car, but did not say anything until he landed about a 50-pounder. Steve fully supported me when I told the youngster he had to turn it loose. Steve was not angry that we had to go back to Talkeetna to get a tag, his concern was that the youngster learn that he had to obey the rules, that there were consequences to be paid if he didn’t and that the protection of Alaska’s natural resources are preserved.

Steve continues to mentor and serve. For the last five years he has served on the board of directors for the outdoor group Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife and the past three years as a board member of the Alaska Chapter of Safari Club International. These organizations have been at the forefront of conservation as well as helping wounded warriors recover from their wounds and helping them adjust to life. He has managed to do so while also developing a successful business, all the while staying very active in the political realm.

In addition, Steve takes a very active interest in his family and tries to expose them to situations that will show them the reality of what it takes to make their community worthwhile. He and his wife take the time to bring their young daughters to political functions and it is a pleasure to talk with them. They have been taught to respect nature and are very at home in the outdoors. This family knows the work that is needed for a community to advance, they are the type of Alaskans we need now and in the future.

I met Steve while he was working at the Mat-Su Borough as a manager of a team of people who were setting up their new computer mapping system. Shortly thereafter he ventured out on his own creating a private computer mapping system and software company that uses the leading edge of technology to meet the needs of his clients. It continues to be a very successful business.

Whether you are concerned over our natural resources, the political system, the business atmosphere or some other public concern, Steve is the type of man needed to lead our borough during the trying years ahead. He has a unique skill set of business experience, political knowledge and concern for people that will serve us all well.

Bruce and Rose Knowles

Willow