Anchorage's three leading mayoral candidates have spoken out on the Coastal Trail, and their stands say a lot about the kind of leadership they offer:
• Mayor Wuerch says he'd put the city's limited resources into other trail systems around town. If we want a coastal trail, the state should pay for it. And he asked Gov. Murkowski last week to stop working on the route until a financing plan is in place.
• Former Mayor Rick Mystrom opposes the Coastal Trail, favoring an inland neighborhood trail instead.
• Challenger Mark Begich hasn't given up on completing a south coastal route. He thinks he can work out a compromise.
All three views of the trail are in character. To Mayor Wuerch, the Coastal Trail is a frill that's not worth the cost or controversy. Would he like to have it? Sure, if the state pays. Would he help pay for it? Nope. He can't see how even a spectacular trail is a sound investment in community health and quality of life. Vision is not his strong suit. He's more of a manager than a leader.
Mr. Mystrom takes a more politically expedient approach. He stays on the good side of influential opponents of the Coastal Trail, while talking a good line about neighborhood trails to let trail supporters know he's interested. But a mayor's opposition to the Coastal Trail effectively would kill it &emdash; and surely Mr. Mystrom knows that. An inland trail is a poor second best.
For Mr. Begich, the Coastal Trail is an issue where legitimate interests conflict and strong leadership is required. He is a problem solver who believes in political skills and compromise to quell the conflict and leave the community better off. His pitch is: As mayor, I could make a deal that works.
Anchorage would be better off with a coastal trail that runs from downtown through Kincaid Park, along the south coast, and eventually to Potter Marsh. People who live in the south part of town would discover firsthand what fans of the current Coastal Trail have long known: Anchorage is a city on the water, and the experience along our shores is stunning.
The south extension would become a mecca for walkers, strollers, bikers, skaters, skiers, wildlife watchers or people seeking a taste of the wilderness that lies beyond the city's edge. A jaunt on the new stretch of trail would become one of the best outdoor experiences possible in these parts without leaving city limits.
Right now, Anchorage has half a coastal trail, along the north shore of the city. It is one of the things about Anchorage that does justice to our spectacular natural setting. Completing the trail along the southern shoreline would give Anchorage a richer civic identity. It would say to everyone that we are a community that provides unparalleled recreation, promotes healthy lifestyles and cherishes our connection to the wonders of Alaska's wilds.
Trail extension advocates have listened to legitimate criticism of the proposed route and offered ideas to cut the cost and reduce the impact on property owners. Their suggestions get to the heart of the matter &emdash; how to do a coastal trail with the least disruption to people and wildlife, and do it at reasonable cost.
The citizen support is there to make it happen. So is the money, thanks to Alaska's generous federal transportation funding. What's most lacking is political leadership with the commitment and skill to overcome strong but short-sighted opposition.