Susitna Community Council draws diverse candidates

MAT-SU — Susitna Community Council’s election of regular and alternate directors to its board of directors is from 6 to 8 p.m., Nov 1, at the Upper Susitna Senior Center, Mile 98.5, Parks Highway. Absentee (mail-in) ballots may be obtained from committee members or by mail at HC 89 Box 8575, Talkeetna, AK 99676.

Following are candidate statements.

Vonda Bakers

“I have lived in the Upper Susitna area for more than 14 years. I have served on the Susitna Community Council for more than a year now and have taken the role of secretary and treasurer. I would like to opportunity to continue my service to the council for my community.”

Mark Stahl

“My wife, Sandy, and I with our five kids have lived in this area for more than five years and have enjoyed living in the Upper Susitna Valley while establishing and operating a successful wood products business here. Having first moved to Southcentral in early 1990, I have seen enormous changes in our quality of life brought about by an increase in population along with the decline in the diversity of our economic base. As our statewide and local economies recover from the recession, and should one or more of the proposed large projects commence, we will see increased growth. I want to see that our area receive maximum benefit and opportunity possible while maintaining the rural quality of life we live here for.”

Trevor Walter

“I grew up in Sheridan, Mont., a small town of 800 people, where for more than 130 years my family has owned a grocery and hardware store. Not wanting to work in retail, I started a marketing firm serving U.S.-based industrial, component and environmental manufacturers. For the last 16 years, my work has taken me all over the country, spending thousands of hours in boardrooms, meetings and conferences. So, in 2011, my wife and

“I decided it was time to move to Alaska, buy some land, build a cabin, slow down a bit and get involved with our community.”

Justin Koles

“I am currently a Susitna Community Council board member serving the community since 2010. This year I would like to run for alternate board member. I want to continue to serve and be aware of the issues that come up. Also, I would like to assure that everyone is represented. I am the owner of G.I. Jane store.”

Bill Stearns

“The current members of the Susitna Community Council have done a commendable job this past year dealing with issues in Sunshine, Caswell and the adjacent areas, as well as planning and initiating new programs and ideas. The past year I have served as alternate having only missed two meetings. I have been proud to be associated with a council that is well-run as well as responsive to the community it serves.”

Gary Peters

“If selected, Gary Peters would use his talents on the Susitna Community Council. Gary and Linda Peters have called the Sunshine “Y” home for 15 years. As a small businessman, Gary travels extensively throughout Alaska and serves on numerous boards and committees.

“As president of Birchwood Shooting Park for seven years, he’s developed one of the largest and most successful shooting clubs in the U.S. As a chapter officer of APCO, Gary brought the first ever Regional Conference to Alaska in 2012.

“As for his community, Gary seeks a balance between opportunity and the quiet life and friends he treasures.”