As a dedicated and concerned taxpayer living in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, I am regularly witnessing the squandering of our hard-earned money. The claim that the Matanuska-Susitna Borough has insufficient funds to provide essential services, rings hollow as we see millions spent on nonessentials. We, the residents, bear the brunt of inefficient, unenforced maintenance contracts. In severe weather conditions, the plight worsens as we are left to remove ice berms from our driveways or negotiate unsanded icy roads - a perilous exercise that no resident should be subjected to.

The road maintenance contracts provide standards for which the Borough has repeatedly failed to enforce. Our tax money is poured down the drain when the Borough refuses to hold contractors accountable. The state of our roads, lack of maintenance, and accountability for the contractors has been absolutely unacceptable. It's time for action and change.

The introduction of performance bonds in road maintenance contracts can alleviate these issues significantly. Performance bonds safeguard the interest of the taxpayers, ensuring the contracted company performs up to the stipulated standards. If these standards are not met, we, the taxpayers, don't bear the financial consequences.

According to The International Risk Management Institute (IRMI), implementing performance bonds can drastically reduce the risk of financial losses on public projects and ensure better work efficiency. If the Borough adopts this approach, we could witness improved road conditions while ensuring our money is spent judiciously.

Our plea is clear: We call on our local government to require the use of performance bonds in road maintenance contracts. This change may bring cost-effective maintenance, improved road conditions, and in turn, increase the safety of our community. It is time to prioritize the taxpayers' needs and our community's safety. Sign this petition to demand the required change.