The holiday season coming on the heels of November campaigns always seems apropos. After all the ads, announcements and policy arguments end, we are reminded that while we may disagree with our family, friends and colleagues on issues, we are able to celebrate our differences and give thanks for the many blessings we have; including our ability to disagree. In the words of Winston Churchill, "It has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all the others that have been tried."
I want to congratulate all the candidates who ran for elected office and all those who ran ballot initiative campaigns ... and lost. In my nearly half a century in Alaska, I have worked on my share of unsuccessful campaigns and when the votes do not go your way it stings. While it takes a while for the pain to ease, it is reassuring to know there are so many of us in the Last Frontier who take the time and spend the energy to be a part of the political process. A friend recently suggested that "politics is Alaska's favorite sport," and from where I sit, it is a heck of a lot better to play than watch from the on the sidelines.
At Public Employees Local 71 we ask a lot of our members. Being active in the community beyond their jobs is part of our request. These mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters connect Alaskans through their work on our highways, at our airports and in our schools. After the whistle blows, they partner and volunteer with organizations like the Municipality of Anchorage on Bike to Work Day and food drives around the 49th state. We also encourage them to be politically active and vote -- even if they disagree with a position Local 71 might hold. There is a great sense of pride among our team that 75 percent of our membership turned out to the polls last month.
In Anchorage one of the most controversial ballot initiatives Alaskans decided was whether Anchorage Ordinance 37 should be thrown out or kept in place. Almost 55 percent of those who voted on this issue wanted to get rid of it. I believe AO 37 would have made Anchorage a more dangerous city and gutted collective bargaining in Alaska's largest city.
In the coming year, my membership looks forward to rolling up our sleeves and finding creative ways to work with Municipality of Anchorage leadership and the Municipal Assembly on innovative ways to increase efficiencies to improve our service to the public and still provide a good wage for a hard day's work.
Thank you to Sean Parnell for his service to Alaska. Stepping up to the plate as governor takes more dedication than most of us will ever realize.
Congratulations to Gov. Bill Walker and Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott. Both men found the strength to compromise and help move their ideas of a better Alaska forward. At Local 71 we look forward to a cooperative and productive relationship with the new administration and the new leadership in the legislature.
As all of our lawmakers begin their journey to Juneau, it is important to celebrate the victors, but toast and engage the candidates and causes that came up short. Your dedication and commitment to public service does not go unnoticed.
As Mark Twain said, "The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why."
So for those of you who followed the call and chose to serve, we salute you.
Dennis Moen is the Business Manager of Public Employees Local 71, a proud member of Alaska Laborers.
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, email commentary(at)alaskadispatch.com.