Anchorage Assemblywoman Debbie Ossiander, who represents Chugiak and Eagle River, faces a challenge from two newcomers to the political arena as she seeks her third term on the city's legislative body.

First-time candidates Joelle Brown and Joshua Roberts filed to run for the seat, up for grabs in the April 6 municipal election.

"I think its good to have new faces eager to run for office," Ossiander said of her competition. "Its better for the people we want to represent to have a choice than have just one candidate."

Ossiander has represented the community on either the Anchorage School Board or the Assembly since 1992. If elected, this would be her final term on the Assembly.

That experience is why Ossiander believes she should be selected to represent the people out here once again.

"I'll be the first to say that I've been at this too long and that we need some new faces involved in government," Ossiander said. "But the Chugiak-Eagle River area needs someone with the knowledge of our various service areas, multiple fire departments and how we pay for street maintenance and parks to properly represent the people effectively."

Brown and Roberts believe their fresh approach is what makes them a better choice for the office.

"I'm unhappy with the current state of affairs with our government at the national, state and local levels," Roberts said. "We can't keep electing the same people to office and expect different results. It's time to inject some new people into the equation and get a different, better result."

"It's time for some new energy on the Assembly and in city government," said Brown, 23, and a recent graduate of the University of Alaska Anchorage. "It's not about age and bringing a younger look to the Assembly as much as it is about bringing a new perspective and a fresh look at how the city does business."

Brown, who majored in political science, plays roller derby, teaches civics to immigrants, helps with an adult literacy program and works as a barista, calls herself the modern Renaissance woman.

She was born at Providence hospital and attended Homestead Elementary School before moving to Arizona. She returned to Alaska when she enrolled at UAA and says that Eagle River has always been her home.

"I'm not the typical candidate," she said. "I'm part of the working poor. I don't own a home, I'm lucky enough to own a car and I'm on food stamps. I'm not a career politician, I'm just someone who wants to make a difference.

"I'm running for Assembly because I am passionate about this community, and I believe in its potential," she said.

Ossiander, the incumbent, moved to Birchwood in 1978 with her husband, Jay, and they raised three children in the home they built.

"I want to finish my work on Title 21, the re-write of land-use regulations," Ossiander said. "I've worked on this for several years and we're nearly complete. I am especially concerned with the local land use regulation issues and proposed separate chapter for Chugiak-Eagle River that is being drafted."

Brown, 28, is a captain in the Alaska Air National Guard assigned to the 210 Rescue Squadron as a search and rescue pilot. He moved to Alaska in 2000 when his farther was transferred to Eielson Air Force Base. After joining the Guard in 2006, he moved to Eagle River.

He decided to run for the Assembly at the prompting of friends.

"We were talking about how to get America back on track and determined that by changing things locally we could set an example for the rest of the state and the nation," Brown said.

The Municipal election April 6 will also decide four other Assembly seats.

Ernie Hall and Bill Sigler are running against incumbent Matt Claman for Seat D, which represents West Anchorage.

Former Anchorage Assemblyman Dick Traini is facing newcomers Andy Clary and Josh Whittaker for Seat F, currently held by Dan Coffey.

East Anchorage Assemblywoman Shelia Selkregg is not seeking re-election to Seat H, leaving Adam Trombley, Paul Honeman and Tom Purcell to battle for the open seat.

Incumbent Jennifer Johnston is facing a challenge for her Hillside, Seat J, from Keli Booher.

Reach the reporter at darrell.breese.@alaskastar.com.

This article published in The Alaska Star on Thursday, February 25, 2010.