Letters to the Editor

Readers write: Letters to the editor, Oct. 22, 2014

Supporters of AO 37 are deceitful

To purposely confuse voters, Chris Birch and the "Yes on 1" to keep AO-37 group have produced signs virtually identical to their opponents. When asked by ADN if this was intentional, Birch's response was "absolutely," justifying this crass and shameful move by the fact his side has raised less money. In a state with the former Corrupt Bastards Club, Birch's new level of deceit and trickery is impressive.

AO-37 is a bad law, designed in secrecy, and passed while public input was stifled. I am voting FOR the muni employees who come when we are in danger; who run into a burning building while we run out; who arrive when a loved has a medical emergency; who keep the power on in all kinds of weather. I am voting No on 1. Muni employees put their life in danger and work hours of overtime, all to add to the quality of our life. They deserve our support. Repeal AO-37.

Elizabeth Belgard O'Malley, ANP

Anchorage

Sullivan will owe Outside donors

I cannot support Dan Sullivan for Senate for several reasons. I know very little about the guy. He has held no prior elective office here. He has no real roots in Alaska and is not that familiar with Alaska. The fact his wife has roots here is not relevant. She isn't running, and they are not his roots.

His performance during his stints as attorney general and DNR commissioner were controversial at best, and he at times has supported big money interests from Outside against the interests of Alaskans. He has participated in very few debates and his staff has shielded him from the press. Why? Are they afraid that if we get to know him, he will look no better to us than Joe Miller?

Last, he is supported almost entirely by big money interests Outside Alaska, such as the Koch brothers and their billionaire friends, and he will be beholden to them if he is elected, not to the people of Alaska. I doubt very much that benefiting the people of Alaska is in their agenda, or will be in his, if he is elected.

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Steve Brown

Anchorage

Murkowski's endorsement disappointing

In the 35 years I have owned my business in Skagway, many elections have come and gone. In all that time, there have been only a handful of Republicans who earned my respect enough to allow their signs in my front window. Lisa Murkowski was one of them ... right up until the moment she endorsed Dan Sullivan.

The disappointment I felt when I saw her television announcement is shared by thousands of Alaskans who like me crossed party lines to support Lisa in her bid for Senate. Her endorsement of Sullivan has made me question whether she still has Alaska's best interests at heart or if in her desire to please the power elite in Washington she has forgotten her priorities.

Alaskans are proud of the way Begich and Murkowski have worked together: Murkowski should be too. Our state stands as a rare example of cooperative politics in contrast to the bitter partisanship that has caused so many problems for this country. As a team, Begich and Murkowski crossed partisan lines to vote together on many key Alaska issues. Together on the Appropriations Committee, they've brought back significant federal investments for projects critical to Alaska.

I sincerely hope Murkowski reads this and takes a moment to remember all of us who crossed party lines when she asked us to. If she wants this Alaskan's support in the future, she should do what's best for Alaska now and throw her support behind her real partner in the Senate, Mark Begich.

Jan Wrentmore

Skagway

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, email letters@adn.com, or click here to submit via any web browser. Submitting a letter to the editor constitutes granting permission for it to be edited for clarity, accuracy and brevity. Send longer works of opinion to commentary@alaskadispatch.com.

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