'Your Voice Matters'

Do you wish you had more say in the decisions that affect our community here in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough and the cities of Wasilla, Palmer, and Houston? Well, there's good news: you can get involved and make a real difference, even if you're not an elected official. One of the best ways is through citizen advisory groups, and we have a lot of active ones right here in our area.

Citizen advisory groups come in many forms, including committees, boards, commissions, and community councils. These groups consist of regular people like you and me who volunteer their time to help shape local policies and decisions. They act as a bridge between the community and the government.

Let's look at some recent examples from our own backyard. The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Planning Commission has been in the news lately for its role in reviewing and making recommendations on big development projects. For instance, they recently held public hearings on the Skeetawk ski area expansion. This project, which aims to add new ski runs and lifts to the popular local ski area, has sparked debates about land use, environmental impact, and economic development.

The main job of these groups is to provide advice and recommendations to elected officials and government agencies on specific issues. For example, the Mat-Su Borough Fish and Wildlife Commission advises the Borough Assembly on issues related to fish, wildlife, and habitat. They've discussed everything from salmon habitat protection to bear-human conflicts, bringing valuable local knowledge to these complex issues. The EMS Advisory Board makes suggestions about ambulance service. Many communities have Service Area Boards for the local fire department and road maintenance. These groups don't have the power to make final decisions, but their input carries a lot of weight. Elected officials often rely heavily on the recommendations of advisory groups when making decisions.

Citizen advisory groups cover a wide range of topics. Mat-Su Borough has advisory boards for agriculture, aviation, historical preservation, recreation, and more. The cities also have groups specific to their needs. This means that no matter what you're passionate about, there's likely a group where you can put that passion to work for our community.

Even if you don't have the time to join a group, knowing about these groups can be helpful. When you have a concern or an idea for improving our community, you can reach out to the relevant advisory group. They are often more accessible than elected officials and may be able to help amplify your voice.

Members of advisory groups are appointed by elected officials. Typically, a mayor reviews applications and recommends an appointment. These appointments then go before the city council or Borough assembly for confirmation. At the State of Alaska, the Governor’s office appoints most seats without legislative approval but there are some that require confirmation.

One of the key strengths of citizen advisory groups is their ability to dive deep into specific issues. While elected officials have to juggle many different concerns, advisory group members have a narrow focus. This allows them to come up with creative solutions that might not be clear at first glance. For example, the Mat-Su Borough's Solid Waste Advisory Committee has worked tirelessly on long-term plans for waste management. Exploring options for extending the life of landfills and increasing recycling efforts needs expert knowledge. This kind of in-depth work can be invaluable for local governments, especially those with limited staff resources.

The next time you're frustrated with a local issue or have an idea for improving the Mat-Su Borough or Wasilla, remember that citizen advisory groups exist. They're a powerful tool for making your voice heard and shaping the place we call home. Whether you decide to join one yourself or simply reach out to an existing group, you have more power to affect change than you might think. Our community is your community, and we need your input – don't be intimidated about getting involved!

Interested in finding what boards and commissions have vacancies? Call your city or the borough clerks' office to find out.

Christian M. Hartley is a 40-year Alaskan resident with over 25 years of public safety experience and public service. He runs a freelance business, Big Lake Writer, from home in Big Lake that he shares with his wife of 19 years and their three teenage sons.