Supports Gattis

I have been reading with interest the article in the Oct. 26, 2014, Frontiersman and campaign literature from Verne Rupright that states he cut the city of Wasilla’s Operating Budget by 19 percent. Rupright professes to hold the line on spending and states he would cut the budget if elected to State House. Let me enlighten you with a few facts to consider prior to heading to the polls.

I have worked with Rupright for the past four years and have challenged the city budget for the majority of my time on council. Having worked on the city budget I questioned Rupright’s assertion that he cut the operating budget by 19 percent. My husband Ted, former CFO for the city of Wasilla, and I reviewed the Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports from Rupright’s start in office to 2013 and find that the Operating Expenditures were increased by 19 percent, not decreased, as he has stated in his campaign rhetoric. What Rupright has stated is simply not true. This public information is found on the city of Wasilla website under the Finance Department, Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports.

In addition, in the past three years the city council has stopped several attempts from Rupright to legislate a permanent increase in sales tax. He has used emotional tactics, stating “the sky is falling,” to try and increase taxes in the city of Wasilla. Council had successfully said “no” to any permanent increase in the sale tax.

During our economic downturn in 2008, Rupright pushed a plan to increase water and sewer rates by more than 90 percent in a five-year period. My colleague Council Member Leone Harris and I fought this increase because we knew the hardship it would impose on our residents and businesses. Rupright got his way, remember “Promises made promises kept” yes, the increase was implemented and to this day many are paying the highest in the state for water and sewer rates.

Our Mat-Su delegation in the past two years has stated that they cannot sustain the state budget with decreased oil prices and they would be continuing to cut the state budget. Rupright repeatedly complained about not getting more money from the legislators even though he was told they had to make cuts to the budget. In contrast Rep. Lynn Gattis was realistic to the state’s fiscal situation and concentrated on funding basic infrastructure (water, sewer and roads) for Wasilla. Gattis understands we have to live within our means.

Verne has changed his tune since running for state house and it does not jive with what he has stated in the past nor his fiscal record at the City of Wasilla. My interactions with Gattis have been positive and productive. Gattis is supportive of the greater Wasilla area and the needs of our fast-growing community. My vote is for Gattis and I encourage others to do the same.

Colleen Sullivan-Leonard

Wasilla City Council member