Welcoming change

There's been a substantial change in the borough building. Earlier this month, Matanuska-Susitna Borough voters elected a whole new slate to represent them at the borough assembly.

The election results brought about far more than just a few new faces in the assembly. They may also bring about substantial changes in the way government business is done in the borough.

Mayor Tim Anderson was elected earlier this month after promising voters more openness in the borough building. New assembly members Talis Colberg, Jim Colver and Kelly Lankford Ladere were voted in after promising change, as well.

Each member, including the mayor, is much more open - in varying degrees - to ideas about the need for planning in the core area. They are also strong advocates of public education. They join three others on the assembly who share their ideals.

The Frontiersman welcomes this change as an important step in our community's efforts to accommodate the tremendous social changes which have come to Mat-Su.

At the same time, it's important to remember that only 22 percent of registered borough voters bothered to vote. In other words, the wishes of a very small number of people are being represented in the borough assembly.

It could be said that the majority of borough residents just don't care, but we've seen in the past what happens when otherwise apathetic residents feel their rights - particularly property rights - are being infringed upon.

We've seen important decisions swept aside by people who take advantage of others who choose not to keep themselves informed.

Hopefully, the borough's new leaders won't lose sight of their promise for open government, because that's what it will take to keep accurate information about their doings flowing into the community - and prevent the mobs from taking charge again.

Particularly when it comes to something as critical as the future of our community.

We would also like tosay goodbye to former borough manager Mike Scott, who was instrumental in bringing in millions of state and federal dollars for Port MacKenzie, the Hatcher Pass development project and new schools. Scott was at the helm when bond rating companies upgraded the borough's bond rating, saving taxpayers millions of dollars in the process. We wish Mr. Scott good luck in his future endeavors.

Editorials are written by the Frontiersman's editorial board, consisting of Kari Sleight, Tracy Wilson, Eowyn LeMay Ivey, Casey Ressler, Eric Burkett, Rindi White, Jo Goode , Gene Jansen and Tataboline Brant.