Anchorage Daily News

FAIRBANKS -- The state's political watchdog agency says a Web site launched this week by the Department of Natural Resources on the mining ballot initiative does not have to be dismantled but must undergo changes.

The commission wants changes in the content and language of the site on Ballot Measure 4, also known as the Clean Water Initiative.

Supporters say the measure is necessary to stop the proposed Pebble Mine near Bristol Bay by limiting discharges that could adversely affect salmon, water and people. Opponents say state and federal laws already offer those protections and that the measure as written is open to interpretation and could drive new rules that shut down all new, large metallurgic mines in Alaska.

The ballot measure will be voted on in Tuesday's statewide primary.

The site was developed with a $25,000 legislative appropriation to educate the public about Ballot Measure 4. DNR launched the site Tuesday, offering information on how mines are permitted and regulated, as well as a state legal opinion on the likely outcomes and similar assessments by DNR staff.

Brian Kraft, a Bristol Bay lodge owner, filed the complaint, saying the Web site violates election campaign laws.

The debate within the Alaska Public Offices Commission also prompted a new question of whether the commission has the power to restrict public officials on the job from taking sides on election issues.

The commission rescinded a cease-and-desist order preventing DNR from taking a public position on the ballot measure.

"The commission on reflection agrees it was a hasty decision on complicated issues we have not had adequate briefing on," chairwoman Elizabeth Hickerson said.

Hickerson said the commission instead will take briefs from both parties on its authority to restrain state officials from speaking out for or against Ballot Measure 4.

The Web site was pulled late Thursday after the commission ruled that while the state can use public money to educate voters, information presented must be neutral and fair. The commission found that some content was misleading or inaccurate.

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