by Peter Twitchell
I have a tidbit, a small morsel that I’m thinking about and would like to share with you. Siberian rivers in Russian flow north, Alaska’s rivers flow west and south.
Today, I’ve been absent from my hometown of Bethel, Alaska for eight years and 56 days. I’m trying hard to make a point here. Let’s take a city like Bethel, Alaska, circa October 1977. I was elected by the people of Orutsararmiut to serve as their city councilman.
I learned very quickly a councilman or woman is elected to serve the people of his/her community. I worked with other Bethel City Council members, talked to and surveyed our citizens as to what their needs were, and we did our best to be their voice for better direction to take on their behalf. I believe we are all challenged to direct various City Departments to orchestrate positive relations with its citizens. Every community tries to resolve and meet its challenges.
We face and have struggled with the homelessness of people here and there. I understand big cities like New York are faced with migrants over flowing and sleeping on their sidewalks. The millions of people who already live there can’t keep up with litter and garbage collecting as well.
The Mat-Su and every city in our Great State faces it’s challenges! Do you think really finding another planet is the answer to our overpopulation problem? I believe not.
I often wonder what kind of a world we are leaving our children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. There are no easy answers and I’m very happy to see Anchorage having forums, and elected officials try to alleviate and deal with needs.
I’m thankful for people who donate and make possible school supplies for our children, and warm clothing and boots for the cold winter months. I think at one time or another we all make an effort to do our part because sometimes that’s all we can do.
I’m grateful that we live in a free country, the Great United States of America. People who give of themselves make it all possible and that’s our citizens. The beautiful people with good hearts good minds who are motivated to make us a better nation. And thank you, Almighty Creator God, Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ of Nazareth whose blessings we enjoy all the days of our lives.
