Contributed by Richard W. Best
The most simple and direct answer I can give you is it’s all about pride. During this summer, an article was written about a player on the Mat-Su Miners Baseball team, and how and why he stood for the National Anthem; I am so very proud of that young man and that team. Then just a few weeks later during the playoffs, a young woman was singing a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem and at about “...Gave proof through the night…” the microphone stopped working… without hesitation the entire crowd began to sing all together… “that our flag was still there… Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave… O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?” The crowd cheered and as everyone was looking around smiling, there were simple acknowledgements to complete strangers, head nods to each other, thumbs up and pats on the back. These represent pride in our community and the country that I love.
I also have pride in my many years of service on the Palmer Planning and Zoning Commission, getting to know and understand the rules that govern how and where certain businesses may build and operate within our community. Understanding what a home rule municipality is and why the city chose this form of government before I ever chose to run for city council.
As councilman and deputy mayor, I have championed for frugal budgets and not living outside of our means. Supporting or creating such activities or boards that empower citizen participation like the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resource Advisory Board and the Board of Economic Development. I have supported neighborhood watch programs, that better empower our citizens and brought to the council the council community grant process, to help facilitate programs, services, projects, and events that we all love in Palmer. Each one of these boards or groups take community members, and I couldn’t be more proud of their committed service to our community.
So yes, it’s all about pride…
Palmer Pride!
Please vote for Richard W. Best!
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