Binkley is Alaskan first

I was glad to see that John Binkley is returning to Alaska politics now that his children are grown and they and their families continue to live in Alaska.

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I have known John since he was a high school student. I have followed his career as he went from "motorcycle nut," (riding his motorbike from Prudhoe Bay to the tip of South America) to successful businessman, owner of a shipping company on the Kuskokwim River and chairman of the board of directors of the Alaska Railroad. John doesn't have any experience in the Washington, D.C. "beltway." His "beltway" is Alaska, from Barrow to Ketchikan. He has lived in Fairbanks, Bethel and Juneau. He is a third-generation Alaskan, and this is his home, and his children's home.

Throughout his life, John has been honest, open and fair, extremely intelligent or "bright." To use a modern expression, his activities are "transparent." When he was a member of the Alaska State Senate, and on the finance committee, he was consistently fair and voted for what would benefit all Alaskans, not just his constituents. Then he dropped out of Alaskan politics to spend more time with family and children as his kids grew up.

There is no doubt in my mind that John will do what a governor can, for future generations - Native, non-Native, rich, poor, union, nonunion, miners, fishermen, loggers, tourist businessmen and all of us who make up this wonderful state of Alaska. I'm sure that John will look after us old-timers who are retired and living on a limited income. That's his way. I don't know if will use the jet our present governor purchased, because he has his own little plane and is an experienced pilot and not pretentious.

Knowing John Binkley for almost 40 years, I know that he doesn't just "listen" to others, he tries to understand their concerns, their problems, their hopes and dreams. Yet he is very realistic and down-to-earth and does what he can.

I am a registered "undeclared" voter, which means I vote for what I consider to be the best, most qualified, candidate on the ballot.

In my 42 years in Alaska, I have known two really great governors, Bill Egan and Jay Hammond. I am convinced that if we all pull together and support John Binkley as governor, he will be our third "great governor."

Wally Olson

Auke Bay