Praise Point Woronzof
Bree Kessler's commentary, "Safeguard public space by using it" (ADN July 10), ended by referencing the American Planning Association's designation of the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail as one of the great public spaces in America. She asks, "What would the Coastal Trail be like, feel like, if we cut down some of its trees, took away its benches, built a gate blocking it off?"
A scenario similar to the above was averted in 1994 when Friends of the Coastal Trail fought a proposal to trade away land 50 feet from the trail for airport warehouse development. The group's efforts resulted in a compromise land trade that included the creation of "permanent, dedicated parkland," named Point Woronzof Park. This 191 acres of natural open space, wildlife habitat and coastal tidelands hosts one of the most scenic and serene sections of the Coastal Trail.
Please join us Thursday as we celebrate Point Woronzof Park's 20th anniversary. At 5:30 p.m., meet at the Point Woronzof overlook for a brief program, then travel the Coastal Trail to the park to view newly installed park boundary signs, enjoy refreshments and appreciate 20 years of protection of one of the premier parks in Anchorage.
— Cathy Gleason
Original Friends of the Coastal Trail Member
Anchorage
Begich first to credit Alaska compatriots
Rep. Don Young is complaining that Sen. Mark Begich takes too much credit for projects on which Alaska's delegation has collaborated. My experience says otherwise. In fact, I have heard Sen. Begich say many times that the delegation works together for the betterment of Alaska. He specifically mentions Young when discussing the victory in maintaining the status of bypass mail to rural areas.
This delegation works well together. Both sides of the aisle are represented, and each can influence his or her colleagues. This is the way it should be. Begich is the first to give credit to his Alaskan compatriots. It's a cooperative venture that's working.
— Becky Stoppa
Wasilla
Decision doesnt take contraceptives from women
In reference to Ms. Charbonneau's commentary (ADN, July 21) about the Supreme Court decision in Burwell vs. Hobby Lobby, this is not about taking contraceptives from women. It's about not forcing people to pay for something that they believe is wrong. Ms. Charbonneau herself points out that Medicaid is available for low-income women. Women with higher incomes should be able to pay their own way. If not, perhaps Planned Parenthood could pay for it out of its funds.
— Mike Miller
Nikiski
Vote moot without responsible leaders
When the Proposition 1 votes are counted following the August election, the impact of the outcome will be minimal until we elect a fiscally responsible Legislature. Legislators whose priorities include financial planning and responsible spending can help us live within our revenue stream whatever the dollar amount.
— Anne Masker
Eagle River
Texan hopes for Troopers TV return
I am a widow living in Orange, Texas, and have two of my grandkids living in my care who are 6 years old. We are picky about what we watch on TV. And we do love to watch the show "Alaska State Troopers." Yes, we watch the troopers doing their job in a very professional manner. The kids learn that if you make bad choices, then there are consequences. We learn from the troopers in the Bush, and we learn they are there to protect hunting and to make sure years from now hunters will still be able to hunt for their families.
We love the vastness of your beautiful state and love to see all the different wildlife and learn about the diversity of the people. Ever since I heard that "Alaska State Troopers" will be not returning, the kids and I a have been really upset. I know troopers recently experienced a loss of two of their brothers. I can in my own way understand the loss they feel. Our prayers go out to them and their families … Please, please we pray they rethink this even after a hiatus. Maybe Trooper Howie Peterson will heed our love for them and all the show teaches. I really believe they are the most professional and fair anywhere.
— Barbara Brazile Sullivan
Orange, Texas
Alaskans know who really runs things
As I drive along the spur, north of Kenai, I see more signage going up stating "Vote No on 1." It seems small and medium businesses understand who runs this state, Big Oil. Certainly our politicians understand. If the mega-oil companies do not get what they want, they will pack their bags and leave.
Many individuals believe these behemoths would never abandon Alaska. However, corporations have only one fiduciary responsibility. It's all about making more money. And so they do. Rules and regulations ignored. Pay the fines as long as the profits continue. Just ask the big banks.
It is true Alaskans own the state's oil and gas resources but big oil dictates the terms of accessing it. I know, many believe our politicians have sold us out or are taking some sort of kickbacks. In reality, they clearly understand who runs the state. It could change but that would take honest questions and discussion of our monetary system and fiscal policies. But the "experts" tell us our economic-monetary system is perfect and no need to discuss an alternative to our current crony capitalism. Monopolies run the world and "we the people" accept it.
Given our current monetary and fiscal policies we must vote no on Ballot Measure No. 1. We're told there are only two choices on this issue. There are alternatives but they are ignored. Accessing our gas and oil without these big oil corporations is impossible given our ignorance. We could vote yes and hope some other big oil company might agree to our terms and conditions. Perhaps Russia's Gazprom would agree on Alaska's rules for delivering our oil and gas to the surface. After all, we have millions of our dollars invested in Gazprom and other Russian corporations.
— Ray Southwell
Nikiski
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