Fairbanks borough mayor finalists want to grab the rest of the voter pie
Published Thursday, October 15, 2009
Digg
delicious
Facebook
Mixx
Reddit
Stumble It!
FAIRBANKS — A week after they said they’d stick to their campaign messages during a runoff for mayor, both finalists are looking to attract new support for those messages following a fractured first election round.
The two candidates, Luke Hopkins and Tammie Wilson, together split two-thirds of the 15,610 votes cast last week.
A number of things will change between then and the Nov. 3 runoff vote. The first is a constrained pool of two candidates, and the losers from last week said they’ve already fielded requests from each camp asking for support.
Garry Hutchison and Charlie Boddy, who placed third and fifth, said they’ve declined to explicitly endorse either candidate. Hutchison, who placed third last week, said many of his supporters have said they already know which way they’ll vote in the runoff. But he senses a lack of consensus — some will back Wilson to oppose Hopkins, who has drawn much of his support from Democrats, while others seem to worry a Wilson administration would seek too much change. Hutchison said that of the two, the less-experienced Wilson needs to do more to reach regular, “informed” voters before the runoff.
“She’s got a lot of questions unanswered,” he said.
The runoff will likely bring a lower turnout than the first round, which included other races and a slate of ballot measures. That means both Hopkins and Wilson will try to keep the energy going from Oct. 6. A general election in 1997, featuring eight candidates, drew 17,335 votes but the runoff election one month later saw an 11 percent drop in participation.
Boddy, who received 5 percent of the vote in the first round, said he’s telling his supporters simply to view upcoming election forums as another chance to scrutinize candidates and their positions in greater detail than the weeks preceding the first election allowed.
“I think folks just need to look at the two candidates,” Boddy said.
Hopkins said he’s knocking on doors in select neighborhoods to continue introductions before the runoff, and supporters have scheduled an open house. He said some homes still sport signs for Bartos, Boddy or Hutchison — all the more reason to stop by this time, he said.
“My message is the same,” Hopkins said. “It’s low-cost, clean energy getting to town, (air pollution) is an issue, ... quality of life and keeping our community strong.”
Wilson said she’s taking the same approach, knocking on doors and having supporters — more now, she said, than before the race — do the same across town.
“And a lot of those doors we didn’t knock on when they had other candidates’ signs up,” Wilson said. “To me, that is what made the election for me was getting out there and talking to people.”
Bartos said he does expect to endorse someone in the coming weeks. He and a group of supporters are meeting both Hopkins and Wilson and are waiting for a sense of which is best positioned to support a list of important issues, headlined by the challenge of expanding Fairbanks’ natural gas supplies in the next few years.
“They both have pros and cons,” said Bartos, who drew 10 percent of last week’s vote. “We’re still in the evaluation process.”
Community Discussion
Newsminer.com doesn't necessarily condone the comments here, nor does it review every post. Read our full user's agreement.
I saw the link to Tammie Wilson's website on the News Miner website and clicked on it.
Her website says that she is a:
* Small business owner
* Teacher
* Property manager
* Store manager
but that is very vague. I would like to know much more about the professional qualifications of someone who wants to be the mayor of the North Star Borough.
I guess I need to know (1) EXACTLY what small business has she owned? When? Where? How long? Was it successful or a failure? Is she STILL a small business owner or is this a job from the past?; (2) Where EXACTLY has she been a teacher and does she have a teaching degree from a University? Did she teach at a public school or private school? What grade? When? Where? Is she still a teacher or did she quit? If she is still a teacher, where? If she quit, why?; (3) EXACTLY where is every piece of property that she manages? Is it in Fairbanks? Alaska? The Lower 48? Is it one unit or many? Is it commercial or residential? Is she a single-unit or multi-unit apartment manager or the manager of a chain of retail shopping malls or a successful owner of commercial buildings?; (4) What store did she manage and does she still manage it? Was it a successful store or a failure? What was the product and budget? Did she have a store front with multiple employees or a shop in her own home?
The credentials listed on her website are very vague. I am not criticizing, just curious to receive more details about someone who wants to be our mayor. Please advise, if you know.
nobaselesspersonalattacks
Tammie's phone # is 590-7602
Call her with your questions.
OMG!
"Bartos said he does expect to endorse someone in the coming weeks"
Please leave the only two good candidates alone!
Nobody deserves YOUR endorsement!
Hilda- you have to read between the lines on that comment- I take it to say 'slide the check under the door and I will say your name', but thats just me. It gives him a little time for bidding even.
nobaseless: It's a good idea to ask Tammie yourself. But I can tell you from my comparison of the two candidates that she doesn't have near the experience that Luke has of trying to institute repressive laws. She doesn't have the experience of dreaming up woodstove regulations and bans. She doesn't have the experience of voting for a bag tax. She doesn't have the experience of meddling. She doesn't have the experience of arrogantly trying to foist on the public onerous planning and zoning regulations that shouldn't even apply in some neighborhoods. And she doesn't have the experience of cooking up plans in backrooms with power-hungry Democrats.
One of the most important pieces of being mayor involves lobbying legislators. Regardless of political affiliation, our mayor needs to be able to walk into every office and clearly articulate our community's needs. After watching a number of candidate forums and listening to an insane number of interviews on both television and radio, I just don't see how Tammie Wilson will be able to clearly and effectively articulate the needs of our community to our legislators. While seemingly a very nice person, her unpolished demeanor and presence, her 'Alaskana' personality, I believe, will hurt us more than help us. She will be privately laughed at behind closed doors and not taken seriously. Before the bleeding heart right-wingers get on me (which will surely happen), I happen to vote to the right more times than not. This is simply a case where after looking at all of the pros and cons...I cannot in my good conscience vote for someone who I believe will not be taken seriously with the people in our legislatures who have influence on finances for our community. It's just that simple.
I would vote for someone that can think on there own, not a union yes man.
you can expect from Hopkins his Democratic comments, but from the Republican candidates who lost.....your sorry losers......that is why you didn't win the Republican or Conservative vote....your true colors have shown...and thats why your not in the run-off. If Obama can run this country with no Experience, than Tammi will do a much better job running this Borough.....She will make a difference!!
Tammi will not catagorically accept what Obama trys to shove down our throat!!
I Brake for PIE!
Bad news for Wilson supporters. You've been misled. Tammie is a nice enough person but she is not a fiscal conservative. A detailed report is forthcoming that will expose her record and explain how she has made borough government much more expensive. Too many Wilson supporters have been jumping on the Wilson bandwagon without doing their homework. Things are not as they seem.
nobaselesspersonalattacks
I agree with you about more details. I posed same question yesterday and got the same response from Hilda to call Tammy. I attended two forums and have viewed her website. I am sure we are not the only ones curious about this so this would be valuable information for all voters to have.
I also posed questions to Luke Hopkins with no response.
star_trails: regarding the "detailed report," do you have some sort of inside information? If so, what is your affiliation?
star_trails
I too am interested in your "detailed report". If you have more info please post it. Also, why didn't you bring this up "before" the first election ?
NativeSon:
Thank you for sharing with us what Tammy doesn't have experience in. Basically, that is not new information. We are pretty much aware of her positions on the issues you mentioned. What we are asking for is new information.
inaleh: In case you missed it, the Hopkins team is going to claim he has more experience operating multi-million dollar budgets, etc. The only problem is that his experience shows someone who is in love with a government of strong central control.
star_trails
Still waiting for your "detailed report".........
star-trails what is your part with the Port Authority and is it little wonder you want the secretary of the Port Authority to win. The Alaska Gasline Port Authority in which Luke Hopkins is the Secretary have their own agenda for this community and they will blast anyone who they are against. Watch out Tammie, with this group against you they will create lies and present misinformation to turn the public against you. the Port Authority members and former members have used the comment section of this paper to promote their agenda and they will use it to try to ruin the person who they do not want as Mayor. Wilson supporters beware, they will try to hang your candidate with their slander.
Hopkins continues the Obama approach in regards to a newspaper online campaign. Have supporters to create new online profiles and make negative comments about your candidate.
inaleh - created profile yesterday. Exclusively has made negative Wilson comments.
nobaselesspersonalattacks (you have to love the irony of this name) - clearly a democratic operative by looking through his past comments - my guess is he was Paskavan's campaign chairman.
oldakcuss, you couldn't be more mistaken. She speaks well and with good information. Ironically, it's the forums where Tammie receives the most support.
Think about it. There is a republican state administration and House. Do you really think Hopkins has any stroke with those people?
What are you smoking?
It's always nice to know what the Losers think.
nobasslessattacks et al: Let us all remember "principals above personalities"! No mis- statements, rumors or other un-founded info
to slander one person. If you have real info, spell it out with supporting statements etc. We don't want any one group of supporters
to attack an other candidate UNLESS THE INFORMATION IS TRUE & CAN BE PROVEN"! So let's be civil, truthfull & honest. Remember: what goes around, usually comes around to bite you in the butt! Et to Brutus!
So Luke has more experience operating multi-million dollar budgets. Having the ability to rub lots of green grease ($$$$) on to programs does not make him the better candidate.
star_trails = Jim Whitaker?
Nativeson- Good question, everything is public. There is no insider stuff involved at all. People have not done their homework. The report will be very detailed and very specific.
So if we want to know more about Tammie Wilson, all we have to do is "call her?" This is a very public campaign, and her background needs to be public too. She and her supporters are still dancing around all the topics nobaselesspersonalattacks brings up. Someone please answer his/hers questions, publicly. No surprise Tammie supporters would ignore these questions, which is too bad since they are the same ones who often demand the same from other candidates. Truth, full disclosure, an open book. We are waiting!
A Hopkins supporter is claiming that Wilson is dancing around topics. Wow that's funny coming from the Flip Flopper campaign!
I agree that we don't know enough about Tammie's background. There isn't even enough information out to google stalk her. A CV and a few years of tax returns would be a good start. How about a middle name and any other last names? Sorry, but we got burned by Mayor Boyles not realizing enough about her background. Without disclosure, I'm inclined to vote for the devil I know. I may not like it but at least I know who's pulling Luke's strings.
I may not like it but at least I know who's pulling Luke's strings.
_____________________
What could be worst than Anchorage Democrats?
KFAR nut jobs.
Thanks for mostly keeping this objective. I really have to give Tammy credit for visiting out in the sticks! However, nobaselesspersonalattacks presented some real problems for us.
The Borough's Property database shows she owns no property at least under her own name or at least "Tammy" or "T" Wilson. Is her real name Tammie? Or Tamera or what?
She stated her business experience as running her Grandparent's appliance store business once in some other place. Please explain? I once helped Dad running a business by fixing the pump.
Every time she has filed for something or been listed in the public record she has used a different address. Fairbanks, College, Esro Road, So where is the real Tammie Wilson?
So who REALLY is she. How long has she been here
And are there any fact checks?
star_trails
"The report will be very detailed and very specific."
SO......WHERE'S THE "REPORT" ???????
"Fairbanks borough mayor finalists want to grab the rest of the voter pie"
A fractured vote. Perhaps their trying to grab a slice of the pi.
(This comment was removed by the Newsminer.com staff. Please see our User Agreement for further information.)
Wilson supporters, get ready to take action on the comments. Note the number of new names that will appear. Seems like the democrats are very good at sending out the notice to people around the country that a candidate's character needs to be brought into question so their candidate can win and all of a sudden you get all these new comment makers appearing. Remember what they did to Palin. So if you have a candidate that is willing to sit quiet while he let's outsiders do his dirty work for him, what does that say of the character of the man. By the way nobaselesspersonal attacks seems to post at the same time as Put Alaska First. What is this about 30 different names you post under?
The Democratic dirty tricks operatives are out in force. Next they'll be putting up a website Tammiesux.com or TheTruthAboutTammie.com where they reveal that she voted against an ammendment to postpone action on a bill she later supported!!! Remember how they attacked Seekins and Holmes and others with anonymous websites. (Not that these losers didn't deserve it, but leave it to the Democrats to do it in a sneaky and underhanded way.)
FreeDarfur - PAF gave money to Tammy's campaign, didn't you hear? He gave $1 to Tammy and $1000 to Hopkins (his Port Authority buddy who is going to channel money to him as Mayor).
dogwatcher: You can find Tammie Wilson on the Borough Land Database under Tamara K. Wilson. You will find three properties, a 10 acre vacant lot, and the lot she lives at, which has two addresses, with two mobile homes on it a 1954 model, and a 1971. They are actually connected together.
Tamara K. Wilson
http://www.co.fairbanks.ak.us/Assessing/...
http://www.co.fairbanks.ak.us/Assessing/...
Thanks AK4O, that's a start.
Hank Bartos fancies himself as a kingmaker--it's amazing what some cash and 1509 votes will do for a fella.
Finally a Name for Ms. Wilson. Thanks
From above:
FreeDarfur
Wilson supporters, get ready to take action on the comments. Note the number of new names that will appear. Seems like the democrats are very good at sending out the notice to people around the country that a candidate's character needs to be brought into question so their candidate can win and all of a sudden you get all these new comment makers appearing. Remember what they did to Palin."
I gotta reply to this one. No, sweetheart, no 'democratic operatives' 'around the country' 'sent us out' to comment on any strings, especially about Palin. We thought those things on our own. We each, individually, thought Palin was wildly incompetent (& still do). I was kind of thinking I wanted to hear what Tammie had to say (& am most especially interested in where she lives, what property she owns, what businesses she's been involved in & what her roles have been, what her work history has been, what her kids are like, what her family is like) -- but I'm pretty much turned off, after this latest nutty string of comments. It really, really looks to me like we got us a 'flat earth candidate.' The answer isn't spending gov't money - but the answer definitely isn't voting ppl into office whose supporters are nuts.
Hilda - Why do we have to call Wilson with those very relevant questions? Why can't she be more forthcoming on her own?
You seem to know her better than anyone else here - why don't you tell us a little bit about your candidate's resume? When I hire somebody, I look at their resume for clues on how they will perform on the job I'm trying to fill. I might call the candidate's previous employers to see if they got along well with others or if they presented problems on the job. Why can't we know the details of Wilson's career?
NativeSon - don't be ridiculous. We're not Republicans. We won't swiftboat anybody....
FreeDarfur - Palin didn't need anyone's help to screw up.
POO - So you've identified someone here on the DNM as "clearly a democratic operative"? Wow. I didn't know anybody here in little old Fairbanks was one of THOSE guys! We're just like Washington DC! Look, just because somebody questions a candidate's credentials, or wonders aloud if they're qualified for the position of the highest position of leadership in in our borough doesn't mean that they're "operatives" - it means that they're concerned about casting their vote for somebody who may or may not be able to lead the borough through a difficult financial period and a fractious political time.
If, as rumored, Ms. Wilson has suffered personal financial setbacks herself, one wonders if she would be capable of handling the finances of the entire borough. The facts that she's anti-tax, anti-big government, and anti-gun legislation alone do not make her a great leader. We had a mayor once who had a lot of trouble handling money - he's still serving time for what he did with money that belonged to this borough. And yes, I'm aware that he was a Democrat - that's not the issue. The issue is that we should exercise caution with folks who sit in the big chair.
hobbes - Read "nobaselesspersonalattacks" comments about Paskavan from last year. Clearly he was intimately involved in Paskavan's campaign. If you don't want to call that an "oeprative" fine, but this guy is obviously more than a concerned citizen.
As far as personal financial setbacks, my guess is you are a government employee. You obviously have no idea of what is at stake when you are business for yourself. What an arrogant attitude you have! UAF employee?
For all those who are demanding Tammie's resume and pedigree:
I don't care. If Tammie has been a stay-at-home mom all her life, that gives me more confidence in her than the regulars or good ol' boys on the political scene.
Running a home, raising decent kids, budgeting, nursing, psychotherapy-ing, schooling at all levels...a million things. The innumerable events, circumstances, and the satellites of people one must deal with for each individual kid is mind boggling. And it shows caring enough to prioritize one's children and family.
Anyhow, Tammie has done more than stay at home and raise her family. But if she hadn't, that would be fine with me.
What matters is her views and votes and abilities recently. She has shown--gone beyond by actively soliciting input from all of us--a true willingness to listen, and I feel confident in her ability to manage this borough.
For the poster who fears she will be laughed at or not taken seriously--I doubt it but so what. If she were mayor, well, I guess they'd have to take her seriously.
Anyway, who cares about what the entrenched politicians and bureaucrats think.
Certainly not me.
At the 12/14/06 assembly meeting citizen Gary Hutchinson and Mike Prax both supported Luke Hopkins for the borough representative on the Alaska Gasline Port Authority during public comments ( check it out on line). 9/29/09 Luke Hopkins in the Daily NewsMiner support borough funding for the Alaska Gasline Port Authority. Beginning to see a link between Hopkins and Hutchinson. The last thing the good old boys want to see is Tammie Wilson on the Port Authority, she just might finally let the public in on the secret brotherhood of good old boys the Alaska Gasline Port Authority has become. Knowning Hutchinson's secret meetings history, wonder if Hopkins attended any we are unaware of other than the Port Authority executive sessions, which seem to be most of their meetings.
Corinne - well, gee whiz, now you seem to be implying that we do not care about prioritizing our children. That's just so amazingly alienating. Thx for your vote of confidence in all of us moms!
But guess what: we're not voting for Mom of the Year. I'm a big fan of moms (beginning w myself), but I know, after the Jim Hayes fiasco, that we all need lots of info, lots of background, lots of literacy, lots of accountability - and no, I don't trust just the utterances of entrenched politicians and/or bureaucrats, either, just as you don't. However, as I said, we're not voting for 'Mom of the Year.' I also don't trust the idea that we're supposed to vote for someone just because someone 'said so' (see Jim Hayes fiasco).
hobbs and autunimprov: Jim Hayes was mayor of the city of Fairbanks, not the borough. It wasn't city money but social service money in connection with his church. As far as his government job goes, he was one of the good old boys, more like Hopkins than Wilson. That was during the time of the Mike Pulice corruption and the MUS sell-off corruption. He was an insider who should have exposed the dirt but didn't.
Personally, I would trust Wilson a lot more then Hopkins to turn over the stones and expose the corruption.
Dear Corrine,
We all admire people who pick themselves up by the bootstraps as most of us in Alaska BUT
Had we not just gone through eight terrible years of Bush who barely had any successful credentials and very nearly destroyed the nation with bad management -a year ago he had to socialized America's banking system,
Then Palin who didn't have the credentials or experience to run a state -just ask any legislator from either party,
I would give your thoughts about government some thought. Tammie does listen and has a place where she is -so did Palin but I don't think Bush even had a "little man" like Ronald Reagan.
-Bush just listened to Cheney, who lied to America, turned out CIA agents, shot his adviser cause he's a lousy shot and should have attended Joe Nava's course, and is now trying to re-design his awful image in history.
We need experience not a great Mom who's an empathetic listener. Now that we know Tamara K. Wilson's real name perhaps this afternoon we can hear about her real management experience -facts not Grandma's Farm, not Rental properties which turn out to be a house -before this gets dragged out over the next three weeks of mind numbing speculation like the Palin fiasco.
autumnimprov - so your choice for a mayor is someone that you don't know very much about (could be good or could be bad) or a for sure disaster (Hopkins). I like my chances voting for Tammy.
Dogwatcher - I find your comments amusing (in an end of the world kind of way) As we watch the Obama experiment diaster unfolding before our eyes. Thankfully your kind is a minority in our community.
I called Tammie, I got a machine. I left a message. I got no reply- now what? I would think that she would make her background public if it actually would help her in the race, instead of the vague business that she has on her website. I keep thinking of Boyle, and her similarities to Tammie. the only real difference is Tammie's AM-radio 'fame'.
I knew better than to comment - it just encourages them...
Yes, we know Hayes was the mayor of the City of Fbks. There was info around re his background. Too bad he was recruited & elected. Btw, I think he was registered as a Republican.
I don't think it's a bad idea to have a watchdog on the Assembly. Probably a good place for Tammie, altho I gotta say I haven't been watching (listening) closely enuf to know.
I'm pretty sure I'm not alone in thinking we've had a pretty functional government & community now for awhile & I would like to keep it that way. I also am pretty sure I'm not alone in wanting answers to some of those questions I included above. But enuf about all of this for me, for now...
And POO: I know I commented & that you have a right to comment, but leave me alone. I find a number of things that you say (ok, I'm being nice: all of them) as nutty. Far-fetched (see how nicely I was raised? When they said that, they meant 'nuts'), 180 degrees off, nasty, irrational. Leave me out of your calculations. Thx.
Dogwatcher- well said. Being a mom is terrific and all, but it isn't some end-all in politics.
Dogwatcher is selectively forgetting the Democrats' role in the financial debacle, including the Community Reinvestment Act, the Savings and Loan scandal, and Bill Clinton's role in gutting the Glass-Steagall Act, just to name a few.
gypsyforlife - profile created on July 29. Lots of comments regarding the Mayor race. All negative Tammy or Pro-Hopkins (with a few hate Palin comments thrown in for fun). Another obvious credible commentor in the bash Tammy fun fest.
Tammie owns a junkyard, that's not a small business that's an eyesore health hazard. Teacher? I would rather let Anne Coulter teach my kids! No thank you I'll vote for Luke!
Wow Native Son, you are really mining away to place blame on the Dems. I don't think he's 'selectively forgetting', but maybe those situations had nothing to do with Democratic values?
The Savings and Loan scandal was made possible by de-regulation of savings and loans- a de-regulation championed by---you guessed it! All the Republicans at the time.
Oh no! Power of the O has exposed me! Abort Mission! Abort Mission!But really, you left out my praise of women's rights, and the current curator of Entomology at the UAF museum, and my stance on speeding. Come on, if you're going to try to get some dirty laundry on me, you might as well get all of it!
Seriously, how am I 'bashing Tammie'? Asking too many questions? That seems to be the case. On these boards, no-one has any answers about her background, and they get *really* irritated if you get nosy, and want to know what a mayoral candidate does for a living!
Good luck Luke, you have my vote!
gypseyforlife - you really need to look at Barney Frank's contributions over the years on the House Financial Services Committee....
gypsyforlife - you don't seem to ask a lot of questions about Luke....like why has be flip-flopped on the PM2.5 or bag tax issues (immediately prior to the election)?
Oh, I've asked Luke lots of questions. He actually answered the phone, and when he doesn't his campaign manager does. I don't think he did 'flip-flop' on the bag tax, but changed his mind. People are allowed to do that, you know. He said his constituents didn't think it was important right now, and that he wants to rework the idea. That seems reasonable, and I support the bag tax anyway.
And in what way has he 'flip-flopped' on the air quality issue? Enlighten me.
gypsyforlife: You're wrong again about the Savings and Loan scandal. The Democrats were heavily involved. In fact four of the Keating Five were Democrats, with John McCain who might as well be a Democrat being the only Republican.
I don't think asking for full disclusure from a candidate is "bashing", it's called making informed decisions. When you run for public office, you really should come clean and be honest, that goes for both sides. One candidate has done just that, and one has not. Voters will make their own decisions.
The Keating Five were indicted on corruption charges that were related to, but not the cause of, the Savings and Loan crash. Trace the beginnings of that debacle to when the Republicans controlled the Senate in the early 80's.
@POTO: "As we watch the Obama experiment diaster unfolding before our eyes." Aw, did you short some stocks before the DJIA topped 10,000?
Poo - "As far as personal financial setbacks, my guess is you are a government employee." Nope.
2) "You obviously have no idea of what is at stake when you are business for yourself," I actually do, because I have owned a small business in the past; I went into it when it was in the red, and I sold it at a profit. I don't own the business where I currently work.
3) "What an arrogant attitude you have!" I'm sorry. I didn't know that you'd cornered the market on arrogance... Actually, I'm not trying to be arrogant - just sarcastic. This is what happens to me when I read through all the comments - sarcasm just comes bubbling forth...
4) "UAF employee?" Wrong again!
Nativeson - "hobbs and autunimprov: Jim Hayes was mayor of the city of Fairbanks, not the borough" You're correct. While I didn't say he was the borough mayor, I did imply that the funds belonged to the borough - I misspoke.
FreeDarfur - " Beginning to see a link between Hopkins and Hutchinson. The last thing the good old boys want to see is Tammie Wilson on the Port Authority, she just might finally let the public in on the secret brotherhood of good old boys the Alaska Gasline Port Authority has become."
Do you have some firm evidence of anything you say here? What link is there between Hopkins and Hutchison? Hutchison isn't endorsing Hopkins - if they're so tight, why not? And what "secret brotherhood"? What's the proof? Has money changed been exchanged? Favors? Secret handshakes? WHAT?
gypsyforlife: You're evading the point. The point is that Democrats are no strangers to corruption. In fact they wallow in it.
dirtprof - you are kidding...right? You really think that Obama's actions are responsbile for the temporary surge of the stock market?
What's next? He gets awarded a Nobel Peace prize?
I don't think he did 'flip-flop' on the bag tax, but changed his mind. People are allowed to do that, you know. He said his constituents didn't think it was important right now, and that he wants to rework the idea. That seems reasonable, and I support the bag tax anyway.And in what way has he 'flip-flopped' on the air quality issue?
__________________
He changed his mind after seeing the outrage from the community immediately prior to an election....that is the ultimate Flip Flop.
Hopkins supported Whitaker's air quality plan. Now he says he's against regulating wood stove use? That would be a flip-flop.
Hmmm- I guess your point does evade me. So...what about all these corrupt 'Good ole Boys' that Tammie and Sarah are taking on (clearly the dream team- mothers with no experience unite!)? This entire state is run by Republicans, and it is a hotbed of corruption!
My point, may it not 'evade you' is that there is corruption on both sides of the fence- and we don't have to go back to the 1980s to see it.
@POTO: "You really think that Obama's actions are responsbile [sic] for the temporary surge of the stock market?" Not necessarily. But it sure seems inconsistent with the unfolding disaster you're prattling on about.
@NativeSon: "The point is that Democrats are no strangers to corruption. In fact they wallow in it." OK, put up or shut up: Given that this is a thread about local politics, give me just 3 examples here in Alaska during the past, say, 20 years. Go back longer if you think you have to. As for R's, we have Koring, Kott, Ruedrich, Allen, Palin (Troopergate), and many others, all within the past 5 or so years. Locally, there's the sad case of former mayor Jim Hayes (R). I'd like to see what you come up with that comes even close to that record.
POO-
>>He changed his mind after seeing the outrage from the community immediately prior to an election....that is the ultimate Flip Flop.<<
Oh, so apparently changing your mind on an issue based on what the people want is a bad thing! I forgot the preferred tactic of 'never backing down, admitting you are wrong or changing your mind' of the Bush administration. Silly me!
>>Hopkins supported Whitaker's air quality plan. Now he says he's against regulating wood stove use? That would be a flip-flop.<<
He has always been against banning and regulating wood stoves, and for local control of air quality. You clearly aren't very informed or educated to the issue, or his stance on them- instead gleaning information from bumper stickers and talk radio. Sounds like a personal problem to me?
In speaking to people over the last few months, and definitely since the election, I'm consistently confronted with what I can only describe as "discomfort" regarding Ms. Wilson. These message boards not withstanding, there’s a pervasive felling of ill-ease with the prospect of having Tammie as Mayor.
For a long time, I thought it came from her short tenure in the Community - an understandable, though perhaps irrational, lack of belief that someone who'd been here so briefly could really know and represent the best interests of our Community.
But having looked at her Financial Disclosure Statement (and everybody can - there are copies already printed for both candidates waiting at the Clerk's office), I've come to see that those collective feelings of discomfort have a firmer foundation.
In a word, Ms. Wilson is disconnected from Our Community, in all but the most superficial of ways:
Aside from her pay for serving on the Assembly, her pay for working at Love Inc. (not “volunteer”, she lists herself as a salaried part-time employee for 2008), a little State retirement and PFD’s, it appears her main sources of income all come from outside the Community – most from out side the State: dividends from stocks, rents from properties in Illinois, wages from Wisconsin and Washington.
The only debt she lists is with a Bob Love in Lake of Ozarks, Missouri.
Yes, she does have some interests here – her residence and junkyard – but both are ostensibly a drain on the Wilsons. Worse her history so far regarding those interests has been one of self-service: she was vocal in opposition to the “junk yard ordinance” and, now, campaigns on a platform of property-tax reduction.
Hence some of the discomfort: Tammie has a lot to gain from being Mayor, both in radically increased income and reduction of expense, but, it appears, has nothing really to lose. Without that kind of personal stake, there’s nothing to either encourage diligence or temper her zeal.
The Mayor makes over $100,000 a year but that pay isn’t “performance based”, she gets it whether she tries to move mountains or spends all day moving the furniture around.
And with her main sources of income coming from outside the Community and her family, by her own admission, living just fine on that out of state income, she’s free to tinker, test, break or even destroy the machinery of our Community with little or no impact to her or hers. She can lay off the entire Borough staff if she wants to – they aren’t her customers (the junk yard doesn’t appear to make any money), why not? She could drive off all the renters – her renter’s in Illinois, so what? She could watch the banks fold – her credit comes from Missouri with Love, no problem. She could see all the businesses shuddered – her husband works out of State, no worries.
Who would suffer?
Us: the people who do have a real stake in the future of this Community and have chosen to bet it all on its continuance and success.
There’s other disquieting stuff in Tammie’s Financial Disclosure (like her claim to have gotten a nearly 33% return on her investments last year in spite of it being the worst market since the great depression – more than even Madoff had the grapes to promise in even the best of the bull markets), but, in the end, it’s her now admitted lack of connectedness to our Community – her ability to do or say anything without any real risk to herself – that has given so many of us the subconscious hibby-gibbies and, I think, gives many of us pause.
gypsforlife -
Oh, so apparently changing your mind on an issue based on what the people want is a bad thing! I forgot the preferred tactic of 'never backing down, admitting you are wrong or changing your mind' of the Bush administration. Silly me!
----------------------------
He didn't change his mind because of the public perception of the bag tax. He changed his mind because he knew his position would negatively impact his chances for being elected Mayor!
Wow POO, that's really insightful. You really should consider a career on FOX news!
BrickWhiteCastle started on October 9 and every post is blasting Tammie Wilson. You have shown a past history of really caring about this community since you have never posted till now. Or are you just another plant of the Democratic Party and part of the game Obama identified as using to discredit anyone running against a Democrat. you people are so plain to weed out. Do us all a favor and become the yellow brick road and return to where ever it is you really live. There isn't a person out there that doesn't see you are a plant.
Republican, actually. And I didn't fill out the form for her, hondo - I just read it...
@corinne: "I feel confident in her ability to manage this borough." Based on WHAT? Sound bytes? We are talking about hiring the top exec for the borough, not some slogan contest. When I hire someone, I want to see evidence of a set of skills relevant to the job I'm hiring her for. In this case, that includes managing large budgets and a lot of people, understanding complex issues within a complex policy environment, and successfully negotiating with several layers of local, state, and federal government. Based on what evidence should I believe that Ms. Wilson has the requisite skills to do these things?
I love these crazy conspiracy allegations! Yes, everyone that doesn't agree with you is employed by Obama himself, to rig mayoral elections everywhere! Seriously Darfur- do you listen to yourself? I don't care if you've been on the News Miner website for 15 years- you seem to be typing from a mental health facility!
@FreeDarfur: "You have shown a past history of really caring about this community since you have never posted till now." Since when is posting on this website remotely related to caring about this community?
Brick - and I bet you voted for Palin too but became very disappointed...blah blah blah...
And having been unable to argue the issues, POTO resorts to his old standby, arguing ad hominem. There's a term for that:
Fail.
dirtprof - you don't see the hypocrisy in your last comment?
For the Cheap Seats:
Tammie has a lot to gain from being Mayor, both in radically increased income and reduction of expense, but, it appears, has nothing really to lose. Without that kind of personal stake, there’s nothing to either encourage diligence or temper her zeal.
The Mayor makes over $100,000 a year but that pay isn’t “performance based”, she gets it whether she tries to move mountains or spends all day moving the furniture around.
And with her main sources of income coming from outside the Community and her family, by her own admission, living just fine on that out of state income, she’s free to tinker, test, break or even destroy the machinery of our Community with little or no impact to her or hers. She can lay off the entire Borough staff if she wants to – they aren’t her customers (the junk yard doesn’t appear to make any money), why not? She could drive off all the renters – her renter’s in Illinois, so what? She could watch the banks fold – her credit comes from Missouri with Love, no problem. She could see all the businesses shuddered – her husband works out of State, no worries.
Who would suffer?
Us: the people who do have a real stake in the future of this Community and have chosen to bet it all on its continuance and success.
There’s other disquieting stuff in Tammie’s Financial Disclosure -like her claim to have gotten a nearly 33% return on her investments last year in spite of it being the worst market since the great depression.
But, in the end, it’s her ADMITTED LACK OF CONNECTEDNESS to our Community – her ability to do or say anything without any real risk to herself – that has given so many of us the subconscious hibby-gibbies and, I think, gives many of us (even Republicans) pause.
dirtprof:
It was Dogwatcher who brought up "eight terrible years of Bush." You two ought to get teogether if you want to be so one-sided.
Who would suffer?
Us: the people who do have a real stake in the future of this Community and have chosen to bet it all on its continuance and success.
____________________
Liberal Translation - Who would suffer? - those of us who have cushy Borough jobs that might be reevaluated under a fically responsible mayor.
fiscally
But it is really shocking that none of her supporters have any of the details/answers/information I would like to know more about. "Go Call Tammie" is the only counter I have heard. They support her, and they don't even know the details of her work history or financial ties- many of which lie out-of-state?
I think you meant "fictionally", POO.
The Financial Disclosure is twelve pages.
Candidate Wilson didn't fill it out properly: boxes that should be check are not; descriptions that are incomplete; basic arithmatic appears lacking.
I question her ability to "reevaluate" a multi-million dollar budget and complex administrative system. Couple that with lack of incentive to try and...
gypsyforlife - and what about the ties between Hopkins and his Anchorage supporters. What does Ethan Berkowitz expect from Hopkins for his support. Will Hopkins turn his back on his community to gain outside exposure, like Whitaker did in his embarressing groveling for Obama?
How about the potential illegal money transfers between the Borough and the Port Authority? What was Hopkins role in that?
So many questiions...so many libs looking the other way....
The Financial Disclosure is twelve pages.
Candidate Wilson did not fill it out properly:
Boxes that should be check are not.
Descriptions of work and interests are incomplete.
Basic arithmetic appears lacking.
TWELVE PAGES
Welcome to the forum, Brick. Your new and "co-incidental" appearance to the comment section essentially discredits your information and motivations.
Beyond that, even if what half of what you state is correct, you have completely missed why Ms. Wilson is doing well with the electorate. It's because she has chosen to be here, and invest herself into the community. Without being financially tied to "old" money, she doesn't have the conflict of interests inherent with longevite: i.e. Hopkins.
What matters, Brickster, is one's performance and views. Everything else is superficial.
Luke's connection to the extreme left-fringe is well known and not disputed. If by "continuance" you want an economy based upon bureaucracy, then yeah, vote for Luke.
You are either NOT a card carrying Republican, or a RINO.
>>gypsyforlife - and what about the ties between Hopkins and his Anchorage supporters. What does Ethan Berkowitz expect from Hopkins for his support.<<
I get trying to tie Hopkins to Berkowitz- but you are dodging my initial questions. You can just say you don't know anything about your candidate. You don't have to try to come up with questions to answer my questions- that isn't really proving anything but that you don't have answers.
There is a difference between fact and theory here, but maybe that eludes you.
>>Will Hopkins turn his back on his community to gain outside exposure, like Whitaker did in his embarressing groveling for Obama?<<
Showing respect to our Nation's President is hardly groveling, but that's just my opinion.
>>How about the potential illegal money transfers between the Borough and the Port Authority? What was Hopkins role in that?<<
How about them? Got any information, facts, actual details on this? Didn't think so. Keep scrambling, answering questions with questions, it really is working for you.
In a word, Ms. Wilson is disconnected from Our Community, in all but the most superficial of ways:
Aside from her pay for serving on the Assembly, her pay for working at Love Inc. (not “volunteer”, she lists herself as a salaried part-time employee for 2008), a little State retirement and PFD’s, it appears her main sources of income all come from outside the Community – most from out side the State: dividends from stocks, rents from properties in Illinois, wages from Wisconsin and Washington.
The only debt she lists is with a Bob Love in Lake of Ozarks, Missouri.
Yes, she does have some interests here – her residence and junkyard – but both are ostensibly a drain on the Wilsons.
However, her history so far regarding those interests has been one of SELF-SERVICE: vocal in opposition to the “junk yard ordinance”; campaigns on a platform of property-tax reduction.
If by RINO you mean Republican In Need of Objectivity, I am not.
HER Financial Disclosure Statement.
Welcome to the forum, Brick. Your new and "co-incidental" appearance to the comment section essentially discredits your information and motivations.
Beyond that, even if what half of what you state is correct, you have completely missed why Ms. Wilson is doing well with the electorate. It's because she has chosen to be here, and invest herself into the community. Without being financially tied to "old" money, she doesn't have the conflict of interests inherent with longevity: i.e. Hopkins.
What matters, Brickster, is one's performance and views. Everything else is superficial.
Luke's connection to the extreme left-fringe is well known and not disputed. If by "continuance" you want an economy based upon bureaucracy, then yeah, vote for Luke.
You are either NOT a card carrying Republican, or a RINO.
Tammie has helped countless constituents.
She exhibits self-less service. Ask the soldiers whose belongings were stored, and families were helped, while they were on deployment.
The Financial Disclosure is twelve pages.
Candidate Wilson didn't fill it out properly: boxes that should be check are not; descriptions that are incomplete; basic arithmatic appears lacking.
___________________________
Brick - "just a concerned citizen" contacted APOC and got Tammie Wilson's financial disclosure report. And because its not readily avaiable to everyone, he just decides to arbitrarily identify deficiencies. However he fails to make mention of whether he scrutinized Hopkins financial disclosure in a similar manner.
Yeah Hopkin's has definately taken the Obama appoach to this campaign. Anyone seen Obama's approval rating lately (hint - its south of 50 percent).
Luke's supporters - UAF, FNSB Borough/City employees, Ester and fringe liberal nutjobs, and Anchorage attorneys.
Tammey's supporters - Everyone else
>>Yeah Hopkin's has definately taken the Obama appoach to this campaign. Anyone seen Obama's approval rating lately (hint - its south of 50 percent).<<
Is he? How so?
And FYI, not that anyone really thinks you're credible, but just in case: Obama's approval has been on the rise (http://www.gallup.com/poll/123629/Obama-...) and hasn't dipped below 50% yet. But you know, just make some more stuff up, maybe *someone* will believe you :)
Hey brick may be new but at least he or she is doing their homework. The DNM comments section is so commonly full of drivel that brick may not have felt the need to jump in until now. Makes sense to me as I read the comments more for a good laugh than anything else.
Hey brick may be new but at least he or she is doing their homework. The DNM comments section is so commonly full of drivel that brick may not have felt the need to jump in until now. Makes sense to me as I read the comments more for a good laugh than anything else.
-------------------------------
Yeah what a coincidence. Thankfully Brick joined just in time so that he could enlightened us. What a stroke of luck for the Hopkins campaign.
Here you go Gypsy
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/10/...
_____________
And before you discredit it for being a Fox poll, remember that Fox has twice the viewership of the rest of the cable news shows COMBINED.
Oh Dear NatSon-
The reason I took on 8 crummy years of Bush and the partial disaster of Palin (thank goodness she quit or it would have been a full disaster) is to point out we needed to know Tammie's real name; etc. These are legit questions to try and prevent the recent abuses brought upon all of us.
Would you have elected Bush Two if you knew he would get so stressed out that he lied about war, couldn't make independent executive and hire nincompoops to run vital affairs -such as "Brownie" in New Orleans, etc.etc. This is real life and a borough mayor does need to do more than listen.
Sarah was great at listening and regurgitating populist platitudes. But she was awful about running an integrated legal government -hell she had Todd in her office trying to get rid of an ex brother-in law.
Yes we want to know if what Tammie tells us is factual. And what her real name is.
You'd walk the plank trusting Captain Hook? Come on ----
I'm extremely disappointed to hear that Charlie Boddy and Garry Hutchinson declined to endorse Wilson. These two men were supposed to be conservative. I'm glad I didn't vote for either of them.
Because popular opinion proves merit? In that case, maybe we should forget politics all together and just use American Idol to select our next president? Presently, I think I'll stick to Gallup's numbers, thank-you. I know where FOX gets their $$$. They are hardly a neutral party.
>>remember that Fox has twice the viewership of the rest of the cable news shows COMBINED.<<
Who told you that? FOX?! Laughable.
http://www.docstoc.com/docs/12345307/3Q-...
Gypsy - do you ever get used to be wrong all the time?
I really don't see how your bizarre, un-referenced, sourceless document proves anything, except that FOX News has about 50% of the total market. Use your numbers, do the math.
And you really are a great dancer- who knew that you could gracefully change the subject, and dodge the real issue at hand, for so long? Well played, you really have shown me what typical Tammie-cultists stand for: avoiding the real questions, creating diversions from the truth. Bravo, I think your posts speak for themselves!
Alot of these negative posts are based on little or no facts. You cannot prove she is false just by making accusations. She has a good track record and she is personable. She doesn't need to be as successful and well established elite in order to occupy the office. She can be just a plain old ordinary Joet and do just as good as anyone else if she has sensability. I believe she has shown her sensibilities more times than Luke. Both Luke and Tammy walked by me in a parking lot and Luke lowered his head and walked on by. Tammy stopped and introduced herself and spent time talking with me. She reaches out to the constituents and has been knocking on doors for some time. She doesn't need pressure from the community to change her mind on a matter that truely had no place being voted on in the first place. Tammy is probably an average Joet like many are claiming. I don't find that so bad. Good luck Tammy!
We should not have two MAYORSSSSSSSSSSSS
I'm just glad Tammie hasn't mentioned the Constitution, or some of these Democrats would accuse her of being a beer-swilling hillbilly.
gypsy - that "bizarre, un-referenced, sourceless document" came from...wait for it....the Huff Post!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/09/30...
You are really showing what the typical "Luke Hopkins" cultist stands for. I think your posts stand for themselves!
Yes Brick Luke has ties to this community and he listens to them.....The Unions, Gutenberg, the Port Authority and Whitaker (a Republican just like you) who showed his true colors at the 0bama nomination convention. It's really too bad Tammie doesn't have deep ties like those.
(This comment was removed by the Newsminer.com staff. Please see our User Agreement for further information.)
Elephantsagainsttammie" If you were really clever, you'd get a better screen name, like IJustWantTheTruth
Thank you for the reference, I'm glad that you saw fit to include it. However, it still does not substantiate your claim that "Fox has twice the viewership of the rest of the cable news shows COMBINED", instead capturing ALMOST twice as many viewers of the top two competitors. But that really isn't important, people are wrong.
The point is that no-one can elaborate or explain Wilson's background and credentials. I want to know what businesses she ran or owned, where her rentals are, what/where/when she taught, ect. So far, no one has stepped forward with any information, not even Wilson.
So, we're waiting....
I have always voted Republican. I have worked for Republican legislators. I have worked on Republican campaigns. Exclusively.
But... I just don't think I can bring myself to vote for Tammie. I am not a Luke supporter, and I disagree with him on just about every philosophical ground. However, I do believe that if he makes a decision that harms our community, he will at least be aware of the impact. Tammie has not demonstrated that she has capacity to comprehend anything more than superficial ideas and soundbites. More than anything else, I hear her say, "I just don't understand" numerous times at every assembly meeting. I don't think that's executive leadership quality.
I am still undecided, but I fear I find myself leaning toward Luke.. Ugh!
Henry - settle down, take your med's, and remember what doctor said about getting upset.
Elephantsagainsttammie - you represent a large group of REALLY fat republicans in Fairbanks?
Thankfully Fairbanks is a town that is comprised of 60% undeclared/independent voters.
So we really don't care what the crazy lib D's or the good old boy R's think!
The support base tells me almost all I need to know.
DNM: "All but five of Wilson’s estimated 120 contributors live in the Fairbanks North Star Borough."
Do you really want a representative who has significant financial obligations to those they do not represent?
Goldigger
I have always voted Republican. I have worked for Republican legislators. I have worked on Republican campaigns. Exclusively.
______________________
You said the same thing during the Presidential election when you acknowledged your devotion to Obama! At least be original.
Elephantsagainsttammie - Nice. You really aren't so different than the UAF Elites. You could become a Liberal!
Not I. Didn't vote for Obama. Still don't like the guy.
Don't like Tammie either.
Still no answers?
Allegience to Berkowitz and the Anchorage Dem's?
Temporary Flip Flopping on Issues Prior to an Election?
Involved in Illegal Transactions between the FNSB and the Port Authority?
Where are the answers?
Elephantsagainsttammie - actually I got the desired effect I was looking for. You are a class act and the very reason that I and so many others in Fairbanks are not registered as Republican.
Does anyone want Luke Hopkins and Terry Strle controlling Fairbanks. If so...say hello to a 20+ mil rate.
Elephantsagainsttammie - well since you created your profile today (gee what a coincidence - so have a lot of the other Tammy bashers) you have had very little time to have posts deleted. But with the class you have been showing in your first few posts, I am confident that you to can be a man of many deleted posts.
Power_Of_The_O
Earlier you wrote
"inaleh - created profile yesterday. Exclusively has made negative Wilson comments."
I did create my profile yesterday and have posted 4 times since then. Please explain to me the parts of my posts that have been "exclusively negative Wilson comment?" I thought I was being quite civil.
As I mentioned yesterday, I did vote; my candidate didn't win. Now I am faced with voting for another candidate and had questions about the two that made it to the run off.
The voters need answers to their questions. Bashing bloggers, candidates, and past candidates is not productive. Although, I do find it interesting and informative figuring out just what type of people support our next mayor.
Since this seems to be such a hot issue, why don't the two candidates just post their detailed CVs on their websites.
inaleh - After reviewing your posts, I appologize about the "negative Wilson commments" statement. I think you are harder on Tammy than Hopkins but your comments are not obviously biased as so many of the new FNM profile commentors have been.
Power_Of_The_O
Thank you for apologizing. I appreciate it.
There are a lot of new names on here now. I think anonymous posts should be banned on election issues especially.
Pat
HI. This is my first time blogging but wanted to publicly congratulate Tammie and Luke for their wins. I also wanted to publicly thank the other candidates who made the efforts to campaign and participate in our democratic electoral process. That being said, thanks are also in order to Terrance Cole and some others, for their kind words in regard to the letter to the editor which I wrote saying that my husband, Garry, was the best qualified candidate. I had a number of people tell me about the good and bad responses to my letter, and to those who know me personally, they know I said what was in my heart, as I will with anything I put on this blog. My first question for the two candidates is: How will you respond to the next round of BRAC? How will your policies regarding air quality in our borough, address the issue that we all worked hard to "save Eielson" a few years ago, and whether we like it or not, our bases are expensive and every negative will be used by those who want to close our bases. Thank you in advance for responding to this question - Diane
Elephantsagainsttammie, that is an interesting handle.
I am a hardcore liberal, just check my past posts, and I am proudly voting for Wilson. Why? Because as a thoughtful, opened minded liberal I have examined both side of the issues and determined that Tammie is on the right side of all of them. The bag tax was supposed to promote recycling but it was poorly written and did far more harm then good. Intelligent people could see this from the start and Wilson was one of those people. Was Luke?
One more comment, I have only one motivation in "blogging" and that is to try to bring to the voting public the differences in the candidates and their views that will affect this community where I have raised my children and will hopefully help raise grandchildren. Love of this community takes precedence over partisan politics from either side. Our children need jobs and their grandchildren will need jobs. Which candidate offers a vision of the future to keep this town from drying up, driving the younger generation elsewhere? My children and their friends want a decent, safe place to live, work and play. They want good schools and parks and recreation. The remaining candidates need to present their plans for the future. I've always maintained that most people want what is best for their families, but people have a different philosopy about how to get there. That doesn't make them evil or bad. It is easy to label people but that doesn't solve anything. So, if the bloggers will quit labeling the candidates and let the candidates answer legitimate questions, without the bloggers instantly putting down anyone who doesn't support their candidate. There was so much misinformation blogged and circulated on the email networks about my husband's positions, as there were about other candidates. Give the people a chance to ask legitimate questions and let the candidates answer without fear of public retribution. I will be shocked if other decent business people ever step forward again to offer their services to the community. Business people are not evil just because they employ people, just like union people aren't evil just because they fight for their members. We all want to work and make a decent living without fear of the smear! And that goes for KFAR too!! I am appalled that they start their shows talking about being called hate radio and seem to take pride in that distinction. Personally, I think, in the name of politics, that the bloggers and talk radio callers lose the sense of decency that is normally called for in our society. And their misinformation should be questioned by all. Diane
How will you respond to the next round of BRAC? How will your policies regarding air quality in our borough, address the issue that we all worked hard to "save Eielson" a few years ago, and whether we like it or not, our bases are expensive and every negative will be used by those who want to close our bases
___________________________
Well Diane, Eielson was saved by Ted Stevens in the backrooms of Washington DC and not by bunch of over zelaous local politicians.
The BRAC issue is pretty much over. Eielson will be used as a training facility and Ft. Rich is being absorbed into Elmendorf. One active Army base and one active Air Force Bace is what makes sense for Alsaka anyway.
x2 on the Barftos comments.
YO BARFTOS- PULL YOUR SIGNS AND GET UNDER THE PORCH!
Oh, and thanks for reinforcing your self-importance to us...again >pffft<
Now beat it.
If Tammie owns a business, is it in Alaska? Because a search of the State of Alaska business licenses does not show a business license under her name. And if the business is a corporation, there is no Alaska corporation that appears to list her as an owner or shareholder. Nor can I find a current business license listed under her husband's name here in the borough. So--what is the story here? Maybe she's referring to a business in Illinois. If the junkyard is here in town and she sells items from it, she needs a business license. I think it's important in weighing these candidates to recognize that the assembly appropriates funds--the mayor may submit a budget but the assembly examines it and can modify it and often does. The mayor cannot appropriate any money--that's the job of the assembly. So fears about Hopkins as mayor raising the mill rate are misplaced--because even if he wanted to, he couldn't.
Mom of the year has nothing to do with anything. That's ridiculous.
But dirtprof asked a fair question:
"Based on WHAT? Sound bytes? We are talking about hiring the top exec for the borough, not some slogan contest. When I hire someone, I want to see evidence of a set of skills relevant to the job I'm hiring her for. In this case, that includes managing large budgets and a lot of people, understanding complex issues within a complex policy environment, and successfully negotiating with several layers of local, state, and federal government. Based on what evidence should I believe that Ms. Wilson has the requisite skills to do these things?"
You see, I think that these "skill sets" you mention, as the current popular lingo of so-called professionalism prefers, are a cause of the problems we have in our society and our business and our government these last few decades. Look where those with all the "accepted skill sets" have got us.
Like you, dirtprof, I have degrees from university. I have worked my butt off all my life, but not for wages or salary. When one is asked, in our society, "What do you do?" they don't mean who are you and what do you do in your life outside of "work"; ie a paying job. They really mean: "What do you do for pay?"
That is not necessarily what defines a person. If it is one's sole definition, that's pretty sad.
I have done a great deal of work in my life--in line with my degrees included--not a whole lot for pay, along with all my other responsibilities and, yes work, of daily life. I am an intelligent person with a great deal of abilities in a variety of areas. I don't require a so-called "steady job," or some pedigree to prove that I have good sense, a good work ethic, a commitment to ethical behavior overall, a refined sense of budgetary necessities, and lots of things like that. (Lazy, I know, but I really don't feel like this right now! Just remembered that I commented earlier and thought I'd check...you know. Just thought you seemed sincere.)
I think someone, like Tammie, who is not as entrenched with particular views or group-think, would be good for us all and refreshing and revitalizing for the borough. (How's that for bureaucratic, "professional" type jargon!"
But I am sick and tired of hearing the same old "lingo." Tammie is straight-up. She doesn't have to resort to the accepted political jargon du jour.
Because she may not have a sterling pedigree, with all the requisite and non-anonymous published donations to whomever or whatever, the assertion that she is not capable of "...managing large budgets and a lot of people, understanding complex issues within a complex policy environment, and successfully negotiating with several layers of local, state, and federal government" does not follow.
I have my evidence in myself, as I believe I could run this show based on my knowledge and experience, and I believe Tammie has exhibited plenty enough savvy to do so well. Better than the usual suspects.
After all, isn't change what we all want? I am not being pissy; I really think it's what we all want--except those who's palms are getting greased, those who are building a pedigree/resume for future ambitions, (not with betterment of us all in mind), and all that jazz. Those who would elect the same ol' same ol' are not for change. They are for the status quo.
I encourage folks to roll the dice on this one.
Furthermore, a mayor or any politician--or most of us--do not operate entirely alone. Most of us have people whose advice we consider. Input, and Tammie is good at that.
Two heads are better than one. Tammie would not be lost and running this ship without without any background. She's been working on the budget during her term, and studying it before that. I think she has a pretty good handle on what's involved.
What I really think, as I posted the other day on that other thread, is the " powers that be," so to speak, fear her because she is not under their thumbs.
Hence the article:
"But he (Hutchison) senses a lack of consensus — some will back Wilson to oppose Hopkins, who has drawn much of his support from Democrats, while others seem to worry a Wilson administration would seek too much change."
Will he define the feared change for me please?
That was my first thought, and continues to bug me. Because, while change has been all the rage, now it's used against Tammie.
Go figure. And define that fear of the "change."
This also bugs me. (Hopkins)
“My message is the same,” Hopkins said. “It’s low-cost, clean energy getting to town, (air pollution) is an issue, ... quality of life and keeping our community strong.”
Easy and common to say. Specs please?
More of that popular political jargon.
But what really bothers me is:
Who is the final arbiter of quality of life?
Mr. Hopkins (and others) keep saying that.
It is such, such a generality.
But sound bytes, dirtprof, you have to admit, just, well...sound so pleasant that way!
I want a good "quality of life" here too; who doesn't? I mean, think about it. Who doesn't?
But my quality of life here isn't as good as it used to be. I believe that my opinion of "quality of life" is different than Luke Hopkins'.
Different than Ms. Hutchison's. Although what she says sounds really nice, a lot of it is not sustainable as is, and anyway just isn't happening.
Foe example, (for a tiny start), when George Byrdsong died, the borough didn't wait at all for more good and fine and caring volunteers like he and his crew to come forward and plant the beautiful flowers.
Instead, the borough, very quickly, hired people to do a wonderful thing that was formerly done by those who cared enough to volunteer to do the job.
I can give a bunch of examples. Our borough, our quality of life, needs a change. And I see that with Mr. Hopkins, i didn't see with with Mr. Hutchison, Mr. Bartos, or Mr. Boddy.
A change of not staus-quo, in-the-box thinking, brought about by the same old faces.
Roll the dice.
A person with a million dollar budget and a person who comes from a non profit as well as small buisness owner? hmmm. Experience tells me that working with a smaller budget can lead to ingenuity and a keen eye on resources. I want someone who watches the pennies, who understands that you cant just ask the community for more money when you over shoot on costs and can think on their feet about solutions instead of rhetoric that makes them feel good.
Besides, Luke didnt have experience on his first million dollar budget either. People will never quit electing from the same pool of candidates if they dont follow through to break the iron triangle. And that is what this election is; do you give someone with good ideas the chance or do you stick to the same old schuck and jive.
Correction:
I can give a bunch of examples. Our borough, our quality of life, needs a change. And I don't see that with Mr. Hopkins, I didn't see it with with Mr. Hutchison, Mr. Bartos, or Mr. Boddy.
Was getting tired.
Power of the O
BRAC is an ongoing process and will not end until Congress decides to end it. Then the military leadership will still be reviewing their costs based on the budget allocated by Congress. Our bases will be up for review again and anyone who doesn't understand their importance to the economy of Fairbanks doesn't see the whole picture. I'm sure Tammie and Luke have both found that an amazing number of homes, are occupied by the military and their dependents, or people connected with Eielson or Ft. Wainwright. Please don't tell me about Ted Stevens and our local involvement in BRAC. I proudly ran his office here for five years and was running it during the last BRAC round. If our next Mayor does nothing to fight to keep the military here, they are not thinking of our community's future. The cost of energy and the success of securing it for the long-term will be one of the most pressing problems we face.
I guess that explains why Steven's Fairbanks office was always so screwed up!
Diane
How did you feel about the $10 per month employment tax (paid monthly to the City) that every employed person would have had to pay? Your husband was in favor of that in 2008!
Power_Of_The_O 10/16/2009, 7:48 a.m. Suggest removal I guess that explains why Steven's Fairbanks office was always so screwed up!
Would you please elaborate?
Power of the O:
For the record, it wasn't just backroom operating by Senator Stevens that saved Eielson - it was the collective efforts of the People of the Fairbanks North Star Borough.
News stories after the Save Eielson event made clear that the visiting members of the BRAC committee were deeply impressed both with the strength of the arguments mustered in favor of keeping the base open (expertly & forcefully presented by Gens. Hamilton and Gamble)and by the unprecedented show of community support illustrated by the literally thousands of Borough residents who attended.
I hadn't even planned to attend but sitting amongst the throng in a packed Carlson Center, a point of red in a sea of Red, I felt an overwhelming sense of Pride - pride in our community - and Belief - that, though we didn't get along in all things, when we stood together, we could accomplish anything. And WE DID!
It's a sense of Pride that echos through me right on down to today. And it's a Belief that I still hold - that, by mustering the mental, emotional, financial and productive horsepower of this community, we can do anything - and I am fortunate to have it renewed and re-enforced regularly.
You do your candidate no service, Sir, by denigrating this community.
And regarding Mrs. Hutchison: How f*&kin' dare you! Though not alone in this endeavor, no one was more instrumental in ensuring that the thoughts, desires and needs of the Interior were heard not only in the offices of our State Capital but in the hallowed Halls of Congress than Mrs. Hutchison. She, like the other local staff members of our Congressional Delegation still do, worked tirelessly for this community - and, judging from the post above, STILL is.
You do Mrs. Wilson no service, Sir, by denigrating the people who bust their humps day in and day out seeing that your rights are protected straight up to the top of the power-centers of this Nation, that that power is harnessed to help ensure you continue to have a community to call home - and that your candidate, if successful, will be relying upon to do same.
As I wrote the first (and, I'd hoped, last & only) time I posted here, grow up. There are plenty of substantive issues in this campaign that need discussion - they are better discussed, and more likely to generate solutions, when discussed civilly.
I believe your candidate - both candidates - would agree.
Elephants against tammie
10/15/2009, 6:52
"Believe me when I say that my screen name speaks for a large number of people in this community."
----reply
User names.....
Jackassforluke?
lukesunionthugs?
---------
Luke needs to show he has integrity and stop his dirty campaign!
And if he can't stop it, he lacks the management ability to be mayor!
I recall he was "Secretary for the pot authority". Seems to me, the secretary to an organization is the one who takes care of paper work and makes sure it is filed on time.
And here's to hope that FEDC will be dissolved after Mayor Wilson is elected! Without question the biggest waste of the FNSB budget.
Senator Stevens' office was always responsive, in my experience.
I had the privilege of working with Barb Mee, when she "came out of retirement" for state work, and you could not meet a more loyal and knowledgeable staffer--a real pistol.
I assume the same characteristics with Diane and the office she ran.
Being at the epicenter of BRAC '05, a consultant to a community hit by a closure in '06, and a researcher of BRAC '95, (both in its effects on Alaska and the Midwest), I can assure you Tammie will have tremendous resources at her disposal for contending with base realignment proposals, and communicating with the DoD.
There is a way to reconcile the freedom, and ability, to heat one's home, responsibly, with affordable fuel and the standards the EPA/DoD mandate.
Tammie has studied this in detail long before the MOU was proposed. Moreover, far beyond any other assembly member, she has spent many hours talking with EPA officials since their presentation months ago.
We know there are gaps in the data acquisition; that sulfates are a worse culprit than wood burn particulates, that the seasonal factors were calculated incorrectly, and that, when it comes time to improve air quality, we know the EPA will allow a community-driven effort.
The key is community driven, not regulatory. On this issue, that is the key distinction between candidates.
In theory, this forum could be constructive. If approaches to timely issues are analyzed and voting records are compared, there is valuable insight.
Rick VK
I read a few post, then did a fast scan to see if this information was in here, I hope the person that emailed me this doesn't mind if I us it for reference material,To me it's follow the money. Like our president, the special interest own him, and we are paying the consequences, I don't know why the country is containing its outrage over our government. SHEEP !!!!
FROM A EMAIL I RECEIVED:
It’s always useful to ‘follow the money’ when evaluating candidates seeking elective office, because campaign contributions are based on past performance and future expectations.
Perhaps the most significant distinction between candidates Hopkins and Wilson is that labor union PACs contributed $8700 to Mr. Hopkins (including $3200 from public employee union PACs), while Ms. Wilson apparently didn’t receive any contributions from political action committees. One cannot help but think this would make it difficult for Mr. Hopkins to negotiate the next borough labor contract from a neutral position.
Furthermore; the following table seams to dispel the assumption that local elections are “non-partisan” at least from the perspective of financial support:
Affiliation Hopkins Wilson
PACs 14% 0
Democrat 54% 2%
Republican 2% 64%
Undclrd / Non Prtsn / othr
27% 34%
Note: The amounts contributed by the candidates to their own campaigns (Hopkins $829 and Wilson $6200) have been discounted to calculate the percentages.
Partisan influence on Mr. Hopkins’ campaign is even more significant. His campaign expenditure record indicates that he purchased a “mailing list” from the “AK Democrat Party” last February and many prominent Democrats are among his contributors:
State Representatives:
David Guttenberg - $500
Scott Kawasaki - $250
Ethan Berkowitz (Anchorage) - $250
Beth Kerttula (Juneau) - $100
Les Gara (Anchorage) - $100
Harry Crawfor (Anch.) - $250
State senators:
Joe Thomas - $175
Johnny Ellis (Anch.) - $150
Hollis French (Anch.) - $200
Former Democratic legislators:
Georgiana Lincoln (Rampart) - $100
John Davies (Fairbanks) - $250
Tom Moyer (Fairbanks) - $350
Chancy Croft (Anchorage) - $100
Vic Fisher (Anchorage) - $50
Employed by the Democrat Party:
Kevin Harun - $250
Michael Coumbe - $250
Kay Brown - $100
Angel Bunger - $50
cont
* Senator Begich and US Senate Staff have contributed a total of $680.
* Individuals associated with ‘non-profits’ that receive government grants appear to have contributed a total of $3385.
* Individuals associated with the University appear to have contributed $6815.
* Current and Former employees of the FNSB & School Dist have contributed $4370.
* Individuals that contract directly with the government have contributed $1755.
It appears; in fact, that Mr. Hopkins has received at least $34,100 from PACs, individuals who receive direct financial support from the government, or the Democrat Party. This exceeds the total raised by Ms. Wilson and should alarm anyone who is concerned about the financial future of our state and local government!
We can combat this corruption of our governing process by encouraging our neighbors who don’t stand to gain an extraordinary benefit from government largess to pay close attention to this run off election and to GET OUT and VOTE.
If you think that you won’t be able to make it to your polling location on the 3rd. You can cast your vote early by going to the borough clerk’s office during business hours starting Tuesday October 20th. Your vote will be counted just as though you had voted at your regular polling location.
You should also consider contacting Ms. Wilson’s campaign to make a financial contribution or offer some other active support.
Rick, morym:
Now those are constructive and well-constructed posts...
Thank you.
morym....
Thank you for your information!
Rick and Jomo
I appreciate your answers. Thank you. I do believe this could be a productive forum if all users refrained from name calling and throwing out generalities, just to soil the opponent and/or the people who are trying to delve into each candidate's views, as is their right in a democracy. Let's discuss the issues and how each candidate intends to deal with them. In the long run, the issue is improving this community for future generations.
Diane
Thank you, the guy that emailed me this posted earlier on this subject. In my personal encounters with both candidates, I see Tammy working for her constituents and I see Luke working for our government. She is more connected to the people that have to work hard to make ends meet, the ones that have to burn wood because it comes down to the toss-up, fuel or food! Luke's folks and supporters are more the "Steak and wine" people.
Just for reference, to put a perspective on size, Austin, Texas has 20,000 more people than the whole state of Alaska. How much government can we afford?
A Bartos endorsement is a kiss of political death situation. Come on Hank endose Hopkins!
morym- You are making a lot of assumptions about how Luke Hopkins will run the borough. I want to know how a mayor can effectively function without networking across a broad spectrum of people to include the city, state, feds, other communities, the university, public safety, private industry, labor, etc. Is there something wrong in having broad based support in the community? I can guarantee you that Tammie Wilson doesn't have those kinds of connections. Doors won't open as easily for her when she comes knocking. If she is elected we may as well hang up the "go away and leave us alone" sign at the entrances to the borough. If elected, she won't be able to do a thing when the PM 2.5 regulations come our way. In fact, her attitude will probably only piss them off and we will be worse off then we would if we had cooperated. It sure sounds good though to her supporters.
morym- Recently you said "Keeping secrets from those that elected you. That is the outrage!" And this: "If you are keeping your constituents in the dark about issue dealing with there own community, YOU FAIL !!!" And let's not forget: "I believe that "transparency and ethics" still mean something!"
I guess these statements don't apply to your candidate, Tammie Wilson? As others have been pointing out, Tammie's business interests appear to be someplace other than here. She is embellishing her Bio, not making full disclosure in her financial statements. But that's OK, she opposed the bag tax.
alaska4obama 10/16/2009, 12:27 p.m. Suggest removal morym- You are making a lot of assumptions about how Luke Hopkins will run the borough. I want to know how a mayor can effectively function without networking across a broad spectrum of people to include the city, state, feds, other communities, the university, public safety, private industry, labor, etc. Is there something wrong in having broad based support in the community? I can guarantee you that Tammie Wilson doesn't have those kinds of connections. Doors won't open as easily for her when she comes knocking.
_____________________________
Actually keeping the doors closed to Union/UAF and other special interest groups is one of the big selling points for electing Tammy Wilson. Not having the connections to the Alaska Democratic Party certainly won't hurt either!
Thanks alaskafobama for pointing that out!
If elected, she won't be able to do a thing when the PM 2.5 regulations come our way. In fact, her attitude will probably only piss them off and we will be worse off then we would if we had cooperated. It sure sounds good though to her supporters.
__________________
Actually Tammy will use an open dialog approach with all involved parties (FNSB RESIDENTS, ADEC, EPA). It will be a slighty different approach that than the fear mongering method that is suggested by Hopkins.
Alaska 4 Obama - I didn't say anything about how Hopkins would run the borough. Your whole post is devoid of any facts and generally just like the original Obama banter, an empty statement.
YOU:
I want to know how a mayor can effectively function without networking across a broad spectrum of people to include the city, state, feds, other communities, the university, public safety, private industry, labor, etc.
ME:
How much government can we afford?
Your intent is to attack anything that is said that does not justify Mr. Hopkins view, or anybody that says something about him. My statement were not directed specifically towards anyone on this board, sorry you took it as directed towards you.
@corinne: "the assertion that she is not capable...does not follow." I did not assert that she is not capable; I merely asked for some evidence that she is. The burden is on the applicant for our top executive position to show us that she has those capabilities; the best way to do that is to show examples of them in her background.
As for Luke's campaign slogans, ALL politicians have to boil their positions down to something printable on a post card in large type. That's the nature of the beast--otherwise, frankly, people don't read them at all. But if you want to get into more depth, visit Luke's website or (better yet) talk to him. He does listen.
I think that this mayoral race has demonstrated something clearly and was actually stated in this article by Hutchinson.
Liberals and Republican's (not conservatives mind you) in Fairbanks are not that far apart. Being part of the old school network is issue number one. Even though they will disagree on most issues, they will band together to make sure "outsiders" are not put in a position of power.
Thankfully we have another choice in Fairbanks. This election ourcome will be determined by the undeclared/non-partison voters.
alaska4obama
RE:
morym- Recently you said "Keeping secrets from those that elected you. That is the outrage!" And this: "If you are keeping your constituents in the dark about issue dealing with there own community, YOU FAIL !!!" And let's not forget: "I believe that "transparency and ethics" still mean something!"
This was in reference to North Pole City Council and Doug Wilson recording the session.
She is not my candidate, I claim no ownership of any Candidate, that would make me a special interest, huh. What is your financial situation? Or Mr. Hopkins? Kind of like the head of the IRS forgetting to claim income on a piece of property.
and
I guess these statements don't apply to your candidate, Tammie Wilson? As others have been pointing out, Tammie's business interests appear to be someplace other than here. She is embellishing her Bio, not making full disclosure in her financial statements. But that's OK, she opposed the bag tax.
*********************
Tammie's phone # is 590-7602
*********************
ASK HER !
Americaisgreat123
10/15/2009, 5:03 p.m.
Suggest removal
I'm extremely disappointed to hear that Charlie Boddy and Garry Hutchinson declined to endorse Wilson. These two men were supposed to be conservative. I'm glad I didn't vote for either of them.
----
This may be one of the small, yet telling sides of the issue. If people within her own party won't endorse her...if someone within her own party would rather say nothing than make an endorsement...maybe that speaks volumes. (ie: better someone else than her...without hurting the Party).
oldakcuss
Or just a sign of "poor losers"?
As a liberal I would like to vote for Luke but I can't. His adds are just to vague. Many of them merely identify an issue without positively indicating his thoughts on the issue. It leaves the listener the responsibility of imagining what Luke would do. This is trying to be all things to all people.
Roadtrip - Reading through your posts, it looks like you became a liberal on October 12. How is it working out for you so far? I would think that your stress level reduced after your brain activity decreased. Is that true?
Some people switch back and forth between liberalism and conservatism. Ask Frank about that. As long as you've got weed, all your friends are liberals. When you hit a dry spell, it's every man for himself.
PO, shhhhh, your blowing my cover.
oldakcuss
10/16/2009, 2:17 p.m.
"I'm extremely disappointed to hear that Charlie Boddy and Garry Hutchinson declined to endorse Wilson. These two men were supposed to be conservative. I'm glad I didn't vote for either of them.
This may be one of the small, yet telling sides of the issue. If people within her own party won't endorse her...if someone within her own party would rather say nothing than make an endorsement...maybe that speaks volumes. (ie: better someone else than her...without hurting the Party)."
-------Reply comment:
What makes you think Hutch and Boddy are Republicans?
doppelgänger - Rino-s (Republican in name only)
Their failure to enforce Tammie shows they are poor sports, sore looses, NOT team players, and vote splitting "has beens" aka "Halcrow-s".
And the Republican's will do well to disown them! -- quickly!
---
The deck is reshuffled, where there were 6 only 2 remain. Who you voted for on October 6th was a personal choice as it will be on November 3rd. No prior candidate is obligated to pledge support to either of the two remaining contenders, as they also have a personal choice to make. I have talked with both Tammie and Luke and wished them well in their continuing campaigns. The voters now need to focus on the attributes each of them is gifted with to make decisions in the best interest of this community in the next three years Try and concentrate on the salient issues facing us in the near term - and ask yourself which of them has the ability to lead an administration while working cooperately with a newly seated assembly. Gridlock will not be a viable option. The job reponsibilities of being mayor versus that of serving as part of a nine member assembly is extreme.
Charlie Boddy
Elephantsagainsttammie - you are all class. Just a reminder for us true conservatives of we do not register as repbulicans.
mrkiteman
10/17/2009, 4:39 a.m.
The deck is reshuffled, where there were 6 only 2 remain. Who you voted
for on October 6th was a personal choice as it will be on November 3rd. No
prior candidate is obligated to pledge support to either of the two
remaining contenders, as they also have a personal choice to make.
...............
-- Comments and reply
I don't know if you are Charley or not!
So, your signature is 100% useless.
----
It is a common civil practice for Democrats and Republicans to endorse
which ever member of their party gets the most votes.
---------
As for Luke, looks to me he has a profound conflict of interest: because, if elected, he WILL NEGOTIATE WAGE AND BENEFIT CONTRACTS WITH HIS CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTERS.
Now, does anyone who is of sound mind and sober --- think Luke will tell his donors NO?
---
FYI Obama's VERY first official act was to pay off the unions for putting him in office.
Later, he made sure 1/3 (about 300 billion) of the borrowed stimulus money went to save public employee union member jobs from being cut; while private sector union members, excluding the UAW, took a chop!
Elephantiasis, you are a liberal posing as a conservative. Why? I don't know, but you should be proud to identify yourself as a liberal, I know that I am. Using buzz words like pretender, lackluster, and hate radio worked for us in our fight against Palin and Bush. However, if we use that tactic against everyone we dislike people will start to see though it. And try not to get deleted so much, it does not help our cause.
Elephant...didn't you "moderate republicans" support our out going mayor? Was it your proudest moment when he showed his support for 0bama to the nation???
(This comment was removed by the Newsminer.com staff. Please see our User Agreement for further information.)
Dude, google Elephantiasis.
Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha ha, ha, ha, ha ha, ha, ha, ha ha, ha, ha, ha ha, ha, ha, ha ha, ha, ha, ha ha, ha, ha, ha ha, ha, ha, ha ha, ha, ha, ha ha, ha, ha, ha ha, ha, ha, ha.
it will be nice when this is over
Elephant are you a union righty or business lefty that make a living off the government teat?
Why does Luke kick puppies?
And why would a hardcore liberal try to pass himself off as anything other then what he is? Do you think being identified as a Republican gives you more credibility? You see, I truly understand you liberals. I spent many years in that ideology and I know it well. I could be the best liberal here and continue this charade indefinitely. You couldn't hack it as a conservative for one day. The hate in you is to strong. It clowds your perspective and makes you predictable. Just so you know, In the last few days I have taken crap from many conservatives here who actually thought that I had crossed over to the dark side. And as a RINO you simply continued to spout liberal-isms.
Your turn.
Thanks DNM!!!
Oh man, now my comments don't make sense.
And Hilda, yes, rational people like us would like to know.
And sorry about the kicking puppies comment Mr. Hutchison. I was trying to make a point that no longer makes sense thanks to the moderator, who I would also like to apologise to.
Now, about living in a junkyard. On occasion I fly over town and look down into peoples yards. And guess what? Most of us live in junkyards.
I supported Luke in the general election but now I find out he did not graduate from college (he went to UAF but did not get a degree - which has to be the easiest school to get a degree from). Do we really want a Mayor who is not intelligent enough to graduate from college?
Tammy holds a degree in education. Maybe she could help fix our disaster of a school district.
(This comment was removed by the Newsminer.com staff. Please see our User Agreement for further information.)
In 2003, Luke mortgage on his house for $126,000. A house that he had lived in since 1976. A house that is now assessed at less than $210,000. In over 30 years of owning the property he has less than $90,000 of equity.
Is that the kind of financial genius we want running our cit?. Reminds a little of our current mayor that bankrupted a business and doesn't pay his property tax.
Bad Doobie bad!
OK, now I'm just confused.
Hey, I think I just got fooled by Doobie's Hilda.
Man, if I ever take anything here as serious as he does I want one of you to slap me.
roadtrip
In all fairness to Dobie it was the former (now closed down) poster who went by "elephantsagainsttammie" who was the imposter. He changed the lowercase L in my name to a capital I and it squeaked by the computer at DNM.
Just goes to show how desperate the "Lukers" are to discredit Tammie!
We all need to keep a close eye on the comments in case the imposter is reincarnated as someone else!
And, YES! I AM STILL VOTING FOR TAMMIE!
The bottom line is as follows: One is a Democrat to the core, who has always worked for the State or local governments, and pro taxes regardless of what he says. I believe the other candidate isn't a Democrat. She may not even be a Republican as far as I am concerned (I am an independent voter), but she is a conservative.
Now, I would like to see the conservative candidate win, but it will be very difficult since University West and vicinity always vote along the union line. The only way the conservative candidate can win is with a high conservative-voter turnout in the rest of the borough to offset the University West's vote. But we all know that the rest of the city and borough voters aren't as united as they are. We just don't get out and vote as we should.
Any candidate wishing to attract the middle, undecided vote, needs to start paying attention to the questions those voters are posing to them and supplying the answers. The hard right already supports Tammie and the hard left already supports Luke, so there are no new voters to be gained by rehashing all of the hard right, hard left rhetoric. All that will be gained are people who realize they have a hard time voting for either candidate and many will either not vote or vote write-in. To win, one of the candidates needs to step forward and no holds barred, tell the middle voters how they fit in the picture. I hold to the conservative view but have learned moderation and understanding of other views. I've learned that just because someone calls themselves a conservative or liberal doesn't make them right or wrong. All people should be treated with respect and dignity.
A productive forum would stop the rhetoric and ask the questions that the middle voters are asking. These are the people who will decide the election. They are more concerned about how the next Mayor will run the Borough, what will be cut, what will be increased, what remains status quo? They are concerned about qualifications, relationships with others, who are this candidate's inner circle of advisors? How will the new mayor help foster relationships that make our community an attractive place to open businesses and employ more people? The middle voters need to hear positive messages, not fear mongering. There was enough of that leading up to the October election. It played to the voters on both ends, but left the middle out of the equation.
If you wish to attract those middle voters, quit belittling them. It will be very hard for a bookend candidate to win, if the core group of supporters behind them continue to demand it's their way or no way and if you don't agree, we'll just call you a name or smear you on a talk show or letter to the editor. Both sides had supporters who were very successful at twisting the other candidates' true opinions on issues. A candidate will be judged by their supporters in word and deed, not just financially. I hope that the successful candidate is willing to hear both sides and make informed decisions, based on facts, not based on hearsay and inuendo or the public opinion pressure of their special interest election support group.
Charlie, if you're reading this - you ran a good, clean campaign, as did your supporters and I appreciated your post to this blog.
Diane
The FNSB Mayor needs an "inner circle of advisors"?
Will Luke have 32 czars?
Let's see -
A PM2.5 Czar
A Bag Tax Czar
An Annexation Czar
A Union Kickback Czar
An Anchorage Liberal Coordination Czar (scratch that one...Luke can handle that himself)
I am sure there are more.
Missed one
A Port Authority Czar (lets pencil in Put_Alaska_First for that one!)
Diane, with the exception of one or two nutty liberals, doobie being one of them, this is a productive forum. Luke's ads are very vague. Here is a question for you, does he support registering wood stoves? How about stricter zoning so we can look like a lower 48 community?
"A productive forum would stop the rhetoric"
Oh, and by the way, rhetoric is the process of persuasion which is also the goal of a productive forum. So why don't you come up with some substantive rhetoric so us intelligent and educated voters can compare it to Tammie's rhetoric. That would be helpful. So far all we have is character assassination.
Ray
10/17/2009, 3:04 p.m.
> "The bottom line is as follows: One is a Democrat to the core, who has always worked for the State or local governments, and pro taxes regardless of what he says.
....etc..."
........ comment..
UAF, unions, etc..... Their control is very organized and well funded from Fairbanks to Washington DC.
It is up to us to get our neighbors to vote for Tammie. If we don't do our job she loses --- period!
I am surprised she has not received more donations! This is Dividend time! Kick in $200 bucks, which is about 1/4 of what you would be paying in sales tax @3%.
And a nickel a bag thanks to Luke's buds who pushed the issue.
dianehutchison
"Any candidate wishing to attract the middle, undecided vote, needs to start paying attention to the questions those voters are posing to them and supplying the answers. The hard right already supports Tammie and the hard left already supports Luke, so there are no new voters to be gained by rehashing all of the hard right, hard left rhetoric."
I agree with the essence of what you’re saying. But this should be remembered in any election, including before a run off. Many people may not vote for Luke or Tammy for other seat, but the may vote for them for this seat.
Firing up the base is good, but for the most part it’s completely pointless, aside from the feel good factor. Pragmatically the vast number of people could careless about a battle between Right and left. They care and are motivated what’s going on in their lives.
Roadtrip
I think that is a good question to ask Luke. All I can tell you is that Garry was labeled as a person who wanted to register wood stoves, because his website indicated that he didn't think wood was the answer to the energy problem. He thought we needed to get cheap energy here for the future, for military use, lowering the cost of electricity and heating our homes more cheaply; that we couldn't go back to wood as an answer. Wood is not going to lower the price we pay for electricity, fuel the utilities, give the state revenues, etc. Wood is not going to fill our pipeline which will shut down when the oil flow reaches a point where it is no longer econominally feasible to operate and it will not be filled with oil, if the gas pipeline doesn't go through. It all fits together. How many jobs will be lost when Flint Hills shuts down the refinery, due to lack of supply? How many more jobs will be lost because the Alaska Railroad isn't carrying supply from Flint Hills? It is already happening. At the Chamber forum, every candidate there, but Tammie, thought energy was the biggest issue facing this community. The big picture is so much more than wood stoves and whether they pollute the air. Garry never dreamed or entertained the idea of registering wood stoves- we have two wood stoves, but he got labeled. Our next Mayor must convince the undecided voters that they see the big picture.
So please, ask the hard questions of both candidates. Don't spread rumors based on inuendo, find out what the correct answers are. Good point that you have made.
If you think I am assassinating someone's character, I am sorry. I am not trying to assassinate anyone's character - just point out that hard questions need answers if you expect people to vote for a particular candidate. I care about the community and its future. Candidates can choose to answer the questions or not and people will choose to vote for them depending on their answers or lack thereof. Every person out there has a right to ask the candidates questions that are important to them. Asking a tough question is not character assassination, espousing the answer without discerning the truth is the wrongful deed.
Diane
Diane,
Thank you for your comments. You have brought up a lot of important issues that the candidates need to respond to and as voters we need to really pay attention to. It doesn't appear that you have "assassinated" anyone's character. I think accusations like that are diversion tactics for the accuser.
My question was not, "Do you think wood will be the next source of energy for Fairbanks?"
My question actually was "does he support registering wood stoves?", that is a yes or no question. Tammie's answer is "no". Your answer contained over 100 words and no definitive answer. So if you will not answer my questions I will. Luke, I hope you don't mind that I call him by his first name, will push to have a large borough department for enforcing EPA regulations. To pay for this program people will register their heating systems and have them inspected once a year. The fee for this inspection will be $90 bucks plus an additional $60 for the registration. If you are out of limits you will have 30 days to fix the problem or be fined. Just think IM program for houses, and businesses.
Now on to zoning, Here is what I picture. From now on residents of the borough will have to maintain their property in such a way as to look neat and tidy, That means no junky parts cars or piles of crap in the yard. All structures will meet code and all construction will require permits and inspections, All structures. That means decks, shops, wood sheds, dog houses, little dry cabins, everything.
Am I wrong?
alaska4obama
My wife and I think you have been miss lead by obama radicals.
1.
Power_Of_The_O
10/17/2009, 12:39 p.m.
In 2003, Luke mortgage on his house for $126,000. A house that he had lived in since 1976. A house that is now assessed at less than $210,000. In over 30 years of owning the property he has less than $90,000 of equity.
Is that the kind of financial genius we want running our cit?. Reminds a little of our current mayor that bankrupted a business and doesn't pay his property tax.
---------Comment..
We have a culture in which we are expected to live on credit. Doing so, makes us very easy targets for financial intimidation.
One way for people to protect themselves is to have assets in the name of others such as a small real estate group where people pool their money and buy real estate.
--------
Anyone read, with a "informed" as- to -what -to- look -for eye, Luke's financial statement he filed with APOC?
Roadtrip
I am not Luke, cannot answer for Luke, so when you say I didn't answer, you are correct. I said, "Ask Luke", but instead you have decided to do what you wanted and that was to perpetuate your answer, not his. You just did what my complaint was and what I'm trying to get the voters to usurp - quit relying on the bloggers and radio talk shows for your information - go to the candidates themselves for the answers. That was my point - no one asked my husband, they just perpetuated the answer that they thought would turn people against him. People should ask Tammie and Luke the questions, not listen to the made up versions of what their answers will be. My vote will depend on the candidates answers, not yours. But the attitude of each person's supporters will sway votes. I hope other voters are watching your answers and the answers of Luke's supporters, because it is indicative of the people who support a candidate - how their inner circle of advisors will think. Currently I am one of the evergrowing number of people who need candidate answers because at this point I cannot vote for either candidate and I will either not vote or vote a write-in.
dianehutchison
Here is some info on contacting the candidates........
I have sent 2 e-mails to Tammie and received 2 replies.
I have called her 3 times. She answered the phone once and returned both of the other calls.
I have sent 2 e-mails to Mr. Hopkins and still have not heard back.
I have not called him to discuss his answers to my e-mails because he hasn't answered them yet.
So far Tammie has been much more accessible!
I found this quite interesting!
https://myalaska.state.ak.us/business/so...
AML lists Luke Hopkins as a member of the board of directors.
To my knowledge the Burro assembly appropriates money to buy a Alaska Municipal League "membership". If my memory is correct, the memberships are something like $120,000.
Obviously, in my judgment, because Luke is on the assembly his membership on the board of AML's directors would be of great financial value to the organization (he can vote them my tax money and lobby others to do the same), ALL while enhancing AML's status as a lobbying organization and growing Luke's "ego".
-----------------
What is of particular interest, Luke Hopkins is listed as living in Juneau! NOT Fairbanks.
See PDF file at
https://myalaska.state.ak.us/business/so...
AML Lists it's business activities as "AGENCY STUDY / MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS"
actually they are a paid lobbyist group.
See PDF Document dated 4/16/2008(*)
https://myalaska.state.ak.us/business/so...
(*) last biannual report filed to the State of Alaska.
There should be 2-3 more documents per mandatory bi-annual reporting requirements.
----------------------
dianehutchison
10/18/2009, 10:27 a.m.
Assuming you are whom you claim
Your husband was found to be unfit for my vote the moment he set foot on the plane to Anchorage to beg for money.
Judging from the election results, 91% of other votes agreed with me for one reason or another.
His campaign donors wasted their money on a loser.
HE LOST BECAUSE OF HIS ACTIONS!
AS A CANDIDATE and he hangs with the wrong crowd! -- Democrats, who have sold down tax payers the drain - for years to pay back their public employee union donors for their campaign cash and in kind contributions.
Currently the average household is forfeiting more than $400 per month to support Democrat taxation! And $2.25 per gallon royalty heating oil tax + double their electric bill.
Saying it another way, buy a 1,000 gallons of fuel oil for $3,250 - of the $3,250 about $2,225 is tax!
GET MY DRIFT?
1AK Fox
I will not dispute why my husband lost - you are right, the voters didn't choose him and life goes on. That doesn't mean that his former supporters aren't looking for a candidate to back. They will choose based on what is important to them, not what is necessarily important to you. They want answers about Tammie's qualifications and Luke's union ties. GET MY DRIFT?????
I hate to say this, but Tammie Wilson is simply not smart enough to be the borough's mayor. I'm going to be voting for Luke Hopkins. He's a moderate and he's well informed. The idea that he's a big government liberal is just crazy.
#
dianehutchison
10/18/2009, 4:29 p.m.
Suggest removal
1AK Fox
I will not dispute why my husband lost - you are right, the voters didn't choose him and life goes on. That doesn't mean that his former supporters aren't looking for a candidate to back. They will choose based on what is important to them, not what is necessarily important to you. They want answers about Tammie's qualifications and Luke's union ties. GET MY DRIFT?????
---------
Looks to me like your questions and questions have been answered.
"So where is the beef"?
Your hubby was passing himself as a Republican, ok.
Now lets see him endorse Tammie.
Raise and call
#
snowbilly
10/18/2009, 5:48 p.m.
Suggest removal
I hate to say this, but Tammie Wilson is simply not smart enough to be the borough's mayor. I'm going to be voting for Luke Hopkins. He's a moderate and he's well informed. The idea that he's a big government liberal is just crazy.
-------- Reply..
He is well informed because the listens to himself whale talking to the bathroom mirror and the Bag Lady.
"The idea that he's a big government liberal is just crazy"
He sure has a Democrat support .. UAF, unions etc.
Are you telling me, he is for small low cost government -- the opposite of what what his campaign donors want?
I have not seen your user name and therefore assume have not read ALL the comments POSTED prior.
How about scrolling back to "morym
10/16/2009, 11:19 a.m.
and READ what was obtained from the APOC documents?
And ask yourself: "Do birds of a feather flock together" fighting for their place-- especially in the public trough?
YOU BETCHA just like a pack of wolves out for dinner on moose stake!
You are right Diane, you are not Luke, but you do seem to be stumping for him.
I hate to say this, but Luke Hopkins is simply not smart enough to be the borough's mayor. I'm going to be voting for Tammie Wilson. She's a moderate and she's well informed. Luke Is a big government liberal and voting for him is just crazy.
Now my question is, which side is resorting to character assassination, and why. And if I don't get an answer to that question soon I will provide one.
As much as some of you don't like KFAR, at least it's a forum where people can call in spontaneously and ask questions of politicians. Tammie has made herself available for that but Luke hasn't. Has he made himself available in that or any other forum to "listen"? NO.
Tammie is willing to take the heat. Luke isn't. He's not a good listener. And believe me, not all callers are on Tammie's side. Yet she is straightforward and direct with her answers. Maybe Luke should take lessons from her.
And as questions, even mine, long for answers, here goes.
Which side keeps repeating "Shes not smart enough"? You think it worked on Palin and now it is part of your playbook.
And why? Because it is all you got.
YES or NO, anyone, does Luke want to register heaters, wood or otherwise?
Suggest removal I hate to say this, but Tammie Wilson is simply not smart enough to be the borough's mayor. I'm going to be voting for Luke Hopkins. He's a moderate and he's well informed. The idea that he's a big government liberal is just crazy.
___________________
Yeah Luke couldn't graduate from UAF where grades are based on attendance. Yeah he's a sharp guy!
I used to get "he is not smart enough" Ref President Bush via the email.
One of my email buds slipped up and sent dozens of email address..
I clicked "reply to all" and told 'um, "I wish I had his IQ and his job". and inserted a copy of "How to send an email".
-------------
Also, some virus stole a local democrats email address book and sent me a copy!
A long with at least 30 copies of pop up porn pix!
From Saul Alinsky, the Democrat dirty tricks operative:
Rule 5: Ridicule is man’s most potent weapon. It’s hard to counterattack ridicule, and it infuriates the opposition, which then reacts to your advantage.
The anti-Tammie Democrats are trying to do their worst.
But it won't work.
Power_Of_The_O
“I hate to say this, but Tammie Wilson is simply not smart enough to be the borough's mayor. I'm going to be voting for Luke Hopkins. He's a moderate and he's well informed. The idea that he's a big government liberal is just crazy.”
First no you didn’t hate to say that, did someone, like Luke have a gun to your head? Are you insane and type things against your will? Uh no don’t think so. It’s just a prefix, to try to sound like your not insulting someone.
Saying someone isn’t smart enough, indicates you have intimate knowledge of her as a person. Just saying that, because she doesn’t vote the way you think she should, takes a fool. How long have you known her personally?
Also she (and Luke) are seeking a seat to be an elected representative, she could listen, and learn from the people. I guess you must have a low opinion of Luke too because it could be implied he wouldn’t.
Oops sorry Power_Of_The_O I thought you posted that, after rereading it I thinks you didn't. you were quoting, I think.
dianehutchison
"GET MY DRIFT?"
I get your drift.....Your husband and you are stumping for Luke without coming right out and endorsing him because you fear
ANOTHER LOSS!
I will be voting for Tammie Wilson AGAIN!
Maybe your statement should have been "Get My GRIFT"
@roadtrip: "YES or NO, anyone, does Luke want to register heaters, wood or otherwise?" No one is answering you because that's a question you should ask the candidate himself. Why can't you call Luke or send him an e-mail? His contact info is on his website: http://www.lukehopkinsformayor.com/invol....
dianehutchison, I read through this thread and suspect that this has been an eye-opening (if not jaw-dropping) experience for you. Welcome to the Daily News Miner Online Circus. It helps to have a thick skin and to remember that ad hominem arguments are a sign of weakness.
Even though we probably differ on many issues, I appreciate both the constructive content and civil tone of your posts on this thread.
YouneedmeTammie, aka Elephantsagainsttammie, aka doobieman, you need physiological help.
Now for dirtprof, you are correct, I should call and ask Luke himself. You see after all his advertising I nor anyone here knows the official answer to that question. So tell you what I am going to do. Since I know Tammie's position on this very basic issue I will just vote for her. There, that wasn't so hard, I didn't even have to make a call.
@roadtrip: "You see after all his advertising I nor anyone here knows the official answer to that question." I see--he's supposed to have read your mind to know that that is THE MOST important question facing the next mayor. And here Luke is focused on trivial stuff like a good economy, affordable energy, and all that sort of stuff that most of us know really matters to the future of this borough.
Luke stands zero chance of winning the votes of the right wing Palin/Wilson base, which seems to largely consist of the full time residents of this blog. But that's OK if he can win the votes of the political center. And that will hinge largely on whether they bother to vote at all.
Post a comment
Commenting requires registration.