Fire Island is looking good

What a welcome sight -- I am loving the new and improved view of Fire Island pictured in last Thursday's paper (Aug. 23). Warm fuzzies abound as I truly feel part of a state that is looking forward to the future and is committed to finding cleaner forms of energy. I definitely approve!

-- Dianne Viotto

Eagle River

If we take action now, we can prevent future climate chaos

Monday's ADN story on record sea ice melt is another warning that the climate is seriously out of whack. Climate disruptions of the magnitude that appear likely do not augur well for our future. Unfortunately, we haven't gotten the message.

This same article goes on to discuss the benefits of a disappearing ice cap, including easier access to oil. Missing is a recognition that overreliance on fossil fuels is the cause of the climate destabilization we are experiencing. If our first response to an ice-free Arctic Ocean is more drilling, we only facilitate continuation down the road toward climate chaos.

Fortunately, we can halt this downhill race. Economists agree that the best way to discourage bad behavior is to increase the cost. A revenue-neutral fee on carbon will reduce overuse of fossil fuel, encourage conservation and the development of alternative energy sources. It is time to recognize the true cost of overreliance on fossil fuels and move on to a sustainable path.

-- Jim Thrall

Anchorage

For second time in a row, voting in city is made difficult

It turned out to be yet another frustrating election day for Anchorage. After a 13-hour day at work, I raced to Abbott Loop Elementary School (where I voted in the debacle that was the last Anchorage election) to cast my vote before the polls closed. I was told that I was now supposed to vote at a church just north of Lore Road on Elmore for this election or I could vote a "questioned" ballot at the school. I made it to the church with a little time to spare and was, thankfully, able to vote.

This is the second consecutive botched election: Last time, I had to wait over two hours for a ballot; this time, I barely squeezed in because they changed my polling location. This is simply unacceptable and not tolerable for those of us who attempt to do our civic duty by voting. I wonder how many people didn't get to vote again because of this continued nonsense.

-- Brett Smith

Anchorage

Reporters got it wrong

The impression one would get from the ADN reporters regarding the coastal zone management vote is that we voters cannot think for ourselves and that if supporters had more money the vote would have passed.

Wrong. Most of us Alaskans obviously do not want more government.

Mr. Schwaiger's comment summed it up: "... And it seems like a good idea. ..."

A lot of things seem like a good idea at the time.

-- Jim Gallagher

Anchorage