Alaska News

Letters to the editor (1/15/10)

Many made ski races superb

This past week I had the good fortune to compete in the 2010 U.S. National/Olympic Trial Nordic ski races at Kincaid Park. The week of racing went off flawlessly and Anchorage redeemed itself after cold temperatures forced race cancellations at last year's event.

I would like to thank the race organizers who put in countless hours of work over the past few years, the 250-plus volunteers who woke up early to stand out in the cold, a record number of jubilant spectators at each race, and the Alaska media for making Alaska athletes feel loved and supported. Last but not least, I extend gratitude to the Nordic Ski Association of Anchorage and title sponsor Conoco Phillips, which worked together to make the event possible.

Cheers to a successful week of nordic racing!

-- Holly Brooks

Alaska Pacific University

Anchorage

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Health rules need to be fair

I am responding to recent letters and articles regarding an amendment in the health reform bill impacting construction contractors in Alaska and across the country. I support language in the original Senate bill to exempt businesses with fewer than 50 workers from having to provide insurance.

That protection, along with increased competition in the insurance marketplace and tax credits for businesses that do provide coverage, will help small companies thrive and prosper. However, the amendment in question was inserted to severely limit this exemption for the construction industry. It says only construction companies with five or fewer employees are exempt from insurance mandates.

I understand the goal of making sure businesses providing benefits to their workers can compete for low-bid contracts on an even playing field with companies that do not. However, as I noted in a recent letter to Senate leaders, the amendment goes too far and can hurt homebuilders and other small businesses. I am working with other senators to remove the amendment.

The 50-employee exemption should apply to all businesses.

-- U.S. Sen. Mark Begich

Anchorage

Division taking the right steps

I was sad to read your headline regarding the high rate of sexual abuse reported by youths receiving treatment at McLaughlin Youth Center. I have worked for and with the Division of Juvenile Justice with pride for close to two decades. I will not question or justify the results of the survey. I do wonder how much of this abuse is due to careless and ignorant remarks made by staff with no real intent to harm?

It would have been interesting to get a clearer picture of what sort of questions were posed. Any headline with sex in it is always more salacious when left vague.

I am proud to have served with the staff at McLaughlin; the majority of them are, and have always been, dedicated, compassionate professionals. I commend DJJ for having the courage to look at this and continue to shine a light on the behavior of their staff. We are responsible for our behavior. We hold our youths accountable; now perhaps it is our turn.

-- Bernie Person

Eagle River

Governor correct on violence

Thank you to Gov. Parnell for his insightful Compass of Jan. 9 regarding an attitude change for domestic violence and sexual assault. A young adult who is very important to me was assaulted several years ago. I have seen firsthand the impact that this incident has had and continues to have on his life. And, sadly, he did not tell anyone or seek help dealing with the trauma and violation that he felt. Rather, he acted out in other self-destructive ways because his sense of value and self-worth had been taken away from him at an age when no one should have to deal with such a horror.

I urge the Legislature to follow the lead of our governor in making it a priority to combat these issues in the coming session. No petty politics, no party lines, no "my way is best." Put the tools and the finances in place that should have been there several years ago!

-- Connie Ernst

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Anchorage

What is health bill hiding?

Sen. Begich, thank you for voting for the health care bill and doing your best to bankrupt America. With your vote, you are costing America trillions of dollars just so you can stay in good with Harry Reid. If you vote for the final version, I will do everything I can that is legally possible to make sure you are voted out of office. Why are the negotiations on this bill kept behind closed doors? What are they hiding, if this bill is so fabulous?

-- Paul Rasmussen

Anchorage

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