Voter registration deadline is Sunday
The deadline to register or update your voter registration for the 2014 Primary election is Sunday. Registration forms are available at any Division of Elections office, municipal offices, tribal offices, or online at www.elections.alaska.gov.
Free public debates on ballot items
Confused about how to vote on the referendum on the oil tax? Wondering about the initiatives?
Alaska Common Ground is sponsoring four forums to address the ballot propositions voters will see this year. The events will be held at 7 p.m. consecutive Wednesday evenings this summer in the Wilda Marston Theater at the Loussac Library:
July 23: Oil Tax Referendum (Senate Bill 21 Repeal)
July 30: Initiative to Increase Alaska's Minimum Wage
Aug. 6: Initiative to Tax and Regulate the Production, Sale, and Use of Marijuana
Aug. 13: "Bristol Bay Forever" Initiative
Each of the events is free and open to the public, and are co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Anchorage, the League of Women Voters of Alaska, the Anchorage Public Library, and Alaska Integrated Media.
Each forum will feature at least one expert advocating a "yes" vote and at least one expert urging a "no" vote on each ballot issue. These events will also provide an opportunity for the public to have questions answered.
Come out and learn more before you vote.
Consumers shouldn't pay for Enstar management's mistake
I have to agree with Donna Adams in her criticism of Enstar's proposed rate hike to pay for their error in ordering too much natural gas during our warm spring months (Letters, July 11). Don't they store this gas in reserve to cover a surge in usage when the weather turns cold? Why are they burdening the consumer with their bad judgment?
I too am on a fixed income and as Ms. Adams points out, look who is getting stuck for the mad management practices of Enstar.
Dingman missed the mark on Mallot campaign
I appreciate Mike Dingman acknowledging me as a "great Alaskan" in his commentary (Daily News, July 9). But he's wrong that I should be "revered." I should be elected.
I would not be running for governor if I did not believe that I am the most qualified person to lead Alaskans as we face tough challenges; challenges that have been exacerbated by our current governor. Most pressing is deficit spending that will deplete our savings in five years and energy costs that are eating up Alaskans' disposable income.
Dingman goes so far as to call me "irrelevant." Tell that to the thousands of Alaskans who have seen me work on the frontlines for 50 years to make Alaska a better place. Tell that to the thousands who have joined our campaign. Tell that to the companies, nonprofits, and governors who have asked me to serve on a board or task force or to run a business or state department, whether it be the Permanent Fund, Sealaska, Alaska Airlines, the Federal Reserve or the first Alaska Department of Community and Regional Affairs.
No, I might not "light the stage on fire." My approach is rooted in an upbringing and culture of respect and listening, not self-promotion. I don't apologize for those attributes. What's required of an effective governor is not a blazing presence, but a burning desire to make Alaska a better place. No one who knows me doubts my lifelong passion for Alaska and its people, a passion that is, indeed, still on fire.
Native corporate leaders don't speak for all Native Alaskans
I was appalled at the what I believe is doublespeak and untruths in the op-ed presented by representatives of Native corporations asking us to vote no on ballot measure 1 (Daily News, July 8). During the ACES tax structure, that had been in existence for seven years, Alaska's oil companies made record profits. They talk about everyone's families, but it seems they are really just talking about their own families. They act like they speak for all Alaska Natives, but I know of many Alaska Natives who do not agree with them and do not seem to be able to access the type of opportunity and benefits afforded to insiders in these corporations and the elite families that control them. Those who take the most from the river must give the most to the community. Insider political hiring, expensive houses, cars, clothes and travel for a few, while the rest of the community must fend for themselves is not the way that leads to a healthy community. Vote YES on 1.
The views expressed here are the writers' own and are not necessarily endorsed by Alaska Dispatch News, which welcomes a broad range of viewpoints. To submit a letter for consideration, e-mail letters@adn.com, or click here to submit via any web browser. Submitting a letter constitutes granting permission for it to be edited for clarity, accuracy and brevity.