AN OPEN LETTER TO CANDIDATE MYSTROM,
HIS SUPPORTERS, MAYOR WUERCH,
HIS SUPPORTERS,
AND OTHER POLICITICAL INFLUENCES

Paul Bauer Jr.
Anchorage, AK
Feb. 23, 2003

Dear Mr. (Mayor) Mystrom,

My thoughts are for this city, and no doubt, for the right political influences needed to move the city forward into this new century. There are many issues that need to be addressed with new responsible development, new businesses with high paying jobs, dealing with obstructionist attitudes, and social issues without major increases in taxes. My most pressing thought and fear is that Mark Begich becomes mayor of this city.

I have the utmost admiration for you in your past terms of office and still as the former mayor of this city. Many members of my family and I will support you in the future. However, I am afraid that this "two-way conservative race" will do nothing but to make Mark Begich the mayor of this city. Mark Begich cannot and will not be good for this city in terms of advancing his democratic agenda under a "nonpartisanship" umbrella, and substantial increases in taxes that will follow with a Begich administration. If that result happens, you will look very unfavorable for any future with this city or even this state. You will surly look like a disruptor and one that is running for his own vanity.

I am already dissatisfied with some mudslinging. One of your supporters, former Assemblywomen Clemenston, stated on talk radio the increase in tax differences from your administration to Wurech's. The innuendo from her was clear, that you were the better man, adding to the division between conservatives in this city. In fact and in all fairness, Clemenston negated the fact that there were two different Assembly make-ups in office under each administration. I would argue that the present Assembly power is the root causes for the increases in taxes. This example of a divisive conservative battle is what will make you look indifferent to the politically informed public.

To keep a conservative administration in this city and bring a more vibrant developing city for the future, we should start with non-confrontational elections between conservatives. Differences between conservatives should be demonstrated in primary type elections. Since our local elections do not have "eliminator" rounds for our candidates, and to avoid any mudslinging between two highly visible conservatives, I ask you to please pull yourself out of the race for mayor of this city in the 2003 elections.

It would be very honorable and face saving to withdraw before we get any closer to the election. It will provide you with a media event that will be remembered for your loyalty and intelligence. Rebuild your rapport. Make diligent calculated plans for your return as Mayor after Wuerch is termed out.

I feel the decision to run was made haphazardly and without serious thought after you were not selected as U.S. Senator. I personally was in favor of you to be our next U.S. Senator. You saw an opportunity to run on your best vision for this city based on a perception that Wuerch was not doing well. This perception was undoubtedly enhanced with Begich's free airtime on public radio for the past year, and the persistent attacks from the lopsided Assembly. Wuerch has not done so bad, deserves total support from the conservative ranks, and will do better with additional time. Your return in the next mayoral race, after you renew your support for Wurech and his supporters, will secure you as mayor in the next election.

This long-term election strategy is also important to ensure Begich never attempts to run for Mayor again, this will in effect maintain the conservative head of the city for some years. The conservatives must decrease Begich's appetite to rule this city, especially with the present make-up of this Assembly. The only way to this is to have this election as a head-head campaign between Wuerch and Begich only, in which Wuerch clearly and decisively beats Begich.

I commit myself to write this letter, fully aware of the possibilities that I may never have your support again for my own political future I seek as an Assemblyman for my district. I hope that will not be the case. But I truly believe, and if I were your political consultant, I would seriously consider this strategy, especially with the media event that will ensue. Move away from this election for all the reasons I fore mentioned, and win the next mayoral race.

I trust you will make the right decision. Good luck.