Assembly, Legislators work out priorities

LEGISLATIVE INFORMATION OFFICE -- Thanks for delivering to the "Valley," Matanuska-Susitna Borough Mayor Curt Menard told members of the State Legislative Delegation Monday at an annual work session on legislative priorities.

Last year, the MAT-SU benefited from school construction debt reimbursement, road funding, roof repair at Su Valley High School, energy assistance funding, ($5.7 million to MAT-SU alone) and the dedication of the Knik River Public Use Area among other vital grants, programs and support.

Mayor Menard told Sen. Charlie Huggins, Sen. Lyda Green, Rep. Bill Stoltze, and Rep. Carl Gatto that he and the Assembly appreciate the work they do. "Having been on the other side there, I know it's not an easy task," he said. Menard was an Alaska Legislator from 1986 to 1994.

The Assembly discussed a draft of its legislative priorities for the state operating funds and capital funds with the Delegation and will likely adopt a list of priorities Tuesday night.

Menard, Assembly Member Cindy Bettine, and Assembly Member Tom Kluberton each stressed the need for the return of revenue sharing and community dividends in order to offset property taxes and the rising cost of services, such as road maintenance.

Assembly Member Mary Kvalheim and Assembly Member Rob Wells asked for additional school funding. Kvalheim also said she'd be really happy if the state reimbursed the unfunded mandates for senior citizen and disabled veterans tax exemption programs, which amounted to $5.38 million last year.

Assembly Member Lynn Woods said she wanted to continue collaborating with the state and federal government on measures addressing erosion on the Matanuska River.

Assembly Member Michelle Church asked questions about the state's projected revenue for the next fiscal year.

The three most dangerous roads in Alaska are in the MAT-SU: the Parks Highway from Wasilla to Big Lake, Knik-Goose Bay Road, and the Palmer-Wasilla Highway. The Assembly asked for increased funding to the Department of Transportation operations and maintenance budget as well as for full funding for the Borough's STIP projects (State Transportation Improvement Projects.)

On the shortfall for the teacher and public employee retirement systems, Sen. Huggins broadened the talk to the nation, saying the shortfall is not unique to Alaska. For the Borough, the PERS unfunded liability was $7 million as of June 2005.

The two bodies also discussed funding issues that likely would invite opposition from other communities, such as changes to the complex school foundation formula, pupil transportation assistance, and the reauthorization of school construction debt reimbursement. Rep. Stoltze asked if he could pick up only one piranha in the pool at a time.

To which, Mayor Menard offered, "Representative Stoltze if you go down for piranhas I've got a hook." Menard was electrocuted in an accident in 1975 and lost his right arm, however, he readily jokes about "the hook."

The give-and-take illustrates the cooperation between the two bodies. Both are trying to deliver for constituents while facing constraints. "It's not us, and them. It's we, us. We're in this together," Menard said.

It was the first meeting with Legislators for three new Assembly Members and the new Mayor.

For more information contact Borough Public Affairs Manager Patty Sullivan at (907) 745-9577.