Mat-Su

Mat-Su voters get a say Tuesday on policing powers and combining elections

PALMER — Voters in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough go to the polls Tuesday to decide a full slate of issues, from mayor, assembly and school board seats to an advisory vote on policing powers for a borough beset by property crime.

Residents will also consider combining borough and general elections on one day.

Early and absentee voting in Tuesday's regular borough election are already underway. Absentee in-person voting at the borough administration building in Palmer continues through election day. Polls are open Tuesday from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m.

One of three propositions asks voters to decide whether the borough should "investigate and consider steps" toward developing a police-powers proposal that would again go before voters before any approval.

Right now, officials say, the second-class borough can't contract for additional Alaska State Troopers or city police coverage, create police service districts or explore other options to address a shortage of law-enforcement in areas of the borough, which is the size of West Virginia.

But members of the public have voiced concerns that state criminal justice reform laws enacted through Senate Bill 91 pose a bigger problem. And some borough officials say the state, not local government, needs to provide more staffing and money.

[Amid crime concerns, Mat-Su voters will consider borough policing]

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Another proposition asks voters if they want to combine the borough's annual election held the first Tuesday in October with the general election held the first Monday in November.

Supporters say it would streamline the process, bring new voters to local elections and could boost turnout. Critics say it would cost more — the estimate is more than $300,000 — and require separate election volunteers and equipment. The cities of Palmer, Houston and Wasilla would still have an October election.

Another proposition asks borough voters to approve nearly $24 million in transportation bonds

Several assembly and school board seats are also up for election, as is the position of borough mayor, a largely symbolic position though one with veto power and the ability to break a voting tie on the assembly.

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.

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