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Residents urge changes on property tax, food security and libraries during Mat-Su assembly public comment
Summary
Public commenters at the March 4 meeting raised concerns about property taxes and farmland, proposed aquaponics and greenhouse ideas, asked for protections for libraries and raised local road and mushing issues; a Mat-Su Health Foundation representative described scholarship and workforce funding.
Members of the public used the March 4 assembly public-comment periods to raise a range of local concerns, from property taxes and farmland uses to libraries, roads and community workforce scholarships.
Sam Tinksley told the assembly he opposes property taxes on land owners, arguing owners should not face continuing payments on property after purchase and saying rising property taxes pressure farms and can reduce farm acreage. "When you buy something... I just believe it should belong to you indefinitely," Tinksley said, noting that much local property-tax revenue supports education.
Travis, a Palmer resident, urged the borough to explore alternative food-production approaches, including aquaponics and greenhouse systems, and suggested leveraging land such as the Palmer Hay Flats and portions of the Ambla Road project area for increased farming and food security.
Jackie Goforth, who said she had applied to the borough library board, expressed concerns about perceived ideological influence in libraries and raised specific allegations about a private contractor she identified as the "Rose Group" being paid to assist libraries with controversial materials. Goforth said she would like the library board to consider changing policies she described as retraumatizing for librarians during book challenges. She framed her remarks in broader cultural terms and urged the borough to preserve libraries.
Douglas Bartkow of Lazy Mountain asked the assembly to address maintenance on Lazy Mountain Road, which he said was once maintained by the state and has since lapsed in regular upkeep, leaving residents and deliveries at risk. Bartkow also raised mushing-related issues, including coordination for rabies clinics and possible assistance with kennel-licensing paperwork for mushers during events.
David Wilson, identifying himself as director of public policy for the Mat-Su Health Foundation, outlined the foundation's scholarship and workforce programs for health careers. He said the foundation funded about $3 million last year and expects to provide about $4 million this year for scholarships and vocational opportunities in health and human services fields, and noted an application deadline for scholarships of March 15.
Keith Dobson of Big Lake reported on a private company, Greenspark, that is pitching "micro" AI data centers that use excess utility power; he suggested the company consider pairing data-center heat exhaust with greenhouses to support local food production.
The assembly did not take action on individual public comments during the meeting; speakers were given time to present concerns and several assembly members indicated follow-up or appreciation for the input.
