Anchorage Daily News

Make voting quick, convenient

We as a nation are long overdue for making Election Day a national holiday. All bus service should be free to offer all citizens access to polling booths. Every newspaper in America should post every voting site within its area, including directional maps and a number to call for information manned 24/7 throughout the day and night. All papers should print a supplement with this information so it can be carried with you easily.

If we, the people, are truly so concerned about every eligible man and woman having every chance to exercise their unalienable right to cast their vote, then we need to make it as convenient and quick to vote as it is to go through a 10-items-or-less checkout line. Voting must become integrated into the fabric of the nation's life. Only when we attain more than 50 percent of every community voting in every election will we be able to govern this country to the best of our abilities.

-- Janeen Herr

Chugiak

More regulation for refineries

The ADN article "Local gas prices still lead nation" (Oct. 24) quoted economist Barry Pulliam as saying Alaska's "two refiners hold not a monopoly but a 'duopoly.' " This is an interesting observation because Chugach Electric and Municipal Light and Power can be considered a "duopoly" and are regulated utilities because they provide essential energy and do not function in a free market as defined in any Economics 101 textbook.

Alaska's two refineries have a natural geographic position that allows them to charge a higher price, which is just lower than what it would cost to truck gasoline to Alaska from Outside. A question that needs to be answered is: Why shouldn't the state address this duopoly as a regulated utility?

-- Rich Sewell

Anchorage

Beware: Bears aren't snoozing yet

To all the residents of Anchorage who enjoy a relaxing morning run, ski or stroll, be aware: Bears are not yet tucked away for the winter.

In the last week I have had two different encounters with black bears while running, both of them near Elmore Road. My last encounter, on Sunday, would have ended rather tragically for me if a nice lady had not given me a ride in her vehicle. The bear was coming at me!

Do not let this hinder you from enjoying the crisp fall weather; just make sure you are not alone. I know I will from now on.

-- Erick Romig

Anchorage

Young voters can make difference

I think it's very important for youths to vote, not only in this election but in the future too. We need more young people to be engaged and concerned about politics.

As young people, we are given the opportunity to make a difference, and it can be done. In the 2004 election, only 47 percent of 18- to 24-year-old citizens voted. In the 2004 election, Alaska's youths did their part and we were ranked seventh for the 18- to 29-year-old division, but there's always room for improvement.

-- Kelly Vongdara

Anchorage

State should protect prisoners

I believe John Carlin's claim that he had been assaulted -- probably repeatedly -- by the inmates at Spring Creek Correctional Center and nothing was done about it.

My son had the same experience in Juneau at Lemon Creek Correctional Center and nothing was being done about it. The Department of Corrections turns a blind eye to behavior they feel is justifiable. Or they explain it as, "he hasn't adjusted to prison life yet."

I hope Carlin's son sues the State of Alaska for every dime he can get. Our state is liable for the protection of our inmates; no matter what corrections officers -- or anyone else -- think of the justice or injustice of each case or inmate, they have to protect them. The bottom line is, our inmates are human beings who are still loved by their families. Nobody understands this until they go through it personally.

I've heard our state is the second most corrupt state in the union and I think it should be bumped up to No. 1 after this needless death in our state prison.

-- Janice Jackson

Ketchikan

Not all bike paths are usable

In regard to the use of bike paths, dear motorists: As a bike commuter, I love bike paths when one is available and usable. Motorists, please realize that even though a path or route may exist, it does not mean it is accessible and without hazard. Some paths suddenly end, forcing the rider onto the road, sometimes over a curb. Other paths are so full of roots and cracks that riding is difficult and perilous to bike tires. And most paths spend much of the year covered in gravel and snow.

Did you know the sidewalk along Minnesota Drive is a designated bike route? However, it is better described as a dirt path, full of glass and usually cleaned once a year ... in July. Never mind that it is narrow, shared with pedestrians and incredibly dangerous, considering the numerous side roads and turning vehicles.

As a year-round bike commuter, I analyze my routes and determine them according to safety. If you see me on the road and not three feet over on a path, know that it is the best choice and one I have made legally.

-- Kymberly Blackstock

Anchorage

Bikers, watch out for yourselves

I have a reply to the concerned bike commuter who tells Anchorage drivers to slow down ("Discourteous motorists have been bullying cyclists around too long," Oct. 27). I have lived in Anchorage for 20 years, and one thing I know for a fact is Anchorage drivers will drive at their own will, some fast and rude. I bike to work in the summer and the winter; I love it and I'm cautious. The fact is, bikers have to watch for themselves. I have seen many near-misses, myself included, and I accept riding in this city as an elevated risk.

Don't get me wrong; a lot of drivers in Anchorage are courteous. Unfortunately, there's a few who are not. My message is to bikers: It's up to you to be visible and responsible.

-- Steve Rooke

Anchorage

Cartoonist had the last word

Reflecting on the economic "bailout" and its beneficiaries, it seems appropriate to remember a quote from one of Walt Kelly's characters in the comic strip "Pogo": "When you starve with a tiger, the tiger starves last."

-- George Herben

Anchorage

Keep politics off the phone

I wonder if anyone ever considered adding political polls and campaign calls to the Do Not Call List?

-- Dean Hill

Sterling

Loose dogs disturbing, dangerous

Unleashed dogs are a problem in my neighborhood in Eagle River. After the snowfall, I have a better idea of how many roam through my yard.

My dog has been attacked recently while on his chain in our yard. People here do not seem concerned but I am.

I have had to change where I walk in my neighborhood because a pack of dogs has formed down the street. They are allowed to hang out in the middle of the road near their homes.

I hear dogs barking in the night; it disturbs my pets and my sleep. If you don't want your dog, please give him to someone who will take better care of him. Letting him out the door unsupervised is risking his life, my dog's life and my safety. I didn't move to Alaska to be fenced in from your dogs.

-- C.M. Bailey

Eagle River

Clean up campaign signs first

I have lived in Alaska since I was 7 years old, and every year that we have a major election, the people who are running for any office explain how they will help Alaska or Anchorage. They say how they will keep it a cleaner and less cluttered place, but while they are saying all of this they are actually cluttering it all up. They flood the roads and sidewalks with their signs and advertisements.

Even after they win or lose, some do not bother cleaning up the mess of signs that they made. I find no interest in voting for a man or woman who can't clean up a mess that they make. I would like to see that both the winner and the loser and a few volunteers go out and clean up the signs. Possibly a fine should be sent out to people who do not clean up the signs that are on their lawn.

-- Griffin Kellar

Anchorage

Cuddy Park folks deserve thanks

My message is simply a thank-you (mega thank-you) to the Cuddy family and everyone who have made the park adjacent to the Loussac Library what it is. When I brought my little 3-month-old puppy home a little more than two years ago I found that the Cuddy Family Midtown Park was one place I felt safe walking her. I wasn't very happy when they closed it down last summer for "improvements." But it was worth the wait! Spring and I have had many walks late this summer and fall in the new Cuddy Park and I just want to thank each and every person and entity involved.

-- Helen Allen

Anchorage

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