Wasilla councilman makes statement before leaving office

WASILLA — Former councilman Steve Menard left office Monday night with an apology to city residents and to a round of applause for his service.

Saying he “bleeds Warrior red,” Menard was allowed to make a statement at the beginning of Monday’s regular Wasilla City Council meeting before his last official act as an elected official. That act was to vote “yes” to certify last week’s special election that recalled the two-time councilman.

“Once again, I apologize to everybody who had to go through this whole process,” Menard said. “Hopefully, we’re a better council and a better city coming out the end.”

Last week, city residents voted 279-112 to recall Menard, a move sparked by his behavior while attending Alaska Municipal League meetings in Sitka. The city had to pick up a $350 cleaning bill before Menard was allowed to check out of his hotel. He repaid those charges and the entire $1,404 the city paid for his trip.

That wasn’t enough for Valley-based Conservative Patriots Group, which spearheaded the successful recall, a first for a Wasilla elected official. Monday’s council vote to certify the election was unanimous.

After the vote, Menard — sporting a sharp argyle sweater, Warrior red tie and black-and-white houndstooth hat — left his council seat and shook hands with the rest of the council. He said while disappointed with the recall election, he respects the process.

Menard also said he’s concerned that his personal conduct doesn’t tarnish a family legacy of public service. His mother is state Sen. Linda Menard and his late father, Curtis D. Menard, was a state legislator and borough mayor. The city’s sports facility is named for his father and its ice arena bears the name of Menard’s older brother.

“I hope we’re not defined by one act,” he said. “It would be a shame if all I’m remembered for is my situation and my recall. More importantly is, I hope it doesn’t reflect on my parents and their contributions to the city.”

In the end, Menard said that since the August 2011 incident he’s been six months sober and is working to change his life for the better.

“We’re all sinners in the eyes of the Lord, and I just came up short,” he said.

Contact reporter Greg Johnson at greg.johnson@frontiersman.com or 352-2269.