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Local candidates meet at UAS to discuss issues, metaphors
By Emily Wescott
Whalesong Contributor
What is good for
you, is sweet yet tart, is vibrant, flexible and has staying power?
Why, it’s Fran Ulmer! When asked by Whalesong Editor Eric Morrison
at UAS’s Candidate Forum to describe their political styles
as fruit, local candidates for state Senate, House, Governor and
Lieutenant Governor fumbled for answers. Under pressure, Ulmer quickly
answered, “I’m an apple.”
Loren “Peach” Leman (R); Kim “Fruit Salad”
Elton (D-Incumbent); Cathy Engstrom Munoz (R); Beth “Rhubarb”
Kerttula (D-Incumbent); Tim “Orange” Grussendorf (D);
Denny “Artichoke” DeWitt, spokesperson for Bruce Weyrauch
(R); gubernatorial candidate Ulmer (D) and her running mate Ernie
Hall (D) met Oct. 7 in the packed Lake Room to discuss their candidacies
and views on education in Alaska.
“I was extremely excited that we were able to have
all the candidates on campus,” said Mark Graves, UAS student
body president. “Education is one of the most important things
that leaders can support to sustain growth in Alaska.”
Win Gruening, chair of the Alaska Committee, a local
group working to block the legislative-move initiative, was on hand
to present his views on upcoming Ballot Measure 2. The measure proposes
to move the state Legislature to the Mat-Su Borough, a move that
Gruening said will cost Alaskans more than they bargained for. He
believes bridging the fiscal gap is more important for Alaska at
this time than attempting an expensive capital move.
“There are critical needs all over the state, and
some are not being met,” Gruening said.
The candidates expressed in turn that they believe education
is important for the state’s economic growth.
“Juneau nurtured every profession I had and every
family dream I had,” Elton said. “The most important challenge
facing us is our investment in education.”
Munoz declared that education has always been a priority
for her, and the general obligation bond on the Nov. 5 ballot, which
will provide funds to develop UAS facilities, is crucial to developing
education in Alaska.
“It is critical we all get out and support the
bond,” Munoz said.
In addition to educational issues, the candidates discussed
fiscal planning, a road out of Juneau, subsistence, and alas, fruit.
But with sagging voter turnout from young adults, many of whom are
in college and truly care about education, ballot measures and candidates
supporting education could be in danger.
“Everyone needs to get out and vote,” Gruening
said. “Do not make voter apathy the winner of this election.”
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