Add my name to the growing list of Alaskans opposed to the Department of Natural Resources quietly changing its mission statement without input from the residents of this state. Commissioner Dan Sullivan argues that there is no philosophical change intended with the new mission statement. Hogwash. If that were the case, then why was it done unilaterally rather than collaboratively with the people who own the natural resources? Why change the statement at all?
The rewritten mission constitutes a substantial shift as demonstrated by the removal of "conserve" and "enhance" from the statement while leaving only "develop." Removing the reference to "future Alaskans" seals the deal.
If you're going to do this, at least don't insult the intelligence of the residents of Alaska. We know we're being cut out of the process, we know who's being cut in, and we know you're cutting "future Alaskans," i.e., our children, out as well.
-- Sharon Stockard
Anchorage