Anchorage Daily News

As DOT struggles with streets, maybe it's time to lend a hand

The editorial Monday regarding the poor street cleanup by the state was right on. I don't recall such a crummy mess since Steve Cowper was governor, and least he had a state budget crash to blame. Those in charge in the State DOT need to fix this, and whoever gave the green light to this year's cleaning contract should be dismissed.

In addition to the lousy job the state is doing on the roads and trails this year, there is the issue of civic responsibility. If you've been in certain areas of Midtown lately, for example, it's a filthy, dusty mess. When did it become acceptable for businesses to just ignore the sidewalk in front of their business? How about getting out and sweeping and washing it down instead of waiting for the government to do it? And, while you are at it, put a few flower planters out and take care of your landscaping. If you're a supporter of lowering the cost of government, it's time to walk the talk. Today.

-- Colleen Hickey

Anchorage

Don't deface property to spread political message

I took my regular walk along Campbell Creek trail to find someone had spray painted "No on Prop 64" on the trail and a private fence. Can they possibly think that defacing public and private property is going to change my opinion?

-- Linda Robinson

Anchorage

Freedom of Information Act celebrates its 43rd birthday

This Independence Day marks 43 years since the landmark Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) was signed into law -- yet Americans still believe that our government is secretive.

FOIA established our right to access government records and to know what our government is doing -- both its successes and failures. Exercising our right to know allows us to contribute to our government and hold government accountable but also ensure our own well-being.

FOIA (and related state and local laws) are only as good as we demand that they be. For decades, members of the League of Women Voters have acted as government watchdogs at the federal, state and local levels -- observing government meetings, conducting document audits and empowering citizens -- but more work needs to be done.

The key to a healthy, open government is public participation. This FOIA anniversary, exercise your right to know by seeking records, attending a government meeting, or otherwise participating in making our democracy stronger and more open.

-- Carol Dickason, president

LWV of Anchorage

Anchorage

Boucher used 'politics of joy'

Red Boucher always reminded me of LBJ's good-natured, persuasive vice president, Hubert Humphrey. Both mastered what Humphrey called the "politics of joy," which consisted of happily pursuing political solutions to help solve society's and individuals' most vexing problems. Neither attained the "top job," but both would have been far better at it than many who have been elected. Red Boucher was an honest, intelligent, political animal, and we desperately need more like him in public life.

-- Judith S. Meidinger

Wasilla

Public option is shortsighted

Recently President Barack Obama has called on lawmakers to create a public insurance option. But I'm unconvinced that it is a healthy option for long term health care reform. A government-run insurance plan would focus on cutting costs instead of serving patients. While everyone would have insurance, no one would have the high quality coverage that most Americans now enjoy.

The public option virtually guarantees that government bureaucrats will be making health care decisions in the place of physicians and patients. A public option for health care reform is shortsighted and would do more harm than good.

I think we all agree that our country needs to expand access to affordable health care insurance; however, we should not go down a path of the government being the sole provider of health care.

-- Heath E. Hilyard

Anchorage

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