Opinions

Demboski's work ethic, character make her a good choice for mayor

The other day, I received an invite to a fundraiser for Amy Demboski from Gene Zerkel, one of our Alaskan aviation legends who is living proof of the spirit of Alaska; I have come to know him through flying. Last week my wife Mary and I went up to O'Malley's on the Green to meet Amy.

I discovered that I knew I recognized her for a reason, but had not before put the name Demboski with the face on the posters. Twenty years ago when Amy was 18, I hired her for my orthodontic office in Eagle River, and started her in a career in dentistry. I was her first employer. Now that's feeling old!

To my delight, Amy recognized me and we were able to laugh about old times and people when her name was Hyatt. Now I can recall that she was an excellent employee, and she reminded me that I wrote her a glowing recommendation when she went on to school after working with us. She has since spent nearly 20 years in dental offices, while working toward her three degrees, BA in history, BA in justice, and MA in finance. I can tell you that Amy displayed an exceptional work ethic back then. I am pleased to understand that she has maintained that level of personal character through today.

Amy's message was strong and clear: Anchorage cannot afford another term of Begich-like leadership where the plan is to buy votes and spend money that we don't have. Amy correctly pointed out that under Dan Sullivan's tenure, our beloved home city Anchorage went from being more than $17 million dollars in deficit, with another $10 million in promised union wages, to a sound, paid-up financial status with a triple-A municipal bond rating. There is little question that her opponent would reverse our city's successful fiscal status with his promises of everything we could ever wish for. Amy spoke eloquently and clearly about her vision for Anchorage, and impressed me with her grasp of our situation and needs after her experience in Mayor Dan's administration and the Anchorage assembly. In other words, I was very impressed with the young woman and her message.

While Amy's opponent has more name recognition than Amy, and more funds to spend, largely from people whose salaries the mayor's office ultimately approves, he does not hold a candle to her in integrity, financial acumen or common sense. Contrary to some assertions, Amy's is not a social agenda, but rather a fiscally responsible one supportive of minimal government. In a time of difficult budgeting, Amy promotes increasing revenue by encouraging private and municipal development, not by taxing our way to a false prosperity.

It is critical to our city that we persuade our friends and neighbors to support Amy in her mayoral race. Our city and our kids' futures depend on a large voter turnout. I heartily endorse Amy Demboski as Anchorage's next mayor. I hope you will consider doing the same.

Dr. John Sparaga is an Anchorage orthodontist who 20 years ago hired current mayoral candidate Amy Demboski to work in his Eagle River clinic.

The views expressed here are the writer's own and are not necessarily endorsed by Alaska Dispatch News, which welcomes a broad range of viewpoints. To submit a piece for consideration, e-mail commentary(at)alaskadispatch.com

John Sparaga

John Sparaga is an Eagle River orthodontist.

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