The People's Paper September 2014

MAKE A SCENe

presents

The People’s Paper MATANUSKA VALLEY, ALASKA

FREE

Feeling the Snow Bug? Picture Perfect: Our Stay-cation Getaway at Sunset View Resort

By Josh Fryfogle Last month my Mother came to visit.

I wanted to do something nice for her while she was here – something Alaskan!

Coming from Mississippi, a place with a beauty all it’s own, I knew she would appreciate being able to spend time with her grandsons in a place that captured the most picturesque Alaska…

Many come to Alaska with some expectation of igloos and polar bears.

Instead, they are surprised, and maybe a little comforted, by familiar fast-food chains and super-stores.

continues on page 16 in

Jeremy Hanke Riding the powder during an educational course at Soul Rides.

By Debra McGhan Do you get giddy with excitement when weather forecasters start talking about temperatures dropping into the 30’s?

Are you focused on a fitness regime that requires work outs to strengthen your core, legs and arms so you can ride farther and faster? Do you dream fondly of waking up to pillows of fresh powder so you can get out and ride? Then you might have the snow bug!

According to two-time Iron Dog champion Chris Olds, that’s actually a good thing. “I love this (bug) and this time of year because it gives me a chance to catch up on all my projects and start preparing for winter. I usually get out my old sled or take delivery of a new one this time of year and that’s always exciting.”

Olds has an annual routine that includes either getting familiar with a new sled or reacquainting himself with his old one.

“I’ll go over my machine and check or change all the fluids, make sure everything is tight like the track, chain, belts… And I check to make sure the belt is not worn or frayed. Then once the machine is ready to go I really start getting excited about snow.”

Olds also spends time getting his body into shape. In May of 2013 he suffered a serious crash that left him with a broken back and stuck in a back brace for several months.

“I was worried about racing for sure and my wife Christine was even more worried. But I was determined and just knew I could heal and get back into shape.”

He believes one of the best things he did for himself was to take a slow, steady path to healing.

“It was several months after I got out of the back brace before I could really do much, but then I just kept pushing myself every day until I finally started riding again. I actually think that riding helped heal me faster because the more active I got the stronger and better I felt. And then in January, about a month before the 2014 race, I just suddenly felt a lot better and realized the pain was pretty much gone.”

Olds admits he’s still stiff at times, especially when he first gets up in the morning, but says once he gets moving he always feels better.

His advice for everyone getting physically ready for the winter riding season is to start slow and then gradually build up your activity. A great program that follows this adage and yet really pushes you to fitness is Crossfit. This program was developed to offer a full-body workout that combines elements of cardio, weight lifting, gymnastics, core training and more to prepare the body for the unexpected.

All the Crossfit trainers I spoke with will tell you, even in a group program it’s your workout and you can scale every activity to fit your own personal fitness ability. That means if you can only do one pull-up or one-push up, you start with that.

Then every day, if you just keep at it and keep pushing yourself, you’ll quickly discover you can do a lot more than one pushup. And you’ll gain a lot of strength, flexibility and endurance in the process.

Ashley Chaffin of Valdez heading for the slopes.

To learn more about Crossfit and to find an affiliate gym near you, visit http://www.crossfit.com/ The MatSu Valley has three locations including: http://www.crossfitgrizzly.com/, Denali Crossfit and Mat-Su Crossfit.

Each gym is a unique experience so you might to check out all three to find the one that fits you best.

If you’re looking to see and test the latest sleds and equipment available, October is also the perfect time of year to check out Alaska’s Big O (Oxygen & Octane) Show. Held at the Dani’ana Center in Anchorage, October 3-5, this winter recreation event features a host of vendors, athletes, films and fellow Snow Bug enthusiasts eager to introduce you to the amazing experience and opportunities of winter that are sure to help feed your bug!

If you’re a seasoned rider looking for mountain riding techniques and skills to access mountain terrain, Sarah Carter, Education Director for the Alaska Avalanche Information Center and a trainer for the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education, along with professional riders Jeremy Hanke, an avalanche survivor and owner of Soul Rides based out of Revelstoke, British Columbia; Chris Olds, two-time Iron Dog champion; Ashley Chaffin, film star and one of Alaska’s top women riders, and other accomplished riders, will be offering a series of six AIARE Level 1 courses specific for snowmachiners.

This program is made possible thanks to the Alaska Division of Parks – Snowtrac.

You can learn more at www.alaskasnow.org.

MAKE A SCENE

ON THE INSIDE

Harvest

Recycle Fest

VCRS Presents a Local FUNdraising Celebration Join Valley Community for Recycling Solutions (VCRS) Friday, September 26th at the Palmer Train Depot, 7:00pm – 9:30pm, for an evening of celebration and FUNdraising.

Enjoy live music by Marge Ford and the Alaska Polka Chips, and partake of local fare: Arkose Beer, vegetables, meats, and apple cider. The event will also include door prizes and auction of local items.

Purchase tickets at VCRS, online at http://valleyrecycling.org/productspage/other/ticket-for-harvest-recyclefest/, or at the door.

VCRS, your local community recycling center, is celebrating the growth of recycling capacity in the Mat-Su. With the addition of a new Harris Badger horizontal two-stroke, auto-tie baler, and the completion of the newly expanded and renovated drive-through recycling drop-off area, the center is primed to move forward with their goal of diverting 25% of the waste-stream from the landfill.

For more info Visit www.valleyrecycling.org Call 907-745-5544, or go to our Facebook page at Valley Community for Recycling Solutions.

$PFTHD AME OU20NT14 $1884.00

ADVERTISEMENT

The People’s Paper VETERANS PAGE 2

EDUCATION The People’s Paper

The People’s Paper EDUCATION PAGE 2

Chevron’s Fuel Your School Program Returns to Alaska

Innovative Collaboration with DonorsChoose.org will help generate up to $165,000 for local public school teachers and students Chevron U.S.A. Inc. (NYSE: CVX) today announced the second annual launch of its Fuel Your School program in Alaska. This year, the program will expand to 22 U.S. communities to give educators necessary tools for students to learn, explore, and get excited about school. Chevron encourages STEM-related projects, to help prepare students for jobs of the future.

“Chevron is strongly committed to supporting students and teachers in the community and I am proud to be a part of the Fuel Your School program in Anchorage and Matanuska-Susitna borough,” said Jeff Mulholland, owner of several Anchorage Chevron stations.

“Fuel Your School can help give students and teachers the tools necessary for innovative classroom projects in multiple subjects, including science, technology, engineering and math.”

Last year, Chevron helped fund projects in 75 public schools in Alaska. This year, Chevron will contribute $1 to help fund eligible classroom projects when consumers purchase 8 or more gallons of fuel from Oct. 1 to Oct. 31 at participating Chevron stations, up to a total contribution of $165,000 in the municipality of Anchorage, the boroughs of Matanuska-Susitna, Kenai Peninsula, Fairbanks North Star and Denali, and the city of Nenana.

In the U.S., Fuel Your School is an innovative collaboration between Chevron and DonorsChoose.org, an online charity that makes it easy for anyone to help students in need. The program is committed to providing local public

school students with the tools and resources needed to help them achieve academic success.

“During the Fuel Your School campaign, filling up at Chevron means filling local classrooms with the resources to help students and teachers succeed,” said Charles Best, founder and CEO of DonorsChoose.org. “Fuel Your School makes it easy for Chevron customers to see their real-time impact on classrooms in their community.”

All year, public school teachers post classroom project requests on DonorsChoose.org, ranging from calculators, to microscopes, and even glowing bacteria. One of those requests came from Monika Oldham, a teacher at Willow Crest Elementary School, who lacked the resources to expose students to engaging and effective scientific activities. With the help of the Fuel Your School program, he and his students received hands-on teaching tools, such as magnetic manipulatives, allowing her students to learn through the use of visual aid.

“Since many of my students are just learning to speak English, having hands-on teaching tools available gives them a visual aid that makes skills more understandable,” said Monika Oldham.

“By offering them the opportunity to show what they know, informal assessments are simplified and students enjoy demonstrating their understanding.”

Since its inception in 2010, Fuel Your School has helped fund 17,163

classroom projects at 3,196 schools.

The program has grown annually to support students throughout the communities in which Chevron operates, reaching 940,440 students last year. Chevron also supports similar marketer co-funded programs in Midland and Ector counties, Texas; Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake and Mendocino counties (North Coast), California; Ada and Canyon counties, Idaho; Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale and Lawrence counties (Northwest), Georgia; Jackson and Josephine counties, Oregon; and Yuma County, Arizona, as well as similar international programs in Burnaby, Surrey, White Rock, West Vancouver, North Vancouver, and Coquitlam, British Columbia; Johor and Kedah, Malaysia; and parts of Singapore, Thailand, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

Beginning Sept. 1, 2014, public school teachers in the municipality of Anchorage, the boroughs of MatanuskaSusitna, Kenai Peninsula, Fairbanks North Star and Denali, and the city of Nenana are invited to post eligible classroom project requests at www.DonorsChoose.org for possible funding as part of the Fuel Your School program.

By visiting www.FuelYourSchool.com consumers can monitor the classroom projects in need of funding and see how much money is being earned for public schools. Donations earned through Fuel Your School will be used to help fund eligible classroom projects from Oct. 2 through Nov. 30, 2014, or until generated funds have been exhausted by eligible projects. Anyone, including consumers and Chevron

employees, may also independently browse and fund inspiring classroom projects on www.DonorsChoose.org by making separate, individual donations.

About Chevron Chevron is one of the world’s leading integrated energy companies, with subsidiaries that conduct business worldwide. The company is involved in virtually everyfacet of the energy industry. Chevron explores for, produces and transports crude oil and natural gas; refines, markets and distributes transportation fuels and lubricants; manufactures and sells petrochemical products; generates power and produces geothermal energy; provides energy efficiency solutions; and develops the energy resources of the future, including biofuels. Chevron is based in San Ramon, Calif. More information about Chevron is available at www.chevron. com.

About DonorsChoose.org Founded in 2000, DonorsChoose.org is an online charity that makes it easy for anyone to help students in need. Public school teachers from every corner of America post requests, and individuals can give directly to the ones that inspire them. To date, 250,000 public and charter school teachers have used DonorsChoose.org to secure $184 million in books, art supplies, technology, and other resources that their students need to learn.

Visit www.donorschoose.org/intro to hear Oprah Winfrey and Stephen Colbert tell the DonorsChoose.org story.

The People’s Paper PETS & ANIMALS PAGE 3

PETS&ANIMALS Meet Tanner

Contributed by Angie Lewis, President of Alaska Animal Advocates Tanner used to be afraid of everything. Her early life was spent in a great deal of isolation, with very little contact with people. All that has changed, and Tanner is slowly learning that people are not all mean or thoughtless.

She has been going on walks with the wonderful AARF volunteers and is becoming less timid each day.

Tanner would do best in a home without small children, only because she becomes frightened very easily.

New people and situations cause Tanner to become stressed, but with a bit of love she can overcome these fears. Having another dog around would help as well.

To ADOPT Tanner, please contact Bev at rescueadogtoday@ gmail.com

Grain-Free Diets for Dogs Contributed by Angie Lewis, President of Alaska Animal Advocates Choosing the best food for your dog can be very challenging and confusing. New trends come and go and are not always the healthiest for your canine.

A grain-free diet is a fairly new phenomena in the effort to feed dogs a wholesome diet that will promote health. When considering that our dogs’ wild ancestors, wolves, primarily ate a meatbased diet, grains seem to make little sense.

Most commercial dog foods include grains such as corn, oats, and wheat. Grain-free foods basically are comprised of meats such as fish, chicken, lamb, beef, and turkey. Often, included in this mix are various vegetables.

Here are some things to consider when choosing a nutritious dog food for your companion. Grainbased foods are often difficult for some dogs to digest, particularly when the dog does not have enough of the enzyme responsible for breaking down starches and carbohydrates. This can result in an impaired digestive system.

Dogs with diseases such as cancer and diabetes can benefit from a non-grain diet. A diet high in simple carbohydrates can dramatically raise blood sugar levels and cause obesity.

Food allergies are most often caused by grain-based diets, especially if your dog has an intolerance to gluten. This can result in damage to the lining of the small intestine and impaired absorption of nutrients. A grain-free diet, high in protein, can increase a dog’s health and energy level.

There are some negative aspects regarding grain-free diets. Caution should be used for older and inactive dogs because a high protein diet can lead to weight gain for dogs with limited mobility.

Another consideration is that non-grain dog foods often contain more carbohydrates than meat, particularly when they contain cheap, non-nutritious carbohydrates. Additionally, grain-free foods are often more costly than grain-based foods.

As a dog guardian, you should always weigh the pros and cons for your particular dog. Every dog is different and has individual dietary needs.

Dogs with more active life styles will have different needs than sedentary dogs. A small Poodle will have a different requirement than a Siberian Husky.

So, before you change your dog’s diet, speak with your veterinarian.

Discuss your dog’s health, activity level, age, and breed. Always make changes in your dog’s diet gradually and be observant of any dramatic changes to your dog’s behavior and health.

Media by the People... ...For the People

The People’s Paper

COMMUNITY The People’s Paper The People’s Paper COMMUNITY PAGE 4

Worthy Thoughts on Cook Inlet Fisheries Contributed by Lora Nolan My husband and I are lifelong Alaskans.

We have lived here for over forty years and are raising seven little Alaskans.

We fill our freezer each year thanks to Alaska's personal use fisheries. We love salmon and are thankful we are allowed to harvest so many (105 this year).

We are also avid anglers. We have five sons who fish for salmon on the Little Su, at Willow Creek, Fish Creek, and along the Kenai. In 2013 our 12 year old reeled in 12 reds from a secret spot near Swiftwater Park.

My husband and I really enjoy taking our clan to the kids only fishing day at Fish Creek in Wasilla. Seeing little guys catch their first fish or teenagers break into a smile as a big silver bites are experiences that make us glad to live in Alaska. The abundance of healthy and harvestable fish each year is such a blessing! One not to be taken for granted.

Last but not least, we earn our bread and butter drift gillnetting in Upper Cook Inlet. The health and sustainability of salmon is an issue dear to our hearts.

I daresay no one wants to protect big runs of salmon more than we do.

I have my own ideas about when rivers should be open or closed and who should get to fish and when. But this is an issue best managed by the level heads at the Alaska Department of Fish and Game who desire to manage salmon returns in the best interest of all user groups. Weirs, sonars, and unarguable scientific escapement data are valuable resources that enable Fish and Game biologists to protect the delicate in-river balance.

Far better than having rivers opened and closed at the whims of politicians that are aiming to appease their constituents. Or worse, by voters who just want Aunt Edna from Oregon to catch a big king this summer and have little

understanding of escapement numbers and what they can mean.

With the number of dipnetters soaring; the number of salmon caught in personal use fisheries is at an all time high.

Alaska's commercial fishing industry has supported families like ours for generations. ADF&G is best able to study fish populations and make sanctions to ensure the health and viability of Alaskan salmon. Voters and politicians should leave salmon-run science in the hands of those who know whats best for fish and not try to make those decisions at the ballot box.

All user groups understandably want to tip the proverbial fish scale in their favor.

Relying on science and the unbiased decisions of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game will balance the scale and the outcome will be in favor of healthy fish populations. For now AND for future generations.

“I have my own ideas about when rivers should be open or closed and who should get to fish and when.”

From WASI’s Little Kitchen, Chef Justin Jensen Produces

80,000 Meals Per Year

By Mary Hall At 6 a.m., five days a week, Chef Justin Jensen, Cooks-in-training Johnny Robinson and Mitchell Cox plus aides Hannah Shtotskaya and Jacob Younger plunge into the intensive preparation and packaging of 90 meals for the Dining Hall plus 150 for the daily delivery of Meals-on-Wheels.

On Fridays, three complete frozen meals for the weekend are delivered; these are accumulated in the freezers throughout the week. An efficient assembly line streamlines the process

Five drivers –Gwen Harbuck, who is coordinator of the program, Alfred Sheldon, Robin Tresham and route-sharers Mardie and Camilla Wolverton drive four different routes for a a total of 8090 miles per day.

vary from the favored liver and onions to quiche, Dijon chicken, oriental stir fry, pizza and Mexican favorites such as tacos and burritos. In the dining room, a salad bar with a half dozen dressing choices caters to individual tastes.

Routes range from Palmer to the end of Knik Road[ and to Big Lake. Another driver, Matt Walker, delivers to Willow and Talkeetna, a distance of 220 miles per week. A state grant contributes 56 cents per gallon toward the cost of gasoline. On a typical day, fifty pounds of potatoes, 60 pounds of brussels sprouts, oven loads of meat are prepared. Meals

Desserts range from everybody’s favorite chocolate pudding to fresh fruit cobblers, cookies, pudding, even baklava, and mouthwatering cheesecakes.

Learning to Speak Through Emotion

By Vicki Kluever, Palmer Toastmasters Club No matter if the event is a wedding or a wake, a graduation or a goodbye, a birthday or a baptism, our emotions often get the best of us at a time when we truly want to say something heartfelt and meaningful. If you’re like me, meaningful events provoke emotions to well up and your throat tightens to the point where it’s difficult to speak, let alone to say what you truly want to say.

My mother was diagnosed a few years ago with a progressive disease that would eventually cause her death.

Mom was well known and very well respected for her lifetime of community service and volunteerism. Everyone loved her big bear hugs. As I contemplated the time I had remaining with her, I wanted to celebrate her life and to pay tribute to her while she lived.

Her 80th birthday was 2 years away. I began to plan a big party to celebrate her life. The guest list had over 100 people on it, and the list was growing.

As the party plans solidified my confidence waned... I seriously doubted my ability to Emcee the party because I knew from past experience that I would not be able to speak through my emotions.

Instead of cancelling the party or asking someone else to emcee, I joined Toastmasters. A friend who belonged to Toastmasters told me the Toastmasters program would help me learn to speak through emotion. I’m pleased to say that because of the Toastmasters program and a wonderful group of fellow Toastmasters, I have learned to speak through emotion. The reality test was somewhat as planned, but then again-not. About 100 of us were gathered together in an event hall, with a slide show of hundreds of photos covering my mother’s life playing on one wall, catered food, a guest book, good background music and lots of hugs and tears. Our tears were of sadness, because the gathering wasn’t her 80th birthday party as intended, but her memorial service. My mother died a few months prior to her 80th birthday.

All those people that were on the party guest list were sitting there in front of me, hoping to be lead into a time of sharing, laughter, memories. We were all feeling the sadness, grief and deep loss of our dear friend, mentor, relative, sister, aunt, mother, grandmother.

Thanks to Toastmasters, I was able to speak with a strong voice, even though there were tears in my eyes. We were able to laugh with each other about my mother’s great sense of humor, to enjoy each other’s memories and stories while remembering my mother’s positive impact on our lives.

Do you fear an upcoming event where your emotion might lead you into the room? Toastmasters can help.

The Toastmasters program is 90 years strong with a proven track record of well over 2 million members in 122 countries throughout the world. The Toastmasters program is focused on helping each other learn to become better communicators. Every person who joined a Toastmasters club joined for a specific reason. For me, it was learning to speak through emotion.

The outcome is so much more than what we hoped to accomplish, because Toastmasters helps us develop and polish all the components of good communication….listening, thinking, and speaking.

Want to know more? Palmer Toastmasters meets every week on Tuesday evenings at the MTA Building, lower level in Palmer. Our meetings begin at 6 PM and end at 7 PM. Call 907-5397111 or check out the club website at www.palmer.toastmastersclubs.org, or Toastmasters International at www. toastmasters.org. Better yet, come as a guest to a meeting. Our meetings are free and open to the public.

About the Author

Vicki Kluever is a life-long Alaskan, born and raised on Kodiak Island just as 5 generations of mothers before her.

She has lived in Palmer for the past 23 years. She is a member of the Palmer Toastmasters Club and the Anchorage Advanced Toastmasters Club.

Meals-on-wheels is funded partly by a grant from the state, the annual Milesfor-Meals Fun Run, contributions from charitable organizations, a quilt lottery

under the aegis of 97-year-old Carlene Sanders and other Individual donations The success of the program is in large measure due to the organization skills of Chef Justin Jensen.

Another equally important factor is the teamwork inspired by Chef Justin’s example – the willingness to tackle whatever needs to be done.

And that’s how 80,000 meals were provided from WASI’s little kitchen last year.

The number will be greater next year!

The Corner Link

By Donna Turner

Do you know who pays for what when it comes to wedding costs?

You have a dream wedding planned in your mind and you want every single detail perfect. The average wedding with 200 guests costs an average of $25,000.00. Most people believe that the Bride’s family picks up the tab for the wedding. However, traditionally this is not the case.

Traditionally the Bride’s family pays for the following: > Ceremony costs including rental fees and decorations. > Reception costs including food, music, decorations, rental fees and entertainment. > Flowers for the ceremony and reception. > The Bride’s gown and accessories > Invitations, announcements, programs and mailing costs. > Party Favors > Photography > Transportation > Their own attire and travel expenses Traditionally the Groom’s family pays for the following: > The rehearsal dinner including food, invitations, decorations and entertainment. > Their own attire and travel expenses > A wedding present for the couple Traditionally the Bride pays for the following: > The groom’s wedding ring. > A wedding gift for the groom. > Her hair, makeup and beauty treatments. > Gifts for her attendants. (Bridesmaids and Maid of Honor) > Sometimes accommodations for any out of town bridesmaids.

Traditionally the Groom pays for the following: (For the record, I have not seen this happen!) > The marriage license > The Bride’s rings. > The honeymoon > A wedding gift for the Bride. > The Bride’s bouquet. > Gifts for his attendants. > Corsages for mothers and grandmothers. > Boutonnieres for the men in the wedding party. > Fee for the officiate.

With the average cost of a wedding skyrocketing, and more and more couples are getting married later in life, these traditional roles are far from being set in stone. A modern take on who pays for what has changed.

Normally, after announcing their engagement, the Bride and Groom sit down and estimate what they’ll spend on their wedding and decide the amount of their budget. They usually decide on the venue, theme, style, date and time of day etc.

Most couples then approach their parents and gently ask if they are willing to assist with the expenses.

For example, the parents may opt to pay for the reception food and flowers. They may also offer a set dollar amount that they will contribute to the wedding budget. If the parents say they can not afford to contribute at all or offer a small amount, the Bride and Groom should always thank them for considering. Depending on the contribution or not, the Bride and Groom need to be willing to revise their budget or find creative ways to pay for the wedding.

Another modern scenario of who pays for what is by splitting the budget three ways; the bride’s family, the groom’s family and the Bride and Groom. This means each party pays one third of the budget. Typically this means each party will also invite one third of the guests. (This plan usually doesn’t work too well.)

Finally, wedding etiquette dictates if a couple live together, are older and do not live with their parents, the Bride and Groom pay for all the wedding costs themselves.

Having a plan, a budget and knowing who will pay what costs will reduce stress and anxiety.

After all, planning the big day should be a joyous event for the couple and their families.

Make tracks to the Transportation Fair to learn about the many transportation projects under way in the Mat-Su Borough!

Wednesday, October 22, 2014, 4-8 pm

Raven Hall, Alaska State Fairgrounds, 2075 Glenn Highway, Palmer

The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities, City of Palmer, City of Wasilla, City of Houston, the Alaska Railroad Corporation, Mat-Su Transit, and the Mat-Su Borough have teamed up to bring you the latest on roads, rails and trails at this one-stop information destination.

For more information contact: Anne Brooks, Brooks & Associates Toll Free: 866-535-1877 E-mail: comments.brooksalaska@gmail.com

Event Blog: matsutranspofair.blogspot.com

Fairview Loop Rehabilitation, Glenn Highway Projects, Knik Arm Crossing, Palmer-Wasilla Highway, Palmer Municipal Airport Master Plan Update, Parks Highway Projects, Port Projects, Seldon and Lucille Improvements, Wasilla Main Street Project, And many more…

Bring the family for children’s activities, food and fun!

DOT&PF operates Federal Programs without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. Full Title VI Nondiscrimination Policy: dot.alaska.gov/tvi_statement.shtml. To file a complaint go to: dot.alaska.gov/cvlrts/titlevi.shtml. DOT&PF complies with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

POLITICS

The People’s Paper POLITICS PAGE 5

Candidate for Wasilla City Council

By Tim Burney, Candidate for Wasilla City Council Our individual vote right granted to us is the single most important right we have been granted as United States Citizens.

I treat this right as not just a way to express my opinion but also to participate in one of the greatest gifts our founders bestowed on us; an expression of freedom!

I would rather be sitting in your living room, or in a coffee shop, church or on the street having a discussion with you about all of the issues we face; but since I can’t meet everyone in this wonderful community of ours, I have chosen to use this platform to introduce myself and ask you for your vote for City Council Seat C on October 7th.

My name is Timothy “Tim” Burney. I am proud to be running to serve and help guide Wasilla’s future. I was born in Alaska and I am proud to call myself an Alaskan and a Wasillan. I joined the Naval Construction Battalions in 1991, while serving I earned two Navy Achievement Medals and two Navy Commendation Medals. I left the military, with degree in hand, in 1998 to pursue a career as a construction professional.

I consider myself a fiscally conservative candidate who believes that government has become too powerful and too bloated. I strongly believe in the constitution and strongly believe that all Americans have a duty and responsibility to preserve and defend our founding documents and principles.

We live in a community that has a long history of personal independence and personal freedoms. I believe in growth of a community that is balanced and managed. I will fight to maintain the greatness of Wasilla and not let outsiders dictate how Wasilla moves forward.

I will not let Wasilla go the way of Washington DC. Look what has been happening, higher taxes, higher unemployment, higher food prices, higher energy prices, etc. all in the name of Change. What we need to focus on in our community is ensuring our town maintains what it is and making it even better. That takes hard work. It takes leadership, guiding principles, tough decisions and collaboration. I believe in growth but I don’t believe in growth that takes away from the freedoms that we enjoy in Wasilla, and it is those freedoms that make Wasilla unique and a place I am proud to call home.

I believe that personal responsibility needs to be at the forefront in our conversations with each other as a community. We need to hold our public officials accountable for properly managing what in essence are our resources.

As a community we need to know that the use, transfer and caretaking of public properties are properly managed. We need to ensure our local police department and other public safety services are supported and properly funded. I also believe in charity to those in need. Not handouts from the government but hand ups from those in the community to fellow Wasillian’s. As the good book says, give a man fish and he’ll eat for a day or teach him to fish and he’ll eat for a lifetime.

I look forward to this campaign and working for you in City Council. As with any election you have a tough decision to make. You have the awesome right to express yourself at the voting booths. It would be my honor and privilege if you voted for me, Tim Burney, for City Council Seat C. With that vote comes a commitment from me that I will be focused on Wasilla’s future!

-- Tim Burney

Candidate for Mayor of Wasilla

By Loren Means Candidate for Wasilla Mayor I can no longer sit by and allow our city to continue without strong leadership that has a vision for the future.

I will work with the City Council to develop a strong economic development plan. A plan which will simplify regulations, control taxes, provide needed infrastructure and attract business investments.

I am a business man who knows how to prioritize, find solutions, develop and follow budgets, assign responsibilities, and monitor results. I know how to do these things because I do it every day in my business. I am not a bureaucrat. I am from the private sector where I have learned to earn a living following the rules of free

market, hard work, pay attention to details and promote competition.

These skills, when applied to the job of Mayor, will bring greater economic benefit to Wasilla. We will attract more business and create more jobs for our citizens. This economic upturn will result in better roads, increased public safety, and improved city services.

Wasilla will become an even better place to live and play.

Like many others, I have had my run-ins with bully government bureaucrats and my administration will not use these strong-arm distasteful tactics. I will make City Hall a pleasant place to visit where one will be treated with respect and will receive proper answers, guidance and help, and most of all, listen and be attentive to your concerns.

We will also be good neighbors and work closely with our sister Valley Cities, the Borough, and our valley utilities. We will also develop and maintain a close working relationship with our state legislature and be especially attentive to our local Representative and Senator.

We could be on the brink of an economic renaissance for Wasilla. We can be the greatest place to live with the greatest jobs for our citizens.

I have the vision, the drive, and the skills to make all this happen.

Please, I need your vote on October 7.

I welcome your questions and support.

COMMUNITy events:

6th Annual Home Market Sale Contributed by Jolene Anderson The Alaska Laestadian Lutheran Church is putting on their 6th annual Home Market Sale on October 25th, 2014 from 9am to 2pm.

The sale will be held in the dining room at the Wasilla Senior Center.

There will be many fun craft items, decor, and scandonavian baked goods, including our finnish pulla bread. We will also be serving a hot pasty lunch from 11am until 2pm.

Our pastrys are individual meat pies filled with ground beef, potatoes, carrots and seasonings. All proceeds benefit our church building fund. We hope to see you there!

Mat-Su Senior Services Announces

Annual Health Fair 2014 Contributed by Donna Harding www.matsuseniors.com

In partnership with Alaska Health Fair Inc., MSSS will host their Annual Health Fair 2014 on Wednesday, October 15th from 8:30 – 11:30 am located at MatSu Seniors Services, 1132 S. Chugach Street in Palmer.

You can expect free health screenings including Blood Pressure, Height & Weight, Vision, a Fall Risk Screening, a low cost comprehensive blood test, flu shot clinic, health education and MUCH MORE. For more information, please call Mat-Su Senior Services at 745-5454

POLITICS

The People’s Paper

The People’s Paper EDUCATION PAGE 6

How Is My Child Smart? U.S. Senate Run Brief But Successful

By Pat Chesbro, Former Teacher, Principal and Superintendent in the Valley.

Candidate for Alaska State Senate Seat F A friend’s daughter described her classroom one afternoon. “I like my teacher, she thinks I’m smart.”

Her mother asked, “What about the other kids, does she think they are smart?”

After a short time, the first grader responded, “Yes, she thinks we are all smart.” This youngster knew instinctively how effective teachers operate.

They look for the gifts of each child and make sure each child feels valued for those gifts.

In the old days of schooling in the U.S., we thought that intelligence is determined only by a person’s language and mathematical skills.

Somehow, people who couldn’t spell or those who had difficulty with math concepts were less smart than those for whom those abilities came easier or faster.

We spoke of “slow” children and we tracked students according to our perceptions of their ability. We thought some children were more able to think about complex subjects than others. Further, we thought that ability was pre programmed; teachers could not compete with nature. Some students just could not learn as well as others. Parents felt good that they had passed on their “smart” genes.

Fortunately, our understanding of ability has changed. We know now that ability is not fixed. Effective teaching, coupled with learner effort, can improve ability.

Intelligence shows itself in many forms. Some are gifted with languages, some are athletic, and others have an artistic bent. Some are leaders with charisma while others can

lead people to complete a complex project. When teachers know this, they can organize their classrooms to ensure all children have a chance to show their intelligence. For example, the artist might help create a visual of one of Shakespeare’s characters along with the excellent reader’s writing and the observations of the person who understands human behavior.

These ideas do not mean areas of weakness should be avoided. Students need to be able to function in many arenas. Effective teachers connect a student’s intelligence strength to their areas of challenge.

The musician can learn math through music; the athlete can learn physics through the mechanics of the body; the child who connects with people can help others to understand the lessons of history.

Parents can help teachers in identifying their children’s gifts by noticing what the child does in free time.

Often, teachers never get to see that facet of a child.

The child might be fascinated with the night sky or be a skillful trainer of the family dog, for example. Then, in parent-teacher conferences, parents and teachers can get together to answer the question, “How is my child smart?”

Answering this question will help the teacher understand the child’s talents and know how to strengthen weaker areas. This also gives parents another way to support their child’s school future.

My friend’s daughter and her teacher understood that concentrating on strengths makes everyone feel “smart” in school. Skillful teaching challenges students to understand and overcome weaknesses.

How is your child smart?

Defining Alaska

By Bernadette Rupright This is a first in a series of articles that suits the times, and these times are confusing, it is often hard to separate the truth from propaganda.

It is difficult to see as the pendulum swings from one extreme to the other.

Instead of addressing what is best for the State of Alaska by financial or constitutional scrutiny, each law or financial maneuver is presented as an “issue” to which only one position can be taken, either left (anarchy) or right (fascism). Each side leads to the same conclusion: tyranny.

From my experience of eighteen years now of political involvement, I will try to express, expose and expunge: political theory, political mechanism, and the political posturing “scenery” of Alaska.

There will be concrete experience utilized to profess my argument. From

the US Delegates, the halls of Juneau, the Mat-Su Borough and on down to my local Mayor’s at the City of Wasilla, I have trod, sometimes silently observing, sometimes thundering, laughing to the point of tears and then often times crying -but always progressing in my knowledge political “science”.

I am a Republican, who first voted for Ronald Reagan, and my experience is through local and Republican Party politics, but the same mechanisms apply to all politics, and brought down to one word: emotionalism. I truly love the people of this State, but do believe many persons are naïve.

Alaskans are by nature generous to a fault, but for some few, self-interested concerns take the front seat. It is the course of human nature that these few seem to always gain control of the whole, because the whole is ignorant of the facts and swayed by the issues.

I want to empower you, the citizen of Alaska. Even cynics and the shrewd

By Vic Kohring September 12, 2014 I withdrew as a candidate for the United States Senate on September 2nd following a successful Primary Election campaign and emerging as the Alaskan Independence Party nominee. I congratulate my opponent, Zachary Kile, for running a strong race and wish him the best.

You may ask why I dropped out of the race two weeks after winning the primary. Since it appears the election between the two major candidates Mark Begich and Dan Sullivan may be close this November, I concluded it would be best to back out so as not to draw votes from Republican Sullivan and tip the election to Democrat Begich. Such a scenario would have been a disaster.

Remember what occurred in 2008 when Begich defeated Ted Stevens by a scant one percent. The same thing could have easily happened again this year had I stayed in the race. While not a big Sullivan fan and preferring either Mead Treadwell or Joe Miller in the primary, he’s far preferable to Begich and much closer to me philosophically.

Stevens razor-thin defeat at the hands of Begich in ’08 gave us Obamacare, a repressive health care law modeled after socialized medicine in other countries. Worse, it’s being enforced by an army of IRS agents and funded with big tax increases. Obamacare must be abolished and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid sent packing for Nevada. To accomplish this, we must elect Sullivan and hope the Republicans seize the majority in the Senate.

My withdrawal was not part of a secret “plan” alleged by the Begich camp. They issued a silly press release accusing me of collaborating with Sullivan and orchestrating a “choreographed” campaign designed to boost his chances in November. Sup-

posedly the plan was for me to run on the Alaskan Independence ticket instead of the Republican, win the primary and then quickly withdraw to block a replacement candidate so no one would run an active campaign against Sullivan. Pure nonsense.

The fact is I don't know Sullivan and have never met the man. I've had zero contact with him or his staff. My only motive is to elect a new senator with conservative credentials who will help guide our state and country away from the failed leftist policies of Harry Reid and Barack Obama that have hurt our state and country.

The Begich people are using my withdrawal as a wedge between voters and Sullivan, behaving as political opportunists trying to gain political advantage at Sullivan's expense. It's disingenuous and a sign of desperation that their candidate may be in trouble.

The Begich brouhaha doesn't change my attitude toward Mark though, from a personal standpoint. Even though we hold different political philosophies, I still count him as a friend.

Mark's a real gentlemen and I enjoyed our close working relationship while I was in the legislature and he as mayor of Anchorage as we fought for road improvements in the Anchorage/MatSu areas.

I’m grateful for your support and to those who voted for me on August 19th. It was very humbling, especially considering my awful legal saga of recent years. While not a “major” candidate with millions to spend, I still had a strong presence during the campaign and was able to make my views known on a variety of issues important to me including the national debt, stagnated economy and Alaska resource development.

Please join me in voting for Dan Sullivan. Alaskans should unite behind his candidacy regardless of party affiliation for the better interests of our state and country.

“It is difficult to see as the pendulum swings from one extreme to the other. Instead of addressing what is best for the State of Alaska by financial or constitutional scrutiny, each law or financial maneuver is presented as an “issue” to which only one position can be taken.” business person may have a change of opinion after these editorials.

But it is not an opinion; it’s your heart I’m after.

The banquet table that is the incredible expanse and potential of Alaska is shrinking at an alarming rate my friends, and in fact, though it has been set for the benefit of the majority, the majority has seen very little benefit.

You may imagine you have a seat at that table but I assure you most will not prosper. It is time we joined together over common goals like low cost energy, infrastructure development and the sale of State land into private hands all of which promote a thriving economy.

We have had incredible opportunity with the oil revenues over the years and have not developed as we should have. We cannot be distracted by “issues” emotional response, when many cannot put adequate food on the table, pay their heating bill or have to

make choices over necessities because there is only enough money to pay one thing or the other.

If you own a business you should be alarmed because the consumer won’t be buying. And that is called economic collapse. You may want to ask yourself why, as Alaska is so rich, so many are holding an empty bowl.

How can it be possible that this State is spending more than it is taking in on a daily basis, while individuals and families struggle over their monthly budgets?

My argument is simple, let us walk together in the middle, take a centrist position – and leave your neighbor alone. Let’s get on with defining Alaska where we all move together for the benefit of all individuals under our Alaska State Constitution.

The next editorial will be an examination of the Alaska State Constitution.

The People’s Paper COMMUNITY PAGE 7

POLITICS

We Rise United to Meet the Challenge

by Bill Walker

On November 8, 1955 Bob Bartlett addressed the Alaska Constitutional Convention in a speech titled, “Meeting the Challenge.” In asking the delegates to set aside their partisan concerns, he recognized the divergent interests and backgrounds that had assembled for the great task. Bartlett aptly stated: “Here, in this element of compromise, is the very essence of the democratic process.”

Governor Wally Hickel later reflected, “During the early days of Alaska, it wasn’t them and us. It was all of us.”

As Alaskans we are strong, if not formidable, when statesmanship trumps partisanship. We have proven this in times that are personal to me -- Alaska Statehood, the1964 earthquake, the devastating floods. When we pull together, we do not dilute our ideals, we don’t set aside our values – we come together for the greater good, and together, we are strong.

Bartlett also quoted Benjamin Franklin’s comments on the drafting of the U.S. Constitution, “When you assemble a number of men to have the advantage of their joint wisdom, you inevitably assemble with those men, all their prejudices, their passions, their errors of opinion, their local interests, and their selfish views. From such an assembly can a perfect production be expected?

It ... astonishes me to find this system approaching so near to perfection as it does…Thus I consent to this Constitution because I expect no better, and because I am not sure that it is not the best. The opinions I have of its errors I sacrifice to the public good.”

So Byron Mallott, Hollis French, Craig Fleener and I rise to meet the challenge. The challenge before us is the economy, declining oil throughput, unprecedented deficit spending, exorbitant energy prices and the health, safety and wellbeing of our people... At stake is our children’s future.

We are in a crisis.

When I decided to run for governor as an independent in August 2013, I recognized that my ideals and vision for this state could not be pigeonholed into one party or another. I am an Alaskan first, and that is how I’ve oriented this campaign, my life, and my career.

In recent months, it has become apparent that a 3-way race would not result in the change that Alaska desperately needs. Following the primary election, we heard from Alaskans from every reach of the state and from every

political background asking for my campaign to join with Byron Mallott’s campaign “for the good of the state."

Byron and I have had many long talks.

Through those conversations and our numerous encounters on the campaign trail I have learned that despite our differences we are united in our commitment to serve Alaska first. This is not about political gain, cementing future runs for higher office, notoriety, or pride.

As one Alaskan voter wrote in a recent email, “This is NOT about political might, not about Democrats or Republicans, nor personal egos. This IS about what is best for the people of the state of Alaska.” In recognizing that, a debt of gratitude to our running mates, Craig Fleener and Hollis French, is owed. These are two dedicated, highly qualified Alaskans selflessly advancing a unity ticket for the greater good of all Alaskans.

Byron Mallott and I are rising above partisan politics to form the independent team of Walker/Mallott for governor and lieutenant governor. This is not an easy choice, but a necessary choice.

We realize that we do not hold an identical set of beliefs. But what is critical is that at this point in Alaska’s history, and looking forward to our future, we must have an administration that is not beholden to any special interest other than Alaska’s interests. Our administration will be a guide so that all Alaskans will see the progress that occurs when we focus on what unites rather than what divides us.

This campaign is about bringing us together around shared values and building the kind of Alaska that all Alaskans will be proud to call home. For true Alaskans, our heritage is much more than simply Republican or Democrat or Independent – our history is one of uniting to overcome even the greatest of odds, our greatest achievements come when we put Alaska first.

On an occasion such as this, I will give the last word to my friend and mentor, Wally Hickel. I was with him when he spoke these words before the Alaska State Legislature, "And let us be sure that those who come after us will say of us, that we did everything that could be done. We finished the race. We kept Alaska strong. We kept the faith and put Alaska First. God bless you, and God bless Alaska.”

Bill Walker is a lifelong Alaskan, businessman, attorney and independent candidate for governor.

He and Byron Mallott have announced that they will run as an independent, Alaska First team for governor and lieutenant governor.

A Constitution Celebration?

By Nan Potts Do you have your copy of the Constitution of the United States? I am serious. Several years ago, I picked up a free copy at a local coffee shop. A stack of pocket sized, The Constitution of the United States, was perched on the counter for the taking.

I inquired as to whom had dropped them off. With a shrug, the barista stated, “I don’t know.”

I took one and paused to scanned through it. It looked complete. I took two more. There were several people who I thought may like to have one.

Curious about this little pamphlet, I gave it a more thorough perusal when I returned home and compared it to a complete copy I have in my library. It proved to be the complete Constitution, unabridged, with index and The Declaration of Independence. All together, 46 pages. The last page of the booklet, just six paragraphs, impressed me. It was entitled, Celebrating the Constitution.

Hmm, celebrating the Constitution? I had not heard of this. Alright, how does one celebrate the Constitution?

A short essay on page 46 read: “To commemorate the September 17, 1787 signing of the Constitution of the United States, Congress has designated September 17th of each year as CONSTITUTION DAY and September 17-23 of each year as CONSTITUTION WEEK. “In 2004, Public Law 108-447, Section 111 was passed requiring the following: “Each educational institution that receives Federal funds for a fiscal year shall hold an educational program on the United States Constitution on September 17 of such year for the students served by the educational institution. “. . . each Federal agency or department shall provide educational and training materials concerning the United States Constitution to each employee. . . on September 17 of each year.”

Well, this was news to me and I felt ashamed not knowing this. I justified my ignorance; I was not involved in the current public school system. My children are grown and were out of college before this law came into existence.

And, I do not work for a governmental agency.

However, as I attempted to absolve myself from this lack of knowledge, a more pressing question arose, “Why aren’t all citizens of this country included in this celebration?”

Here in the States, we acknowledge Cinco de Mayo, Saint Patrick’s Day and the like. Even Groundhog Day gets notoriety. Why not CONSTITUTION DAY or CONSTITUTION WEEK? To me, that question posed more questions such as, why did congress stop at Federal levels? Aren’t we as citizens entitled to a celebration commemorating our freedoms in the understanding and implementation of the our Constitution? Why did Congress forget, “We The People”?

POPULAR mechanics ARTICLE FROM FEB. 1938

The last two paragraphs on the page seemed to answer my queries: “In keeping with these congressional mandates, recent presidents have solicited federal and local government leaders as well as civic and religious leaders to hold events to commemorate the occasion.

“We encourage all citizens to use their influence to organize and support programs that honor the Constitution.

Resources for holding such a celebration may be found at nccs.net.”* Having read through the booklet and even using it to clarify our government’s responsibilities and duties to some misinformed individuals, I came to a realization. If everyone took the time to reread the Constitution, using a dictionary, we as a nation may better understand and respect one another’s view points. Certainty, misconceptions would be cleared up.

One may bemoan, “It’s too, long,” or “It’s too hard to read,” or even, “I’m not interested.” This latter statement makes me cringe.

Just a suggestion, check it out for yourself. The Declaration of Independence is less than 1,500 words and the Constitution, just over 4,500. In short, it’s shorter than a short story. I recommend you use a dictionary due to words and terminology you will encounter which are now obsolete. For those of you who wish to have it put into Modern English, I recommend a booklet, The Constitution Made Easy

by Michael Holler. The Constitution is placed side-by-side with language of today. The claim of this edition is, “Read and understand the whole Constitution in under 30 minutes!” I chose to study it. So, for me, it was more than thirty minutes. It proved to be an excellent refresher from my high school days in U.S. History class and it was fun.

Since that day at the coffee shop, I have handed out the copies I picked up but retained one to carry with me.

I even downloaded an inexpensive app with both the Declaration and Constitution to my iPhone. It surprises me how many folks really do not know their Constitutional rights or how our Founding Fathers designed our government to function. Now, I can refer them to a resource. If you haven’t guessed, I will be celebrating September 17th, CONSTITUTION DAY and September 17-23, CONSTITUTION WEEK by taking an online course, Constitution 101, from Hillsdale College.

You are invited to create your personal celebration.

“The power under the Constitution will always be in the people.”

- George Washington There are many ways to obtain a copy of our Constitution and with it, you can assist others in celebrating September 17th. Happy Constitution Day! *This information quoted from the National Center for Constitutional Studies, Copyright 2010. Booklets and more are available

The People’s Paper POLITICS

The People’s Paper politics PAGE 8

A Wasilla For All

By Loren Means ATV enthusiast, Planning Commissioner, Candidate for Mayor of Wasilla Wasilla used to be fun and freedomloving when ATVs were welcomed in the city as part of Valley living.

They are one of the things that makes living out here unique from Anchorage and Palmer; cities that banned the ATV many years ago.

ATVs offer an alternative source of transportation. Instead of firing up the car or pick up just to get the mail or groceries, ATVs offer a more economical way to town. They are great for plowing your neighbor’s driveway and joyriding. For seniors on a fixed income, they offer independence to do daily tasks.

Snowmachines combat cabin fever for both locals and folks from Anchorage on weekends. Winter tourism supports business here in the Valley during the slow season for many in this industry. Maybe you can remember back when the local hotel on Lake Lucille sponsored poker runs through the Valley and back. Awards, food and drink after a great day out on the snow displayed our hospitality in the Greater Wasilla and Big Lake area. I sure do miss these events, and believe with the right encouragement, these activities at our destination of Wasilla could be brought back to battle cabin fever.

Unfortunately, at this time, ATVs are posing problems for Wasilla residents.

With growth in population unimproved trails become bumpy and rutted. Our city created a trail plan in 1999, but ignored it until problems overshadowed safe and courteous riders.

Palestine and Palestine

By Gregory Gusse Josh asked me to put my head in this noose.

Oh well what have I got to lose. This is the story as I understand it.

We should start with my title about a mythical place, or better, area named “Palestine” which first is seen circa 1150 BCE as Peleset by the Egyptians and Pilitu by Assyrians then in the 5th century BC the Greeks clearly referred to the area from Phoenicia to Egypt as Palestine. Herodotus said Palestine was a province of Syria which included the Jordan Valley and the Judean Mountains.

By Roman times 135 BCE it was called Syria Palaestina. Through Byzantine history they dropped that and just called the whole place from the Negev and Sinai to the Golan, Palestine.

When the Arabs took over Syria in the 7th century AD they pretty much kept Byzantine place names. The Hebrews determined that Palestine and Philistia are the same and do not include the kingdoms of Israel or Judea. Curiously the Muslims seemed to have also referred, as the Arabic is today for the area as “Filastin” rather than Palestine, Jewish scholars have said that is from a biblical understanding by Muslim geographers of the biblical Philistines.

Regardless, after the fall of the Ottoman Empire it became the British Palestine Mandate. It remained that until the creation of Israel in 1948.

OK enough about the place except it included an area, and sometimes kingdom, of Canaan where this guy named Abram lived about 4000 years ago according to how the bible tells the story.

Anyway this guy had some kids the first Ishmael with the family maid slave, the second Isaac with his wife. As things go Isaac was essentially the first Jew and Ishmael the first Arab. Like most brothers and a lot of father son stuff in the bible things never worked quite right.

Then the bible thing gets more complex with Abram “It came about when the sun had set, that it was very dark, and behold, there appeared a smoking oven and a flaming torch which passed between these pieces. 18 On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your descendants I have given this land, From the river of Egypt as far as the great river, the river Euphrates: …19 the Kenite and the Kenizzite and the Kadmonite 20 and the Hittite and the Perizzite and the Rephaim 21 and the Amorite and the Canaanite and the Girgashite and the Jebusite.” Good chunk of the Mideast from Nile to the Euphrates from the desert into Lebanon and Syria.

Jews say see you dirty Goyum it’s ours.

Muslims used to say it’s both of ours.

Anyway back around 1050 BCE we think there was a Kingdom of Israel taken from the Canaanites it lasted about 100 years and had those familiar names Saul, David and Solomon. Some say they weren’t really Jewish but “Temple Worshippers”, not my call.

Then they split into Israel to the north and Judea to the south. Things go on for a couple hundred years then the Assyrian’s invade Israel take over and enslave

them and send them north. Judea lasts about another 150 years then the Babylonians take over and burn the temple in Jerusalem. That’s the last time any Jewish folks ran any part of Palestine for more than 2500 years. Herod and his family before and after were converts to religious Judaism; he couldn’t get an Israeli passport. Of course this is a simplification. There were and have been ‘till 1948 the Babylonian Jews. There were and have been ‘till 1948 the Egyptian Jews, there were Jews in Judea and from 538 BC a few Hebrews left Babylon and returned to Jerusalem living under Persian and Greek rule until 63BC and until 135AD lived under Roman rule. They tried to revolt against Rome (again) and this time Hadrian wiped them out and kicked any Hebrews out of town.

So at least according to the bible Israel has no more claim to Palestine than any other descendants of Abram. And in reality a whole lot less since in general they hadn’t lived there for 2000 years.

By the way to be anti-Palestinian is to be anti-Semitic…both Jews and Arabs are sons of Shem. And the law of Moses/ Moshe/Musa is the same in for both.

The Torah and the Tawrat are the same books. You folks who fear Sharia law might note it is basically the same as Leviticus…just sayin’.

Anyway to point out that there isn’t much difference between Jews and Arabs, they lived together in relative peace for more than a thousand years.

‘Course Christians weren’t offered any part…just the sons of Abram. That still holds for Jews, ain’t no Christians in heaven, but not Islam which views Jesus as a prophet. Strange, how we have our allegiances.

So I’m done with ancient history…

Hebrews have no more and probably a lot less right to Palestine biblically, but I don’t think it has ever been about religion on a little scale. One thing we know, it is about land, and not some uninhabited desert more a relatively lush kinda California type place…land of milk and honey it was called.

So fairly modern history… in the late 1800’s a bunch of mostly Russian Tsarist Jews moved to Ottoman Palestine, purchased some land and set up about 20 settlements throughout the area we now call Israel with close ties to the Bagdad, Syrian, and Egyptian Jewish groups. Remember Jewish persecution is European sin, an American sin and a Russian sin. Russia especially imposed horrible sanctions against the Jews much in hopes they would emigrate.

Curiously only in Muslim countries were Jews not persecuted (much), they were taxed, similar to the wife tax of Pennsylvania, but not persecuted (much).

So the Zionist movement was born from seeds that stretched over the centuries.

To answer the Jewish Question (Disraeli), the Jewish Condition, (Herzl), fearing to be labeled anti-Semitic…I will say a lot of the Jewish Problem (Warburg) was brought on by Jews themselves considering themselves a different “race” and inherently viewing assimilation as wrong, while in Germany Jews were the most assimilated, we’ll get back to that in another 30 years or so.

Speeding right along World War I came along. The Ottomans were on the other side and the British made a deal with the Palestinians; fight for us and we will

Problem riders are our young people who are unaware of the rules of the road and drive in restricted areas and on private property. ATV operators throw dust from unimproved ditch trails during dry months. Dust clouds partially blind drivers, causing hazardous driving conditions along the highways. This fall I saw hundreds of cubic yards of recycled asphalt product being removed from the Parks Highway in front of SBS. This could be available for an inexpensive improvement to our trail system.

Rather than banning ATVs we need to educate drivers during events cosponsored by Wasilla and local ATV merchants. Businesses are ready and willing to educate riders with rules for riding in the city. We need to develop reasonable rules and allow riders to enjoy the privilege that we just about lost to a total ban.

To have a future, all of us that ride need to be responsible citizens with courtesy and consideration for everyone. When riding my snowmachine in the bush and encountering a dog team

give you your own homeland. It wasn’t a Jewish homeland but Jews lived there and both a few fought guerilla warfare, terrorist, insurgent, whatever you wished to call it, though most Jews supported Germany.

In 1915 the British made a deal with Chaim Wietmann; control of Palestine for acetone. In 1916 was the Arab revolt funded by the British and in 1917 the British with the Jewish Legion invaded Palestine while the Arabs took TransJordan and Syria to Damascus.

In August 1917 was the Balfour Declaration, “the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people”, and specifically noting that its establishment must not “prejudice the civil and religious rights of existing non-Jewish communities in Palestine, or the rights and political status enjoyed by Jews in any other country”. Well that didn’t happen.

So by 1921 the British were in full control of British Palestine. But neither the Arabs nor the Zionists were very happy.

The Faisel-Wiezmann Agreement, “the Jews did not propose to set up a government of their own but wished to work under British protection, to colonize and develop Palestine without encroaching on any legitimate interests” wasn’t being adhered to by either side and a not pretty version of Palestinian nationalism was coming about. At the same time Jewish terrorism against the British was on the rise at the same time the British often supported Jewish militias by then the Haganah!

But in 1931 the Irgun, perhaps one of the world’s most feared terrorist organizations developed. Part of its founding was simple reprisal and according to Jobotinsky, “only Jewish armed force would ensure the Jewish state”. But these folks were worse than simple folks who liked slicing the throats of children, they had and still have a goal of Eretz Israel: from the Nile to the Euphrates.

Things went along swimmingly a killing here, a murder there, a massacre, even a little split in 1937 until 1944 when the Irgun declared war on Britain. The Irgun and Stern Gangs were especially violent and murderous; women and children were there favorite targets.

It is interesting to note that during the war the British heavily armed the Jewish Folks fighting for them in Palestine, really all the way back to WWI, but disarmed Arabs. By the time the civil war began in late ’47, it was, and has remained to this day pretty one sided. As we have seen in Gaza, Arabs have rocks and some half assed rockets, Israelis have tanks, and jet airplanes and ships …oh and nukes!

I always laugh when an Israeli says they won’t negotiate with terrorists. From the beginning of Israel to run the state of Israel you had to be a terrorist, not just a terrorist but top dog terrorist. A card carrying murderer like Menachem Begin who bombed (the Jewish owned and operated) King David Hotel killing 91 people. He also commanded the Deir Yassin massacre of somewhere between 107 – 254 old men, women and children. Israelis call it a battle but it wasn’t it was a systematic house by house massacre. 80 more folks were executed and thrown in the quarry, after the so called battle. It probably would have resulted in the murder of all 600 villagers if the Chareidi (ultra-orthodox) Jews from the next door village of Givat Shaul hadn’t stopped them. Around 250 of the remaining villagers who were to be blown

I yield. When riding an ATV, we should do the same when approached by a pedestrian or bicyclist. Wasilla can designate certain areas and trails for travel, like the existing trails on the 80 acre park at Lake Lucile. We can develop a system that works for all.

Local riders rallied to appose the ban on ATVs in the City of Wasilla. I believe it is important to bring forth concerns into the public arena, rather than arbitrarily imposing regulations and outright bans. City officials were ready to ban all ATV and snowmachine travel within city limits until I started the conversation opposing it.

The outcome is that the public and industry will assist City Council in the formulation of a plan that keeps our freedoms. I approve of allocating resources for improving trails. We need to enable ATVs to become part of our comprehensive city plan. With great freedom comes great responsibility.

Let’s keep Wasilla a safe place for all outdoor activities, including ATV and snowmachine travel.

up but the act stopped by their Jewish neighbors are said to either been taken to the Damascus gate or murdered out of sight, depending on which Israeli version you believe.

Ariel Sharon might have been worse with the Qibya massacre. Some say he personally slit the throats of women and children (over 2/3s of the victims of the murder were women and children). The current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu certainly has both the credentials and the opportunity to do terrorist activities but he may have been just a good soldier. He was part of Operation Inferno an attack on a Palestinian refugee camp in Jordan and Operation Gift the destruction of 13 civilian airliners (mostly owned by Americans) and 1 cargo plane in Lebanon.

Anyway, during the civil war in 1948, over 700,000 Palestinians were forced from their homes.

These homes and farms were seized by Israel under their laws of tenancy. That is if we force you from your home and you aren’t there then the property becomes the states, kinda like we did to Native Americans.

Ben-Gurion let the Arabs know when he said in 1937: “We must expel Arabs and take their place. But one needs an opportune moment for making it happen, such as war.” and “Let us not ignore the truth among ourselves… politically we are the aggressors and they defend themselves. The country is theirs because they inhabit it, whereas we want to come here and settle down, and in their view we want to take from them their country.” and “The Arabs of the land of Israel have only one function left to them-to run away.” This has effectively been the policy of Zionist Israel to today.

You know we often forget that the Israelis also forced over 100,000 Christians from their homes in 1954 taking over their villages too. Christians can’t become Israeli either…it’s a Jewish state.

Remember it is the descendants of Abraham who are chosen. Not us.

I’ll close this section about Israeli atrocities not with Gaza but with the attack on the USS Liberty. Like I intimated the Israelis use us and our money and our weapons, but they aren’t our friends.

The bombing of an unarmed American spy ship and the murder of 34 Americans was pretty blatant. During this latest assault on Gaza, Netanyahu pretty much told our government (all the way to the President) what to do. Israeli propaganda fills TV and news, anyone who speaks out seems to get fired or worse.

And we keep pumping money into the Israeli forces…oh well.

Is this right? ultimately becomes the question. Was it right for us to kill of the Native Americans, or our genocide in the Philippines?

Is this the natural course of statehood and conquest?

DO the Israelis deserve the Jewish State?

Why? Does Eretz Israel need to happen for the messiah to come save the Jews?

These are questions above my understanding.

I do know in my heart of hearts, murder and genocide are wrong…even to the followers of Moses.

The People’s Paper POLITICS

The People’s Paper politics PAGE 9

Limiting Not Growing Government is the Better Plan

By Representative Shelley Hughes Republican Candidate for State House District 11, Greater Palmer

that responsible resource development – which provides our tax base – is not hindered.

No matter what your political stripe may be, we all will face the future here in Alaska together.

Along with incredibly positive things happening in our communities, among families, within the private sector – such as opportunities for innovation, successful young people, winning ventures, and bright improvements – we face some challenges related to our public sector and the limited incoming state revenues.

I’m optimistic about our future as people, as individuals, and what we can do and achieve and become, but I am realistic at the same time about our state government and the relatively lean decade we face compared to recent years. We cannot turn a blind eye, but must be strong and look straightforward at what’s ahead and what must be done. We need to trim the fat and downsize government while ensuring

In the Legislature the last two years, we clearly recognized the shrinking revenue, and pulled back the budget growth. I was a proponent for pulling back even more than we did and will continue to advocate for greater fiscal restraint going forward. I disagreed with plush office renovations in Anchorage; our simple legislative offices with functional furniture here in Mat-Su are more than adequate. We need to examine each and every department, division, and office within state government and ask essential questions: is the work being done here an appropriate role of government? Is it required according to our State Constitution? Is it being done efficiently and effectively?

When the answer isn’t a solid “yes,” we have to make tough decisions; I’m willing to continue to do that.

On the revenue stream side, great strides have been made during the last legislative session to alleviate unemployment, contribute to the state’s eco-

nomic welfare, and promote economic development. With our passage of the More Alaska Production Act, the needle has begun to reverse direction and the downward trend of oil in the pipeline has halted. With the gasline project moving forward, also due to successful legislation we passed, and with prosmall business and industry innovation legislation I sponsored, opportunities for economic development and jobs opened up.

While we’re on the topic of budgets and revenues, voters should beware of candidates who claim they are for a sustainable budget but want to expand Medicaid and sizably increase education spending. Don’t believe it. The math simply doesn’t add up. Medicaid and education already make up nearly 60 percent of the annual agency operations budget. Increasing this formula spending would surely put Alaska in the poorhouse, and soon.

Unless perhaps these proponents plan is to rob Peter to pay Paul? To neglect other essential services and increase potholes and crime along with the budget? Is this how they’d get their plan to

pencil out? Voters be leery of politicians who on one hand spout off campaign promises to grow the budget and government in major areas and on the other hand profess a commitment to a sustainable budget. The messages are contradictory; their plan won’t work.

A better plan? Living within our means.

Realizing that now is not the time to increase spending. What we need is innovation, thinking outside the box, efficiencies, and limited government, not more money. We have amazing teachers who will inspire students, resourceful health providers and community members who will find solutions, smart entrepreneurs who will create new jobs, and great Alaskans who can overcome challenges.

A better plan? Support candidates who believe in you more than they believe in government to solve problems. Limiting, not growing, government is the better plan.

Representative Shelley Hughes Republican Candidate for State House District 11 Greater Palmer www.AlaskansforHughes.com

American Decline Part 1:

The Harvest of Decades of Socio-Political Con

By Raymond Lyons In the current century, America is reaping the harvest of multiple decades of socio-political con. Members of Congress prioritize their personal aggrandizement well above their duty to their constituents. The Executive Branch prioritizes its political agenda well above the good of the nation as a whole. The Press has virtually become converts into a religious zeal regarding the shielding the Administration and the Senate from the consequences of their failed policies and outright falsehoods. Larger and larger segments of the population expect to be supported by an evershrinking labor force in the name of social responsibility and wealth re-distribution. America has somehow drifted into a situation in which social elites consistently arrogate unto themselves the “right” to dictate how everyone else is to live “for the good of humanity in general”. Indeed, their pontifications are full of Utilitarian rhetoric about fairness and the “achievement of the greatest happiness of the greatest number” as the only legitimate basis of legislation.

Yet every one of them gloss over the simple problem that to date, no one has successfully created an objective method of quantitating the status of peoples’ happiness – and that being the case, how can peoples’ happiness be a criterion for judging the correctness of legislative policies?

How did this come to pass? How did Western Civilization drift from the philosophy of autocratic rule of kings, through the social contract and participatory democracy theories of Locke and Hobbs, to veneration of the oligarchic elitist rule that characterizes the mediocrity of socialism? How did it become permissible to murder human beings at both ends of the age spectrum in the name of improving the quality of life for those who survive?

How did large segments of America’s population come to the conclusion that ever expanding government was the panacea for all of life’s ills? Was it the inescapable degradation of humanity in an increasingly over-populated world and technologically oriented world?

Was it the inevitable march of human social evolution to the higher form of the New Socialist Man, which the Marxists are always proclaiming? Was it the steady drift away from an immutable standard of morals and ethics by generations surfeited with material comforts and shallow political jingoes that promise momentary gratification without real spiritual fulfillment? Or is it merely that large segments of the population have willingly allowed themselves to be

Media by the People... ...For the People

seduced by the twin deceits of Relativism and Social Justice?

Jeremy Bentham’s philosophy of Utilitarianism was proposed in the 18th Century and by the first quarter of the 19th Century its validity was being questioned both on grounds of practicality and on the moral issue of forcibly depriving one group of people of the fruits of their labor in order to speculatively increase the happiness of another group. The issue was phrased whether the unhappiness of those deprived outweighed the happiness of those supported.

In 1827, socialism first entered the English language in writings about the social experiments of Robert Owen in the cotton mills of New Lanark in Britain. His activities created communities in which property was held in common and socio-economic activities were organized on a cooperative basis.

Between 1825 and 1847, seven Owenite communities were founded in Britain.

None, however, flourished long. By the close of the 1840’s, Owenite socialism no longer existed as a movement.

Throughout the 1860’s and 1870’s, little was heard of socialism.

With the publication of Das Kapital by Karl Marx however, the insidious creep of socialist philosophy began anew.

Socialist parties sprang up in multiple European countries; splitting by the 1880’s into Marxism, Fabian Socialism and Syndicalism. Through the last two decades of the 19th Century during the Populist movement and into the first two decades of the 20th Century with the Progressive movement, Owenite socialist doctrines were given a new lease on life and kept in competition with Marxism, Syndicalism and Durkheim’s philosophy of socialism, which advocated equality of opportunity, not equality of condition.

It is, I suppose, quite comforting to believe this philosophy arose unforeseen as a result of the Industrial Revolution and the horror of industrial warfare as epitomized by World War I. Indeed, many socialist apologists claim that socialism is a benign economic policy that was hijacked and perverted by Marxists and forced to evolve into a more and more tyrannical mode because of the rise of Nazism. Comforting perhaps, but a self-deception just the same. It was foreseen. The unhinging of Western morals and ethics from an immutable standard to a pliable mish-mash of relativist compromises was foreshadowed by more than Bentham’s writings and Owen’s activities. Nietzsche had

spelled it out as one of his tenets that Ubermenschen had the right to ignore Judeo-Christian morality and create a new system of ethics for governing the world. Few indeed discerned the stark realities of socialist doctrines: rigidly enforced conformity and the destruction of lesser peoples for the sake of the new improved version of humanity championed by eugenics and the scientific creation of the New Socialist Man. In fact, from its beginnings, Marxist philosophers espoused the elimination of Volkerabfelle, the so-called racial trash. In their interpretation of the march of history, these were primitive societies that were two stages behind the social progression of the working class through capitalism to the inevitable socialist revolution as they were not even capitalistic yet. Thus, when the Revolution came, they would be too undeveloped to be brought to revolutionary fervor and so had no place in the new world order. In fact, the concept of lethal chambers and humane lethal gas was not a German invention; it was a concept espoused by British Fabian Socialists to eliminate the diseased, the mentally defective, and the idle in order to improve the human species and allow those lucky enough to survive to “live a better life.”

In the years following the First World War, Socialists created a litany of death and misery in multiple countries of Europe. From 1917 to 1940, Russian internationalist socialists killed more than 20 million people with bullets, forced labor and starvation. Indeed, in the winter of 1932/33, they killed 7 million men, women, and children by mass starvation in Ukraine alone, in a genocide called the Holodomor, later denied and glossed over by Western Governments because the Soviet Union was an Allied Power during World War II. 7 Between 1933 and 1945, the National Socialists in Germany murdered approximately 11 million people: deformed children, mentally defective patients, homosexuals and Jews. Many historians ignore the fact that in the early 1930’s, Fabian Socialists in Britain applauded the Nazi’s in Germany and only broke with them when the Germans shifted those targeted for termination from class enemies to racial and ethnic enemies.

It is worth noting here that Russian socialist doctrines were international in scope, centering on class warfare with the working class to become the social elites of a worldwide movement.

Nazism, in the form of the National Socialist German Worker’s Party was nationalist in scope with the social elites expected to come from the Ger-

The People’s Paper

man People. Fabian Socialists expected the elites to come from the educated classes. Regardless of which form one embraced, a fundamental tenet of socialist philosophy was that it was perfectly acceptable to arrogate unto themselves the right to decide what people were “productive and useful to society” and what people were “social parasites” that warranted elimination: always justified by the mantra that they were allowing the socially useful to live a more rewarding life.

Our Founding Fathers knew and feared the power of unbridled government to intrude into our daily lives. Even in the infancy of the new republic, there were those who believed government was the cure for every ill in human society.

Benjamin Franklin had pointed out that an unbridled democracy “is two wolves and a small lamb voting on what to have for dinner. Freedom under a constitutional republic is a well armed lamb contesting the vote.” George Washington stated that “Government is not reason, it is not eloquence, it is a force; like fire, a troublesome servant and a fearsome master. Never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action.”

But he sadly noted that few men had the moral strength to resist the highest bidder. Thomas Jefferson warned “Government big enough to supply everything you need is big enough to take everything you have. As he also noted, the lessons of history show that expanding government always results in shrinking liberty.

Following these tenets of representative government, a tiny country barely reaching from the Atlantic Coast to the Appalachian Mountains grew into a major world power. Yet despite America’s wealth and power, in the first decade following World War II, the same issues remained: the balance between civil liberties and governmental power – ie, how does the lamb contest the vote on dinner.

President Eisenhower noted in the midst of the Cold War, “If all that Americans want is security, they can go to prison. They’ll have enough to eat, a bed and a roof over their heads. But if an American wants to preserve his dignity and his equality as a human being, he must not bow his neck to any dictatorial government.” In part two, the increased threat to liberty created by the self-imposed censorship of Political Correctness and Social Justice following the Vietnam War and the collapse of the Soviet Union will be surveyed.

TO BE CONTINUED IN PART TWO.

WWW.makeasceneak.com

POLITICS The People’s Paper The People’s Paper politics PAGE 10

Junior High Remembered Ballot Measure 2

By Wasilla Mayor Verne Rupright Here we are again in the middle of another political election cycle with the “withering fire” of partisan drivel and finger pointing masquerading as “speech.” It is difficult to sort the facts from the “cacophonous” racket going on.

It reminds me of a “tin horn” and with particularity a Junior High School lunch room. We all remember the “gossip and rumors” along with character assassinations that sent many “girls” home crying their eyes out and shamed. Well shame on you “partisan bovine”! The “my way or the highway gang” how novel - not!

They know each other and are poor excuses for humans and not worth a penny’s weight of powder wasted on them. So let’s begin with a few particulars, shall we. Recently, the Governor, we know him as Sean Parnell, hits the front pages of newspapers and breathlessly feigns “shock and frustration” at not being able to get to the bottom of the Alaska National Guard scandal.

Really!?!

“Not for nuthin‘ Hoss, but your “people” have known about this brewing cauldron of methane for a very long time and it can’t be denied. For a Republican “leader” perhaps you need to take a page from Democrat President Harry Truman’s play book. You know, “the buck stops here!” I even passed a very long report written by LTC Ken Blalock up the Republican Party chain some number of years ago. Just maybe, Governor, “your people” let you down, or was it Major General Tom Katkus a former Anchorage Police Captain and Army National Guard Officer.

What the heck, General Katkus makes a great “patsy.” (Sounds like the last words of Lee Harvey Oswald before he was gunned down by a 3rd rate wanna be mafia guy in the Dallas Police station-yup, I watched it live at 12 years old and spit up my cheerios when it happened. More “Shock and Awe” stuff, except this “gun down “is like Junior High School).

To add to this ridiculous scenario the GOV-N-OR took the microphone on the Bernadette and Berkowitz Show (9-514), of course without Ethan Berkowitz around, after all he is a former Democrat Senator and asked: “Is this Ethan’s microphone, ugh?” What did he think an Ebola infected fly would jump out zip into his mouth and get him?

The Horror!

The real question was why the Alaska State Troopers were instructed to back off of the sexual assault issues after all the crimes alleged were in-fact state crimes like sexual assault. (We will never see any arrests or prosecutions I bet).

It had nothing to do with any ridiculous National Guard Bureau inquiry. What, couldn’t the then Attorney General DNR Dan Sullivan, have weighed in or the guy right after him, or the next guy what’s his name Geraghty? (By the way who told these guys to back off?

Anyone? Take a guess).

Shazam, this is shades of “Hiz Honor” James Michael Curley of Boston-(D), low these decades ago. (See: The Last Hurrah by O’Conner describing Curley’s rule in Boston- more like Whitey Bulger and his brother Billy the State Senate President of Massachusetts-(D) from Southey and “nobody knows nothing and that’s our story”).

The feast goes on especially with the recent attacks against Bill Walker (R).

You know the life-time Republican who is not an “insider” with the Junior High Clique. Seems Bill and his law partner are being “pilloried” by the “gang of cream-puffs” (I say that because they talk tough, that’s all), because Walker questioned the Point Thompson Settlement and the Public Process that was lacking. Walker and Company asked very salient and sound questions concerning the “deal.” Actually they were looking out for our collective best interests.

In an answer to Senator Hollis French(D) - this AG Geraghty-(R) responds.

Remember, Attorney General Geraghty is appointed by and works for, yup, the Governor, not for you and me, not in Alaska it’s very different in other states where the guy has to be elected. The AG’s long and very cumbersome “legal analysis” is “spot on” if you except some rather bad premises put forth. (Yes I have read it and ya know there is bunk in it. I have never been a fan of Attorney Generals Opinions). I do know that the “deal” struck at Point Thompson was crafted by DNR Dan Sullivan-(R) LTC, USMC (res). Again, not for nuthin’ but I like Dan. At least he has been honest enough to admit that his Dad was a rust belt Reagan Democrat and probably still is. Good on you Dan, it shows integrity to admit you have “Demies” in your blood no shame in that. Also Berkowitz, DNR guy and his lovely wife are all Harvard educated. My how novel a Demi and two Repub’s. Gee, even the bastion of liberal education takes everybody it’s called centrism-middle ground an American concept.

If you think I am bashing Republicans, not really - I can call the same on many Democrats I know. Not the blue-dog kind they work for a living just like republican union folks and many more.

They understand the give and take of the American way of life and government. Simply stated, if you ready haven’t guessed, I don’t like PARTISIANS. The Democrats that rub me raw are those that are more concerned with “burning social issues,” like whether I smoke or not or imbibe in adult drinks.

Come on mind your own business!

The reality is Socialist Earth Muffins won’t keep the roof over their heads, the beans and potatoes on the kid’s plates if we don’t get together. Social issues have their place for sure, but without the way to make them happen, such as you are too hungry and cold to talk about them, you have nothing.

What’s afoot this political year is if we as Alaskans do not stand up to the Junior High School wanna be bullies, you will be stuck with them for at least ten more long grinding years.

Remember Reagan-(R) was a centrist, Eisenhower-(R) was a centrist, dare I say it ever Bill Clinton-(D) could work both sides of the aisle and he was married to a at one time Young Republican Hillary Rodham-Clinton.

Get this, the State budget is not sustainable, the resource oil is running out one day and the list goes on and we have massive unfunded debt liability.

We had better get our house in order and the only way to do that is to put aside petty differences in stupid sidetracking issues and concentrate on the task at hand.

So to the Junior High kids if you don’t think I am Republican enough for you here’s some food for thought. At 21 I voted for Nixon, I enlisted and volunteered for Vietnam. My family goes back to 1856 out of New England and are original Lincoln Republicans, got shot for it’s principles, unlike many of you and your kind. It stood for Free Labor, (no slavery), Free Land, (not the giveaway kind), and Free Men, (you too ladies). Republican Conservatism is in fact-hold on – Classical Liberalism! Ooh! Yup, just ask Hume, Locke, Jefferson, Franklin, Washington and on and on. Most folks like the Founding Fathers they were pretty smart. Our Rights inherent and they survive when we coalesce around a common notion, theme and agreement.

Remember, it took Mom and Dad to mediate a fight with different perspectives, but a common goal, centrismmoderation-God sez it too all things in moderation. Working together without “children” yammering on and on is a good thing. Remember “children” should be seen and not heard.

I wish sure wish mom and dad were here now, we need them.

Verne Rupright Mayor-City of Wasilla

Strikes the Right Balance for Rural Alaska

By Forrest Dunbar Candidate for Congress I grew up in rural Alaska, surrounded by drugs and alcohol. I didn’t come from a troubled home or a broken community. Still, growing up in Eagle and Cordova, I encountered drugs and alcohol like many Alaskans do—frequently.

In high school I began to see more “hard” drugs, and began drinking socially. Cordova’s fishing fleet, like many groups of hard-working and independent Alaskans, struggles with drug and alcohol use.

It was also in high school that I was first offered marijuana. I chose not to smoke marijuana mostly because it didn’t appeal to me. I never smoked cigarettes either, despite their legality.

As I got older, I started to encounter drugs and alcohol in professional settings—Alaska Legal Services, the Alaska Office of Public Advocacy, and the Army National Guard. I began to realize that I had been looking at the problem of substance abuse in the wrong way.

When we debate substance abuse in this country, we focus on the substance. We have a “War on Drugs,” a war on substances we deem harmful.

But the issue more often is the person.

Self-medication—the abuse side of the equation—is rampant in this country, and particularly prevalent in Alaska.

Whether you are a fisherman who never recovered from the Exxon Valdez, an Alaska Native who was abused or saw their parents abused at a boarding school, or a veteran struggling with PTSD, there is a unique amount of trauma in Alaska.

Not all substance abuse is rooted in trauma, but much is. When mental wounds go untreated, people turn to alcohol and drugs. The substance itself isn’t the issue—one of the most dangerous and addictive practices in Alaska is huffing gasoline. How workable would a prohibition on gasoline be?

Which brings me to Ballot Measure 2, the initiative to legalize and regulate marijuana like alcohol. I support this initiative because our current policy of prohibition has failed, and because legalizing and regulating marijuana will give us revenue to get at the roots of the problem: untreated mental health and addiction issues, combined with underfunded education and law enforcement agencies.

Let me be clear: I am not in favor of legalizing all drugs. If alcohol is our “speed limit” of 60 mph (metaphorically), then marijuana is a 45. Heroin, meanwhile, is a 120.

But again, our current policy is a failure—particularly in rural Alaska, where I come from.

Marijuana possession arrests total 80% of all drug arrests in our state. Possession enforcement cost about $8.5 million in 2010. Non-violent offenders outnumber violent offenders in Alaskan jails. Unscrupulous drug cartels control the black market.

For all this, what do we get? Is marijuana hard to come by for our youth? No, it is not. Have we lowered marijuana use? It’s hard to say, but Alaska under prohibition has the nation’s highest usage rates. That means that our socalled “drugged driving” rates are also among the nation’s highest, right now, and yet the majority of impaired driving accidents come from alcohol, not marijuana. It’s not even close.

We can learn from Colorado and Washington. The Alaska initiative creates a regulatory board that is tasked with creating “requirements to prevent the sale or diversion of marijuana and marijuana products to persons under the age of 21” and making “reasonable restrictions on the advertising and display of marijuana and marijuana products.” These “reasonable” restrictions can and should be very strict.

Opponents warn of “concentrates” and more potent varietals. Concentrates are mostly used by the medical marijuana community; your average user doesn’t want them. Regardless, the board can set limits on potency through the “health and safety” portion of the initiative. And potent marijuana has been here since I was in high school— people just smoke less.

I always ask: will this help or hurt rural Alaska? There are communities in rural Alaska who chose to go “dry” or “damp,” and I support their right to make those local decisions. I would not support Ballot Measure 2 if it took away those rights. Fortunately, the initiative clearly states that local governments can prohibit marijuana sales and commercial cultivation in their communities. If your local government wants to keep our current system of prohibition, they can.

I’ve been around marijuana, both in rural Alaska and Anchorage, for nearly my entire life. I don’t use it myself; I don’t encourage it. But responsible adult use should not be a crime, any more than drinking a beer or a glass of wine.

Perhaps the towns of my youth—Eagle and Cordova—will decide to prohibit marijuana production and sale.

Under the initiative, it will be their right to do so... But personally, I’ll be voting Yes on Ballot Measure 2 to regulate marijuana like alcohol.

Gary Johnson

Is Coming To Anchorage Tentatively planned: Hike up Flattop with Gary Johnson, Sunday morning, September 21.

Social hour with Gary Johnson, Sunday afternoon, September 21.

This will happen if we have 100 people willing to pay an average of $50.00 to spend the day or part of the day with Gary Johnson and to meet some of the libertarian candidates.

Please RSVP to the Clifts at (907) 3379679 by Thursday, September 4, at noon.

We need organizers to make this all happen, too.

Media by the People... ...For the People

*Gary Johnson, former governor of New Mexico, is a world-famous mountainclimber and was the Libertarian Party candidate for President in 2012.

The People’s Paper

COMMUNITY

Want More Salmon?

The People’s Paper COMMUNITY PAGE 11

Vote Roger Purcell (R) www.electrogerpurcell.com

Take Flight with Alaska WildBird

Rehabilitation Center

PAID FOR BY ROGER PURCELL PO BOX 940231 HOUSTON, AK 99694

By Randi Perlman The Alaska WildBird Rehabilitation Center (AWBRC) is taking flight!

AWBRC invites EVERYONE to TAKE FLIGHT with us at our 7th Annual Fall Migration Fundraiser at Best Western Lake Lucille Inn from 5:30-9pm on Saturday, September 20. Enjoy wine tasting, no-host bar, hearty appetizers from the Denali Family Restaurant, music by Matanuska Muse, quick-draw artists, incredible silent auction items, live auction of delicious desserts and travel packages with auctioneer Kevin Painter, and of course, our wild bird ambassadors…!

The live auction features a fabulous Fairbanks Package for 2, including round-trip Alaska Railroad tickets from Anchorage, Riverboat Discovery and Gold Dredge #8 tours, 2 nights at the Bear Lodge at Wedgewood, and entry passes to the Antique Auto Museum! Also featured is a sensational Seward get-away, including Sea Life Center entry, hotel, meals, and a jacket and hat! Get ready to travel !!

ALASKA

COFFEE ROASTERY akcoffeeroastery.com

907.745.5543

Tickets are $55 in advance, or $60 at the door; a table for 8 is $385 (8 for the price of 7 – a steal of a deal)! Tickets are available at Madd Matters and Non-Essentials in Palmer, and at Steve’s Toyostove and Su’z Alaskan Gift Shop in Wasilla. They can also be purchased by calling the center at 892-2927 or through PayPal at www. akwildbirdrehab.org.

Remember, it’s ALL for the birds, and they will be flutterly thankful…

7th Annual Mat-Su Transportation Fair (Palmer, Alaska) – The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities, City of Palmer, City of Wasilla, City of Houston, the Alaska Railroad Corporation, Mat-Su Transit, and the Mat-Su Borough have teamed up to bring you the latest on roads, rails and trails at this one-stop information destination.

The 2014 Mat-Su Transportation Fair will take place Wednesday, October 22nd, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Raven Hall, Alaska State Fairgrounds, 2075 Glenn Highway, Palmer, Alaska.

Over 50 Mat-Su transportation projects, agencies, and transportation providers will be represented. Families and businesses will be able to talk to project team members, get information, updates, and see the big picture of the future of transportation in the Valley.

There will be activities for children, and light snacks will be provided.

This is the 7th Mat-Su Transportation Fair and attendance has steadily increased to about 400 folks from around the valley attending last year.

PROJECT INCLUDE...

DOT&PF projects: · DOT&PF Planning and Programming · Fairview Loop Rehabilitation · Flashing Yellow Arrows · Glenn Highway projects · Knik Arm Crossing · Lucus Road, Parks Highway to Spruce Street · Palmer-Wasilla Highway · Parks Highway Alternative Corridor · Parks Highway projects · Seward Meridian, Phase II · Trunk Road Reconstruction · Willow Airport Master Plan City of Palmer projects: · Palmer Municipal Airport Master Plan Update City of Wasilla projects: · Main Street Couplet (links to Wasilla Main Street) · South Mack Drive (Clapp Road) Extension & Grade Separation Mat-Su Borough projects: · Big Lake Road Intersection Improvements · Bogard Road Extension East (BREE) · Caswell Lakes Road Upgrade · Hawk Lane Upgrade & Paving · Mat-Su Borough Long Range Plan · Mat-Su Borough Trails and Parks Foundation · Old Glenn Highway Paved Pathway · Parks Connectors: Machen Road and Museum Drive · Port MacKenzie Master Plan · Safe Routes to Schools · Seldon Road & Lucille Street Improvements · Seldon Road Extension & Beverly Lake Road Upgrade · South Big Lake Road Realignment · Sullivan Avenue and Caudill Road Upgrade · Sutton Elementary to Glenn Highway Paved Pathway · Trunk Road Extension South · Vine Road Upgrade · Willow Lake Drive Upgrade

Additional participants include: · · · · · ·

Alaska Mobility Coalition Chickaloon Area Transit System (CATS) MASCOT Sunshine Transit Valley Mover vRide

Aardvark Catering/Pizza Thyme ts

sen e r p

Live Music Door Prizes Live Music

Our Sixth Anniversary/Fundraising Gala CANCER SUCKS!

Thursday, October 9th, 2014 Proceeds will go to help Jim and Cyndi Conner

Located in the East Lake Mall in beautiful downtown Big Lake Alaska!

with their fight against Breast Cancer.

ADVERTISEMENT

The People’s Paper COMMUNITY PAGE 12

COMMUNITY The People’s Paper

3rd Annual High Heels for High Hopes a Success The March of Dimes partnered with Mat-Su Regional Medical Center for the third annual High Heels for High Hopes on August 7th, 2014. Our presenting sponsor was Kendall Ford of Wasilla.

The models were your friends and neighbors, and each model was committed to raising money for the March of Dimes while having a fantastic time stepping out of their comfort zone! It was a fabulous night filled with food, fun and fashion! Clothing for the models was generously provided by Target, Younique Boutique, C’est La Vie Affordable Fashions and The Men’s Wearhouse.

Our top models were Jenn Mikkelsen from Mat-Su Regional Medical Center and Roxie Mayberry from the Alaska State Fair. We initially announced Jenn as our top model, but once the dust settled, we ended up having a tie and two top models! This was Jenn’s first year as a model and it was Roxie’s third year. Third time was a charm for Roxie! Jenn and Roxie each raised $3,850.00.

Other models included Rick Allen, Carol Marsh, Sabrena Combs, Lolly Symbol, Kimberly Stengrim, Kimberly Emmi, Amber Stevens, Cheryl Metiva and Marty Metiva.

The event raised a total of $39,000!

It was a fabulous event and we couldn’t do it without support from the community. We are already planning for next year.

If you or someone you know is interested in being a part of this event: e-mail agreen@marchofdimes.com

this year’s top models, Jenn and Roxie (ABOVE), each raised $3,850.00.