William Tull email: None
Palmer, AK
State why you wish to serve on the Board of Directors.
My family and I have watched the Fair grow during the past 40 years from one of an agricultural nature to the present. We initiated the petting zoo at the Fair and garnered many blue and purple ribbons in the livestock and vegetables categories. It is with this background that I seek membership on the Fair Board to promote increased Fair participation in Valley youth interests. The Fair can be more dynamic than it is today. Horse Racing at the Fair is still a viable option and a program that will make use of the Fairgrounds and, if properly promoted, weekend four-month use of the Fair facilities.
Summarize employment experience; include work with budgets and supervisory duties.
Owned and managed an 8 person law firm, the oldest in the Valley; owned a lodge/restaurant employing some 40 people and a fine dining restaurant; attorney for the Mat-Su Borough, the Mat-Su Borough School District and various Alaska cities and as Director of Mat-Su College.
List any volunteer activities, including board experience.
Vice-president Valley Hospital Board; member Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, Mat-Su Borough Board of Equalization, Port Authority, Board of Adjustment and Appeals, President Palmer Chamber of Commerce and Board Wasilla Chamber of Commerce.
How long have you been an Alaska State Fair member.
My family and I have been associated with the Fair for over 40 years and have always been supportive of its success. I have been a Life member since October 2006.
How have you participated in the Fair in the past?
Instigated the petting zoo. Provided livestock and time; led bands for years in Sluice Box and Blue Bonnet Stage (backed The Temptations); exhibitor of livestock, vegetables and flowers.
Summarize what you value most about the Fair. State your specific areas of interest.
The agricultural and livestock exhibitions and their competitions (The biggest cabbage competition has made the Valley and the Fair famous internationally) youth participation by the 4-H and other Clubs and FFA encouraging their importance to the Valley – and to the roots of the Fair.
What is your vision for the Fair, and do you have specific goals?
We have a terrific opportunity to reestablish the Fair as a place of more creativity, adding these people events are sure to score with all fairgoers and participants:
Adults and children greased pig contest (a crowd pleaser!)
Adults and children talent show contest (There’s a lot of talent in the Valley)
Adults and children foot (and horse) races
Dancing with the Valley stars (they’re here!)
Valley “American Idol” competition (a sure winner)
Valley “Jeopardy” (only Valley questions)
Homesteader maiden contest (chopping wood, carrying water, etc…)
Miss Matanuska Maid contest (bring it back)