Why Mat-Su’s Future Depends on November 4th
The Ballot Box or the Back Room
Why Mat-Su’s Future Depends on November 4th
⚠️ SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT
There IS a Conservative Running in Mat-Su Borough Assembly District 2
Some are spreading misinformation that District 2 has “no conservative option.” That’s FALSE. I’m Dana Raffaniello, and I’m a constitutional conservative running to restore accountability and honor voter intent in Mat-Su Borough Assembly District 2.
The Numbers That Should Alarm Every Voter
When fewer than 11% of voters show up to decide our community’s future, we don’t have representative government. We have selection by default—where the most organized factions win, not because they represent the majority, but because the majority stayed home.
“Palmer just flipped. Wasilla barely showed up. District 2 is next. Will you let 10% of voters decide your community’s future?”
A Tale of Two Elections: Iraq vs. Mat-Su
| Location | Conditions | Turnout |
|---|---|---|
| Iraq 2005 | Active insurgency, car bombs, credible death threats | 70% |
| Mat-Su 2024 | Safe polling places, early voting, mail ballots | 11% |
In war-torn Iraq, 70% of voters risked their lives to cast ballots. In Mat-Su, we can’t even get 11% to show up when our future is on the line. This stops now.
The “Non-Partisan” Incumbent Who Isn’t
📋 The Facts
My opponent claims to be “non-partisan.” But the Mat-Su Democratic Party tells a different story—they give her their full endorsement and backing.
See for yourself: https://www.matsudems.org/general-8
I don’t fault anyone for having party support. What I fault is the disconnect between what voters are being told and what the evidence shows. Mat-Su voters deserve honesty.
The Term Limit Loophole
What happened:
- 2022: Mat-Su voters overwhelmingly approved term limits—two consecutive terms for Assembly members
- 2024: Borough Assembly passed an ordinance creating a one-year “bridge term” that doesn’t count toward limits
- Result: Some incumbents can now serve a third term despite voter mandate
Two Districts, Two Very Different Responses
| District | Incumbent | Response to Term Limits |
|---|---|---|
| District 1 | Tim Hale | ✓ Stepping down after two terms—honoring voter mandate |
| District 2 | Current Incumbent | ✗ Running for third term using loophole—disregarding voter intent |
“Voters said two terms. Not ‘two terms plus a bridge year that doesn’t count.’ District 2 deserves fresh leadership—not a technical workaround.”
The E-Rate Scandal: A Pattern of Priorities
When concerned citizens uncovered misuse of federal E-Rate funds (taxpayer dollars meant for school and library internet), what happened?
- ✗ My opponent defended the contractor who misused funds
- ✗ Citizens who exposed the problem were accused of spreading misinformation
- ✗ Only after sustained pressure did the Borough Manager cancel the contract, confirming the misuse
Citizens did the right thing—and were attacked for it. That’s not leadership. That’s circling the wagons.
The Pattern Is Clear
- ✗ Disregard voter-approved term limits
- ✗ Defend improper spending over community concerns
- ✗ Protect outside consultants over local accountability
- ✗ Silence citizens who ask questions
- ✗ Accept partisan backing while claiming to be non-partisan
Why Local Elections Matter More Than You Think
Your borough assembly controls:
💰 Property Taxes
Assessments that directly affect your wallet
🏘️ Zoning & Land Use
What gets built in your neighborhood
🚓 Public Safety
Police, fire, and emergency services funding
🛣️ Infrastructure
Roads, bridges, water, and sewer systems
📚 Education Funding
Local contributions to schools
⚖️ Regulations
Business permitting and code enforcement
These aren’t abstract concepts. These decisions shape your daily life—and they’re currently being made by the 10% who show up.
What I Stand For
✓ Honor Term Limits
No loopholes, no workarounds, no excuses
✓ Protect Taxpayer Dollars
Stand with citizens who expose waste
✓ Prioritize Transparency
No hidden agendas or backroom deals
✓ Put Mat-Su First
Community values over partisan politics
✓ Listen to Voters
Re-engage the 90% who stayed home
✓ Constitutional Conservative
Principles matter more than party labels
November 4th: Your Voice or Someone Else’s
Palmer flipped because voters stayed home. Wasilla’s council changed by 151 votes. District 2 is next.
1. Vote
Early voting is open now. Election Day is November 4th. Mail ballots available.
2. Bring a Neighbor
Text three friends. Knock on five doors. Voter turnout is contagious.
3. Share the Facts
Counter misinformation. Share this page. Let people see the evidence.
4. Hold Leaders Accountable
Demand honesty, transparency, and respect for voter intent.
“In Iraq, people risked death to vote. In Mat-Su, all we’re asking is that you risk 20 minutes.”
Learn More
📰 Alaska Watchman Coverage:
https://alaskawatchman.com/2025/09/30/constitutional-conservative-aims-to-unseat-democrat-backed-incumbent-on-mat-su-assembly/
🔗 Mat-Su Democrats Endorsement of My Opponent:
https://www.matsudems.org/general-8
“We respect the law—but we also respect the voters. District 2 deserves fresh leadership that honors the will of the people, not technical workarounds that undermine it.”
— Dana Raffaniello, Candidate for Mat-Su Borough Assembly District 2