There has been a lot of talk in and around East Anchorage regarding the proposed Muldoon-area middle school. I have heard from both sides and believe the benefits far out weight the costs, and more importantly, it's about time.

While it's true the middle schools serving East Anchorage (Wendler and Clark) are both over capacity, and they serve an area with the highest housing densities in the city, the real issue addressed here is fairness and equity. I remember, after attending Muldoon Elementary from Kindergarten through 6th grade in which I walked to school, being bussed six miles to Clark (1979 and 1980). My neighbors' children are still bussed to Clark today, 24 years later.

While other parts of Anchorage enjoy the construction and/or renovation of their schools, particularly areas such as South Anchorage and Dimond, communities like East Anchorage and Girdwood are treated differently and are often forced to make due with less - often by adding portable classrooms or worse, increasing class size.

Some speculate that last year's April bond of $52 million for the Muldoon middle school failed because it was included as part of a $95.8 million bond package, but I contend many voters fear supporting projects that could reduce funding in their own community - so they reject large conglomerated proposals. And this apprehension is reasonable. There is a strong need for an overall fiscal plan and partnership between the State and Municipality of Anchorage.

But this partnership mentality must also extend to all residents of the Municipality. Fairness dictates that we provide centralized schools for our children, and build or renovate where necessary so there doesn't exist an imbalance in the classroom or learning environment, thereby creating different quality levels across the district.

We need to consider the quality of education we expect all of our children to receive, and the type of communities in which we hope to raise them. Let us not forget our military neighbors to the north who, with increasing numbers will have increased educational needs. We already provide a solid education at our six elementary schools and our high school - let's also show our support at the middle school level. Let's tell our troops fighting for our freedom, both domestically and abroad, their children, too deserve our best.

Muldoon is a thriving community working hard to change the derogatory public perception of being run down and dangerous. Much like other new and improved areas of town, residents of Muldoon take pride in their neighborhoods, parks and greenbelts. You can see new housing construction everywhere and beautification efforts, particularly on Muldoon Road, instill a renewed sense of pride. Community involvement is increasing and citizens are working together to move Northeast Anchorage forward.

I believe it is time we treat Muldoon equally and support projects such as the Middle School and the Creekside Town Center. These proposals will bring much needed traffic improvements to the dangerous intersection of DeBarr and Muldoon Roads, increase senior housing, include a public library, and civic center, and offer a safe, friendly environment to live, socialize, and interact.

Innovations like the town center model have thrived in Minneapolis, Portland and other growing cities. A middle school adjacent to the town center will further enhance Muldoon's "facelift," by affording school access to neighbors and non-profit charities like the Boys and Girls Club and Boys Scouts/Girl Scouts in East Anchorage. Property values will increase; businesses like Starbucks and Barnes & Noble may appear; higher-end restaurants will surface; and the land will not be used for more site condo type projects.

The middle school project is about money, sure, but it's also about the future. How are we educating Alaska's children and what type of communities do we want for our city? These are the issues underlying the middle school project. We should focus on the quality of life Anchorage can provide to all of its communities, not just a select few. The municipality is large and our needs are without end, but as partners, we can achieve great things.

It's all about partnership, equity, and most importantly - our children.

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Rep. Tom Anderson (R-Anchorage) is a lifelong resident of District 19. He Chairs the House Labor & Commerce Committee, Vice-chairs the House Judiciary Committee, and sits on the Finance Subcommittees on Public Safety and Corrections.