Mat-Su

Mat-Su Assembly seeks comment on dropping to floor level

PALMER -- The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly has delayed a decision on a temporary move down to audience level from the high dais they now occupy during meetings.

The Assembly voted 5-2 Tuesday night to push the decision to March 17 to give members of the public time to weigh in.

Assembly member Jim Sykes initially proposed the change, noting that the current configuration puts the body too far above the public. Sykes is suggesting the Assembly test out his idea by meeting for three months at tables on the floor.

The high dais was necessary to make a $7 million borough building remodel comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Borough Clerk Lonnie McKechnie said. The dais matches the level of the old, 1930s-era building. The new part of the building, including the Assembly chambers floor, is on a lower level. Designers chose the configuration because a sloping floor was too expensive and seating the Assembly on the floor could block the public from seeing them, a borough memo says.

Sykes on Tuesday told the Assembly he opposed "such an arrangement of high priests above the peasants" even before the remodel happened. He also noted that the podium where the public now testifies is hard to reach for people in wheelchairs and those who need to sit.

McKechnie said borough administration is already working on a solution to the podium issue.

Two Assembly members voted against the delay: Willow's Vern Halter and Big Lake's Dan Mayfield. Halter said he doesn't like being up so high but it's better than the old, crowded chambers with everyone on one level. Mayfield said the temporary proposal would make more work for the clerks.

"Being one with the citizens that we represent is a high ideal," he said. "I feel like we are one with the folks whether we sit up here or not."

Zaz Hollander

Zaz Hollander is a veteran journalist based in the Mat-Su and is currently an ADN local news editor and reporter. She covers breaking news, the Mat-Su region, aviation and general assignments. Contact her at zhollander@adn.com.

ADVERTISEMENT