Mark Begich in The Economist

On Principles & Values: Reputation as mayor for getting things done

Since being elected mayor of Anchorage in 2003, Mark Begich has acquired a reputation for getting things done. On his watch a shiny new convention centre has gone up. Roads are being repaired and heating elements laid under pavements to melt snow during the long Alaskan winter. Miraculously, much of this has been paid for by bonds, not federal earmarks.

On Aug. 26th Begich sailed through a primary election. Now all he has to do is defeat a man who will soon go on trial for failing to report gifts from oil companies and he will become Alaska's first Democratic senator for 28 years.

40% of all Alaskans live in Anchorage, so Begich has a strong base of support. He also has a good surname: his father, Nick Begich, was a popular congressman who disappeared in 1972 while flying in a small plane.

Best of all, Begich is a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association and supports drilling in the ANWR. Woe betide any Alaskan politician who stands in the way of guns and oil.

Source: 2008 Alaska Senate Debate reported in The Economist Sep 4, 2008

The above quotations are from Columns and news articles in The Economist magazine. Click here for other excerpts from Columns and news articles in The Economist magazine. Click here for other excerpts by Mark Begich. Click here for a profile of Mark Begich.
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