Supports Cottle

To the editor:

I have personally known Bert Cottle for more than 35 years. From the time he first came to Valdez from Wasilla as young police officer, through the years in law enforcement, as Chief of Police and then as our Mayor for 10 years. I have never known a man more committed to his community.

Whether it was working hard on fundraisers for United Way; fighting for a school breakfast program for our kids; running the Easter egg hunt for more than 25 years; playing an active role in Rotary, Eagles, Elks and Advocates for Victims of Violence; or running the Safe Ride program, Bert always gave his heart, time and efforts to make his community a better place for all of us to live.

While Bert was Mayor he worked hard to promote and better our city. During his tenure our city built a new hospital and animal shelter; opened a new subdivision; moved an entire street of homes out of an avalanche zone; expanded emergency preparedness by increasing our dike system in the flood zone; and expanded the sewer system, parks and boat harbor.

He always looked toward improving the quality of life for residents. It is understandable that Bert chose to move back to Wasilla to be close to his family and the community he was born and raised in and loves. Valdez misses Bert. Bert is currently running for Wasilla Mayor. I know he will serve Wasilla with the same heart and passion that he did in Valdez.

Valdez’s loss is Wasilla’s gain. Please vote Bert Cottle for Wasilla Mayor on

Oct. 7.

Sue Sontag

Anchorage, formerly of Valdez for 61 years