Opinion: Alyse will unify Alaska

Russel Sampson - August 20, 2020

I was sitting in a small meeting in Palmer last summer when someone familiar entered the narrow doorway. I knew I had seen her before – she was much smaller in person than I imagined but had a large presence. The temperature was rising outside and church house was stuffy. We listened intently; there is no other way when Alyse Galvin speaks.

Alyse has a way of drawing people in. Not because she is a smooth talker, but because she is truly empathetic. She did not come in swinging or spewing the typical opposition attacks that I have heard before. What became clear after just a few short minutes is that Alyse cares deeply about all Alaskans. She shared insight about conversations she had with conservative voters in a way that was unifying. It was the first time I could relate to those I consider political rivals and really understand what motivates them. After a few years of tail spinning Facebook battles, I was left with a sense of hope and relief.

I am not writing to regurgitate Alyse’s policy positions, issue statements, or other information accessible through her campaign website. As a lifelong Alaskan, the majority of which has been spent in the Mat-Su, I am saying that I see something different in her. Something we need most during a time of extreme division and uncertainty.

It was unnecessary for Alyse to make the drive to Palmer that sunny Saturday morning, as our group was likely to cast our votes for her regardless. But she did – and she stood in a hot room donning a blazer to deliver a message centered on Alaskan values. We take care of our own… all of our own. We take time to listen and put aside preconceived notions before making moral judgments. That is the kind of candidate I’m getting behind on November 3rd.

Russel Sampson,

Wasilla

Source: Frontiersman