David Wartinbee: Maintain peninsula’s special quality of life

  • By David Wartinbee
  • Tuesday, September 29, 2015 8:59pm
  • Opinion

When my wife and I first visited the Kenai Peninsula back in the ’70’s, we were struck by the natural beauty but most of all by the wonderful people we met. These residents were welcoming, energetic, industrious, and they enjoyed a quality of life that was to be envied. We knew back then that this would be our home.

Our love of this community grew as we spent 14 summers here and finally became permanent residents eighteen years ago. What are the things about this community that make it so attractive?

The schools on the Peninsula are high quality at all levels. I have seen the Elementary schools and they are second to none. The Secondary schools continually show their strength when we see where the graduates go and then their noteworthy achievements. As a college professor at KPC, I was thrilled to have so many successful high school students in my demanding classes. We have several vibrant and high quality College campuses on the Kenai Peninsula.

At KPC we are “growing our own” Nurses and Paramedics. I am proud to have been a part of developing these programs and I take pleasure in knowing how talented these professionals are. KPC is also providing the petroleum industry with highly skilled men and women for management and processing activities.

This community has valued health care and helped Central Peninsula Hospital provide ever-increasing services. There are also many other health care providers and clinics as well. This community is actually becoming a destination for health care services.

There is an efficient and modern solid waste facility with a number of products that can be recycled. Looking around the community, we have various housing and recreational options for Senior Citizens. As well, if you need to get somewhere and do not drive, there are multiple transportation opportunities.

The Kenai Peninsula is internationally renown for having breathtaking scenery and we live in the middle of it all. Adding to that beauty we have natural resources like oil, gas, and fisheries. It is no wonder that we choose to live here. We are seeing many folks choosing to retire on the Kenai Peninsula.

My wife and I have chosen to live here because of the natural beauty and the wonderful quality of live we enjoy. This is our home and we care deeply about this community.

I am a candidate for Borough Assembly with a goal of maintaining that special quality of life we have all come to enjoy. I am following in the footsteps of some previous leaders who shared my vision and created this special community. As this community grows and issues come before the Assembly, I will keep that vision as a guide. I will use common sense, logic, my scientific background, and my legal skills on decisions so this community continues to be where we all want to live and raise our families.

— David Wartinbee

More in Opinion

Quinhagak resident Sarah Brown holds a mask attachment she found on the beach on Oct. 24, 2025. This item might represent a hand or fin of an animal or spirit being. Photo courtesy Alice Bailey
Faces on a beach in Southwest Alaska

Walking a storm-scoured Alaska beach, archaeologist Rick Knecht knelt to pick up… Continue reading

Larry Persily. (Juneau Empire file photo)
Opinion: It’s my own fault, but that doesn’t make it easier

I use a tablet to read newspapers. It started maybe a decade… Continue reading

A voter fills out their ballot at the Kenai No. 2 Precinct in the Challenger Learning Center of Alaska in Kenai, Alaska, on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Opinion: Protecting the value of citizenship in Alaska’s elections

As Alaskans who care deeply about the future of our state and… Continue reading

Logo for the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development. Photo courtesy of the State of Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
Opinion: Nurse licensure compact can strengthen Alaska’s health care workforce

Alaskans value resilience. We know what it means to work together in… Continue reading

Larry Persily. (Juneau Empire file photo)
Opinion: Governor’s early Christmas spirit is misplaced

“I told the president, it’s like Christmas every morning,” Gov. Mike Dunleavy… Continue reading

“Hair ice” grows from the forest floor in Fairbanks, Alaska. Photo courtesy of Ned Rozell
‘Hair ice’ enlivens an extended fall in Interior Alaska

Just when you thought you’d seen everything in the boreal forest, a… Continue reading

Larry Persily. (Juneau Empire file photo)
Opinion: Crime deserves punishment, not well wishes

Years ago, while Juneau friends were house hunting in Washington state, they… Continue reading

A vintage Underwood typewriter sits on a table on Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022, at the Homer News in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)
Opinion: A place government doesn’t need to stick its nose

I’ve spent much of my career advocating on behalf of Alaska’s small… Continue reading

Dr. Edson Knapp is a radiologist from Homer.
Breast cancer screening: What Alaskan women need to know

Approximately 550 women were diagnosed with breast cancer this year in Alaska

Statement on Peninsula Clarion and Homer News

Carpenter Media Group is committed to strong local journalism

(Juneau Empire file photo)
Opinion: Scoring political points from murder is killing the country

Far too many are eager to turn murder into a motivating sound bite for their own purposes.

Items at a makeshift memorial for Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot last week, on the campus at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, Sept. 16, 2025. (Loren Elliott/The New York Times)
Opinion: Criticizing Kirk doesn’t mean you condone his murder

We will not be denied our First Amendment rights under the guise of false moral superiority.