Warren Keogh, man of common sense

First off, let me state here that the following is my own opinion, and not the Frontiersman’s. Nor is anyone paying me to write this — this is my opinion. Now then, shall we begin?

With all the ads on TV and the radio touting the good and the bad between Dan Sullivan and Mark Begich other election races and issues have been overlooked as those two go at it. One such race is for State Senate Seat E. A quiet and yet very important one for Alaska and the Valley.

The incumbent is Mike Dunleavy (R) verses Warren Keogh (I). Well now Mike is going to have his hands full this election. Good, because I’m throwing my two cents in with Warren. I rarely publicly endorse anyone. But Warren Keogh has qualities we desperately need today — common sense and tenacity.

These things are sorely lacking in government on all levels. Far from common sense, I’d say “clown” describes many of our present cast of characters. You have seen it as have I in far too many races over the years from both sides of the aisle. A shot of common sense would be a welcome breath of fresh air.

Warren has that in spades. It came to light in my case during those times when he was with the Mat-Su Borough Assembly. I had been writing articles for the Frontiersman for about two years and I just started doing the Tuesday morning radio show with KVRF back then. So

That was about the same time Warren was taking on borough Mayor Larry DeVilbiss and some his associates during assembly meetings for their actions. He called them out more than a few times. His lone stance against the mayor and his buddies; who were so full of themselves playing more than a little fast and loose with rules, regulations and even the law made the headlines. That made an impression on me.

It was during that time we first met at Vagabond Blues over some hot coffee. Warren spotted me right off as I was talking to a couple who turned out to be fans of my writing. (I think it was my trademark hat.) They knew him as well and introduced us. I told him that he made quite the impression on me standing up to the Assembly. He chuckled at that. We hit it off right at the get go.

Warren told me he was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam war. Later I would find out from him that his family has served in the U.S. Army since the Civil War. Being an Army guy myself, well that hit a warm fuzzy spot for me, too.

A man of mellow disposition and good humor, he is very approachable and a very good listener. Warren is an average guy who looks nothing like a politician. You know, the kind with perfect hair and a tailored suit with the too white, cheesy used car salesman smile.

Warren is nothing like that. He’s more like that neighbor who will help one out of a jam shoveling snow in the winter. Guess who shows up with the snowblower and real grin.

His family’s long history of military service told me a lot. People from such long-term histories are usually very committed to serving others. His stance against those in the borough assembly told me more. He isn’t afraid of speaking out or taking a stand even when that means he stands alone.

As for service he carried on that family tradition of service after moving to this state in 1973. Working in the Anchorage Fire Department, plus doing time with the Fish and Wildlife service. Retiring from both. There is a lot more but I feel that makes the case for his commitment to the people of Alaska. A visit to his website will tell you much more than I can here.

Warren is running as an independent and he is no fan of the partisan politics that have gummed up the works on all levels of government — local, state and national. Since that first encounter we have had more than a few conversations at the coffee shop or the street corner, I have come to the conclusion the he is genuinely honest in serving Alaskans. And when it comes to this latest challenge of serving the people in Senate District E. A huge hunk of the map to includes not only Wasilla and Palmer. But towns like Talkeetna, Sutton, Glennallen, Valdez and Whittier. That is a challenge and a half. You know what? I believe Warren is up to it.

Many have been saying we need to find new blood to occupy elected positions on all levels of government. Well Warren Keogh fits that bill perfectly. He is someone I trust to do the job. And I don’t say that often when it comes to the arena of politics. So come Aug. 19 I will cast my vote for Warren Keogh for State Senate Seat E.

For more information, about Warren Keogh visit his website at keoghforsenate.com. Do the research and please by all means vote. It is your right, but it only works if you use it.

Wasilla resident Daniel D. Grota retired from the U.S. Army after more than 21 years of service.