Farmer Battles Long-time Wasilla Politician

Election takes place Tuesday, August 28

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By Bill McAllister
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Story Created: Aug 27, 2012 at 7:00 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Aug 27, 2012 at 7:04 PM AKDT

WASILLA - Lynn Gattis, owner of Gattis Farms, a haymaking operation at Point Mackenzie, said her private sector instincts would serve her well at the state Capitol.

"We need to recognize and understand the entrepreneurial spirit that I definitely exemplify and will bring to Juneau."

As a state representative, the current school board member said she would fight burdensome taxes, fees and regulations.

"There are rules that say you can't take dirt or gravel off of this farm and fill a pothole on that farm. It makes no sense."

Her opponent in Tuesday's Republican primary, former local elected official Mark Ewing, questions whether her large acreage at Point Mackenzie would pose numerous conflicts on issues she would face in the legislature as development in that area continues.

"She's a nice gal. I've got nothing bad to say about her."

Meanwhile, Ewing is touting his campaign as one of big ideas.

He wants to use the Permanent Fund to leverage financing for a natural gas pipeline to be owned by Alaska residents, who would buy shares in the project.

"The oil companies have invested $70 billion here, and for us to just say, hey, we need you to build us a gasline, I think we need to have a little skin in the game."

Ewing has been taking heat on numerous websites, including The Huffington Post, for a remark about whether severely handicapped children should be in public schools, saying '”We are spending millions and millions of dollars educating children that have a hard time making their wheelchair move.”

Gattis said: "I truly believe that we do need to educate all of our citizens. We're very different in that regards."

Ewing said he regrets his choice of words, but not his belief.

"There could be other programs other than trying to integrate them into the public school system that would be beneficial for them."

Republicans in House District 9 make their choice tomorrow.

The winner faces Democrat Blake Merrifield of Wasilla in the November election.
 

For Mark Ewing's full interview, click here.

For Lynn Gattis's full interview, click here.

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Anonymous said on Tuesday, Aug 28 at 3:19 PM

After Roger Purcell helped the Palins burn down the wrong address with MEA - then all scatter to the wind but the dumbaxx holding the bag...Purcell... Hey lets have you served by the federal courts while out campaigning with Don Young...it's coming out!

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akrock said on Tuesday, Aug 28 at 8:17 AM

'”We are spending millions and millions of dollars educating children that have a hard time making their wheelchair move.” I totally agree with this statement. Our schools were the best in the world until our society decided that all people learn at the same rate and have a right to be in public school. Problem with this is the classes are taught at the lowest level in order not to leave any child behind. Who suffers, the tax payer, the public and those students with potential.

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Martin Tisdale said on Tuesday, Aug 28 at 12:34 AM

Robocalling me instead of having actual people call. NO. Messing with the PF. NO. Not backing quality public education for all children in the state. NO. Ask if you can get less pay for getting less done. YES. lol

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Wes said on Monday, Aug 27 at 7:44 PM

Whoa, doggie! Ewing thinks we should have more skin in the game? The oil companies get 87.5% of the resource already...and we own the resource. It would be good business for us to nationalize the oil and gas industry and keep 100% of the profits: It's a given that won't happen, so I say to this candidate "Go jump in the lake."

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GMB said on Monday, Aug 27 at 7:32 PM

Totally agree with Ewing

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