Assembly passes nonvoting seat for Mat Su Borough on Port Commission

A significant decision emerged from the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly meeting on April 1, 2025, as members voted to reinstate a nonvoting assembly member position on the Port Commission. This move aims to enhance communication and support for Port McKenzie, a key asset for the borough's future.

Assemblymember Jeff Gamble, who sponsored the ordinance, emphasized the importance of having an official assembly presence on the commission. "It shows that we're supportive of everything that the port wants to do in the future," he stated. Although the position will not carry voting rights, Gamble believes it will add legitimacy to the commission's operations.

The discussion surrounding the ordinance revealed a divide among assembly members. Some, like Assemblymember McKee, expressed skepticism, arguing that the existing communication channels are sufficient and that adding a nonvoting member could complicate matters unnecessarily. "I think we don't need to do it," McKee asserted, highlighting the effectiveness of direct communication with the port's leadership.

Despite the concerns, the assembly ultimately passed the ordinance with a vote of 5-2, with McKee and Assemblymember Fonoff opposing. The decision reflects a broader commitment to fostering collaboration between the assembly and the port, as members acknowledged the potential benefits of having an assembly representative involved in discussions.

In addition to the port commission discussion, the assembly also addressed the Kinnick Road Service Area's governance structure, opting to reduce its board from five to three members. This change aims to facilitate quorum requirements and encourage community participation, as previous attempts to fill the additional seats had failed.

As the assembly continues to navigate these governance changes, the reinstatement of the nonvoting assembly member position on the Port Commission stands out as a pivotal step in strengthening the borough's strategic initiatives and community engagement.