Anchorage Daily News

Five candidates are running to replace Wasilla Mayor Dianne Keller in the upcoming Oct. 7 election. The Daily News asked each to provide a short statement and answer five questions. Below are the questions and their responses:

1. Current city administrators took heat for apparently favoring shopping mall developer Meritage over existing city businesses, violating city policy and maybe state law along the way, according to an investigation paid for by the City Council. Do you think city officials acted inappropriately? How do you propose balancing demands of big developers with those of existing businesses?

2. What specific changes do you plan to make at City Hall if you win election as city mayor? What works and what does not?

3. The city appears to be ahead of schedule in collecting the half-percent sales tax that pays off Wasilla's $15 million sports complex construction debt. Some people advocate asking voters to keep the tax to pay for a new library. Do you support this plan? Please explain.

4. What are you currently reading and why?

5. Have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony? If so, please explain.

THE CANDIDATES

Name: Michael A. Carson

Age: 71

Place of Birth: Palmer

Education: Grade school and high school in Wasilla; colleges, Washington State College, Southern Oregon College, Willamette University Law School; later on-the-job continuing education courses at University of California and University of Colorado. Bachelor of Arts degree Southern Oregon College, 1962.

Public Service Experience: Wasilla City Council, 1988-1994; Secretary, Pioneers of Alaska, Matsu, (nonprofit), in my 30th year as unpaid secretary, was president in 1977, a member for 40 years. Military: U.S.Army Infantry Alaska, 1954-1956.

Family: Married, 1976, wife is Judith; two sons living, Scott and Dan

Candidate's statement: I was born and raised here in the Wasilla area, went out of state for college and law school and continuing education, worked for the State of Alaska, Department of Revenue and Department of Labor on graduation from college; 35 years in real estate as an agent and broker. I currently am broker for Mike Carson Realty Inc. of Wasilla. During my six years on the City Council, we financed local improvement districts through local banks to respond to requests for new paving and natural gas. We brought in the sales tax and the new police department in the 1990s. We welcomed Wal-Mart inside the city. I have written a book about my experiences titled "Glimpse of Life in Alaska." See background and more on www.mikecarsonformayor.com.

Answers to questions

1. It appears to me that Meritage preferred forcibly taking away someone else's property for road access rather than using its own. That is not fair and should not happen.

2. I shall be doing a review of city activities after the election. At this time I have no plans for changes. All parties will be treated fairly.

3. That half-percent sales tax was designated by the voters for the sports arena. In the spirit of that public vote, let us apply it to the sports arena debt obligation, and pay it down in advance.

4. Anchorage Daily News and Frontiersman. I read most of them with my morning coffee to keep up with current events.

5. Driving while intoxicated, 1974.

Name: Greg Koskela

Age: 41

Place of birth: Minneapolis

Education: High school graduate, US Air force

Public service experience: Wasilla City Council, Wasilla Planning Commission, Lamb of God church president, church elder, Open Arms Child development center, head of the board of directors

Family: Single, two kids, -- son, Tyler, 14, and daughter, Taylor, 12

Candidate's statement: The most important issue we face is our traffic problems. We need to get a solid plan in place to address these problems. To achieve that we need to work closely with borough, state, federal, as well as the railroad in order to reach that goal. Economically, I believe the city is on track for continued modest growth, but we still need to look at things long term. We need to develop the potential at our airport, to help diversify our job base and create another economic engine. We will also face challenges not anticipated as people move from the rural areas into our local area due to energy prices. This will be population growth that was not included in some of the previous growth models. Our city has a lot of potential, and together we can make it happen.

Answers to questions

1. I do believe things could have been done differently. I think there was inappropriate action on all sides. You shouldn't have to balance any demands, each and every business that owns property has the same exact property rights, whether you have been here 20 years or 20 days. What we need as a city is some direction. We need a new comprehensive plan, and we need an economic development plan. I propose that Wasilla form an economic development board, comprised of community members, to work in conjunction with an economic director to put those plans together, as well as provide continuity between administrations.

2. I could not say with any certainty at this point what I would change until I was able to interact and assess what is currently going on in each department, determining the strengths and weaknesses in each department, talking with all of them one on one to determine what they envision for each department and any specific goals they look to achieve. Only after that will I determine changes and new direction.

3. I support the plan only if the voters approve of it. It needs to be well planned and well thought out, so the people can vote on a project that is fiscally responsible, meets our needs and is an asset to our city.

4. "Wager with the Wind." It's about Alaska legend Don Sheldon, an avid Bush pilot. I enjoy reading books about real life people and their experiences, especially if it involves flying in Alaska.

5. No

Name: Steve Menard

Age: 37

Place of birth: Anchorage

Education: Wasilla High; American College of Switzerland; Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and history, University of Alabama

Public service experience: USMC Parris Island, Fort Sill, honor graduate; American Legionnaire; NRA; AOC; hockey and baseball coach; Jean-Pierre Hefti Memorial Award; Intern for U.S. Senator Ted Stevens; Legislative Aide; administrative assistant for Gov. Sarah Palin; special assistant for Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development; and current Wasilla Councilman

Family: single, no children

Candidate's statement: I am going to do something that has never been done before in a campaign race -- tell you the truth. Now I have taken many hits in this campaign, and some have been of my own doing. But I can tell you that no one will work harder for this town as your mayor. This is my home! I have proposed and passed more legislation than anyone else running for mayor. I will claw, scratch, and fight for every last citizen and business. My blood flows Warrior red. And if am elected, I can promise you this -- I will never embarrass you or this city again.

Answers to questions

1. Since I was the one that brought this forward to the council, I do think the mayor and some city officials acted inappropriately. I think that small businesses are the backbone of this community. They were the ones that stayed when the bust happened in the 80s. I can't stop growth, but what I can do as mayor is protect your property rights.

2. I want to see more development of our parks and lakes. I am most proud that I was able to put aside $50,000 every year for lakes and streams clean-up. My other passion is beautification of our parks, especially Iditapark. I have allocated money so that we can have lights and a paved walking trail around the entire park. What works? Our staff. What doesn't? Our mayor.

3. Yes I do, since it was my idea. But this is ultimately decided by the voters. I also think we need a new performing arts building, and as your mayor I will champion this idea to every resident if I have to. Both would bring great economic potential, not to mention a downtown corridor.

4. "John Adams" by David McCullough. Why? Because I loved the HBO series and wanted to know more about this life.

5. I have been convicted of two misdemeanors, and they have been well documented in the press. I have no excuses, and I am working hard on my short comings. I am a sinner, but through God's grace I am trying to becoming a better man. "He who is without sin, cast the first stone."

Name: Marty Metiva

Age: 50

Place of birth: Bay City, Mich.

Education: Associates, Travel Management

Public service experience: Wasilla City Councilman, three years; chair of employee relations committee; past volunteer area director Mat-Su Special Olympics; past president Mat-Su Miners; Big Brothers Big Sisters advisory council and Big Brother leadership council; Mat-Su American Red Cross; ambassador Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce; 2006 Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year; founder of Mat-Su Polar Plunge; chair Mat-Su Regional Advisory Council to the Alaska Workforce Improvement Board; executive director Mat-Su Resource Conservation and Development Council Inc.; and Mat-Su Economic Enterprise Board member,

Family: Married to Cheryl Metiva, and we are housing Rotary exchange student from Hungary, Fanni Palasti

Candidate's statement: Everything starts with the kids! I am running not for today but tomorrow. My goal is to help make Wasilla a better place to live and raise your children for generations to come. Currently 33 percent of the workforce commutes to Anchorage every day. We need to build our community from within and court these businesses that employe this 33 percent to relocate or open an office in Wasilla. By laying this groundwork now we can help create the legacy jobs/careers for the next generation. Studies show that $81 billion in payroll has left the state since the completion of the pipeline. Let's make sure this doesn't happen again! I need your vote Oct. 7. A vote for me is a vote for the future.

Answers to questions

1. I do believe the line was crossed. However we addressed that, and now we need to move on, learn from the experience and implement programs/policy to ensure we have smart growth in the future. That's why I brought forward ethics policy legislation and an economic development policy work session. Our foundation is small business. Over 96 percent of businesses have less than 50 employees, so we will work with the City Council to ensure our economic development policies create an even and fair playing field for all businesses.

2. First we need to update our comprehensive plan. This is the map that helps us reach our potential as a community. This plan will include economic development strategies and annexation strategies that focus on smart growth for a sustainable future. We will keep government efficient and effective by investing more into the future of our community and less into general government and administration. Most importantly, we will have an open government that asks for and encourages public input.

3. I fully support the new library complex. I was one of two City Council members who attended library meetings and brought forward the initiative to fully fund our Library. However before we burden our residents with a sales tax we will: 1. Retire the half-percent tax as promised. 2. Research and determine the specific design, use and costs. ]3. Exhaust every effort to fund it with existing/future revenues

4. "The Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch -- A great book and as the author says: "We cannot change the hand we are dealt just the way we play the hand."

5. No

Name: Verne Edwin Rupright

Age: 57

Place of birth: Lynn, Mass.

Education: Juris doctor, Creighton University; Bachelor of Arts, University of Alaska; Associate of Science; law enforcement management and administration; and numerous military schools and development courses

Public service experience: Chairman City of Wasilla Planning Commission 1999-2001; life member VFW; post officer; judge advocate 10 years; National American Legion member; Mat-Su School District Advisory Board; Alaska Shriner; Alaska State Defense Force, awarded the Alaska Homeland Defense Medal; certificates of appreciation - City of Wasilla Iditarod re-start; Mat-Su Youth Court Mentor; Provide Pro Bono Legal Services; lifetime member NRA; and member of Gun Owners of America.

Family: Wife Bernadette, two daughters -- Elizabeth born in Wasilla and Charlotte born at home in Wasilla

Candidates statement: I made the decision, after talking with my family and long-time friends, to take on the challenge of running for mayor of Wasilla. I have lived here approximately 25 years. I have watched the growth; it has been phenomenal. This city has roads that still need paving and proper traffic calming and connectivity. Balancing commercial development and residential neighborhoods is key as well as public services delivery. Sewer, storm drainage and water facilities need development. Good jobs are needed. My children were born in Wasilla and attend the local schools. I have the training, education and experience, both civilian and military, to bring to the public service. Together we can keep Wasilla someplace special.

Answers to questions

1. City officials, according to the investigation, engaged in a course of conduct that comes close to misuse of office. The specter of eminent domain being used against any citizen's property is a disruptive and costly endeavor that adversely affects the rights of the owner. That's basic Fifth Amendment law. Before officials wade into that black water, they should have anticipated the backlash. Balancing the demands of big developers and existing businesses requires thoughtful planning. All need city services and a reasonable development plan in order to service each of their particular needs. Through a comprehensive planning model, implementing an economic advisory council working with the city government, with consideration of citizen and existing business stakeholders concerns as well as the developers, proper land use and zoning can be accomplished.

2. The business of government is public service. I believe in a solution-oriented approach. Identifying the needs and the methods used to provide as cost effective a service as possible. Openness and involvement are necessary so that the team can naturally move toward the goals they are focused on. Listening well is the key to management and balancing the decisions with public input. Stifling creativity, resisting change and pushing people into negative reactions adversely affects their desire to achieve.

3. I believe that any issue dealing with the sales tax, especially keeping the half-percent for the library/performing arts center is clearly an issue to be presented to the voters.

4. I finished a trilogy of books by authors Peter Marshall and David Manuel. The tiles are "The Light and the Glory," "From Sea to Shining Sea" and "Sounding Forth the Trumpet." They explore the history of America from Columbus to the election of 1860. The themes are based in part on the great awakenings in the American experience through notable political and religious leaders. As I was once taught, history does repeat itself.

5. No.

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