Assembly delays vote on controversial road contract proposal

The Mat-Su Borough Assembly voted last week to delay consideration of a controversial proposal dealing with road contracts in Big Lake.

The resolution was introduced by Assembly Member Mokie (MOH-kee) Tew. If adopted, it would establish a pilot program for the Big Lake Road Service Area, or RSA, that changes the road service area’s contracts from a cost-per-mile to a time and materials basis.  Tew’s assembly district includes the Big Lake RSA.

The resolution was originally submitted as part of the assembly’s consent agenda, which frequently contains items for which there does not need to be discussion.  Ahead of last Tuesday’s meeting, however, a petition began circulating that now has more than 400 signatures opposing the change.  In addition, public testimony at the most recent assembly meeting was strongly against the proposal. Those speaking included current and former road service area board members and former assembly member Dan Mayfield, who used to represent Big Lake.

Those testifying say that the pilot program would lead to increased contract costs for borough roads.  Road service area board members, including from the Big Lake service area, are opposed to the change.

After lengthy public testimony over the resolution, the assembly voted to delay a vote until its next meeting on February 15^th.