Readers write: Letters to the editor, August 16, 2016

Walker shouldn’t have shifted SnowTRAC money into general fund

Recently I learned that Gov. Bill Walker has taken SnowTRAC program funds and moved them into the state's general fund. SnowTRAC funding was to be used to maintain recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both non-motorized and motorized recreational trails. Due to several low-snow years, a certain amount of the funds were not spent and I understand that the money now totals $248,000.

I find this reallocation extremely unfair to the public counting on this money for maintenance of recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both non-motorized and motorized use. This is funding the public has already paid for.

I am asking the governor to deposit this money back into the program for which it was intended.

Additionally, I would like to see the SnowTRAC program reinstated. The SnowTRAC program has helped to manage the increasing use of snowmachining for recreation, transportation and subsistence. Before the program, snowmachiners were proliferating for recreation, transportation and subsistence use, and there were very few marked and maintained trials. The consequences were high accident rates, lost snowmachiners (which is a cost to the state), winter conflicts among trail users, conflicts with private property owners and conflicts with public land managers where snowmachining may have been prohibited. This program was also intended to support the local communities and the winter economy.

The SnowTRAC program has been a success. It took many years of surveying, mapping, brushing and cutting trails. Communities receiving SnowTRAC funds have succeeded in achieving all the goals mentioned above. Maintained trails have contributed to fewer search-and-rescue operations and less conflict with property owners.

Public recreational trails contribute to Alaska's economy by providing construction and maintenance jobs, attracting tourists and visitors, stimulating the business of outfitters, guides, tour companies, lodging, restaurants, gas stations, retail sales of machines, parts, clothing, repair shops and sales of dog sleds and equipment. Travel companies and snowmachine dealers are flourishing around this industry and contributing significantly to Alaska's winter economy.

People are hauling fuel and supplies to remote cabins more safely. More cabins are being built because of the ease of using trail systems being marked and groomed.

This is a self–funding program paid for from snowmachiners' registrations that benefits all who want to enjoy Alaska's winter. This program saves lives, stimulates the economy, promotes safety and creates jobs. We ask the governor to reconsider his decision, reinstate the SnowTRAC program and return the $248,000 to its rightful purpose.

I would like to thank Rep. Mark Neuman for doing his job in representing Alaskans and bringing this issue to my attention.

— Michele Stevens
president, Petersville
Community Non-Profit

Killing Anchorage bears wrong

I am enjoying Mr. Jim Lieb's panic-driven justifications (Commentary, Aug. 7; Letters, Aug. 15) for his desire to hunt bears in the Anchorage area. He does not speak for me, my family, friends and neighbors here in Anchorage. His reasoning would have us destroying cars and guns since they kill more people than bears. What about moose? Should we forget moose? That June attack in South Anchorage should justify more hunting of moose in the Anchorage Bowl area as well?

If Mr. Lieb feels threatened he should consider moving to a safer area. Certainly if he lives in fear, and feels his freedom of movement is compromised he may want to consider living somewhere where he will be less impacted by nature. Don't we live here because of its beauty, and our involvement in nature?

— David Ellison
Anchorage

Establish no-kill wolf corridor

As an Alaskan who cares about both the natural and economic health of the state, I am writing to support protection of wolves that inhabit Denali National Park as a needed component of that national treasure for both long-term health of the ecosystem and the viability of the world class reputation it will inspire to support the tourism industry. It is time to stop giving away this natural resource to single entities and protect it for the benefit of all.

I urge Gov. Bill Walker to establish a no-kill corridor to protect the wolves of Denali National Park from the wanton slaughter of their populations that is taking place there.

— Linda Shaw
Juneau

Thanks for kindness of stranger

On Saturday I was shopping at a local store and when I went to pay for my purchase I discovered, to my dismay, that I had left my credit card at home. The woman immediately behind me in line, without missing a beat, said, "Let me buy that for you. You have waited so long in line." She reached over to put her credit card in the machine to pay for my purchase. I thanked her but insisted that she not do this, although she again volunteered.

I don't know who she is — I would like to — but I would like to thank her for her kindness, not only in offering to pay for my purchase, but for the gift of her offer. I have thought of it often since then. I am increasingly aware of the cocoon in which I live. I am retired. I shop. I see friends. I dabble in life. Her immediate step forward brought me back into contact.

I thank her for her gift of proffered kindness, but even more for her confirmation of community. Thank you.

— Cathy Bromley
Anchorage

Young driver almost killed me

This evening I was almost run over by a teenager as I was finishing up a run. He was zipping down the gravel alley in a pickup, showing off to his girlfriend in the passenger seat. I heard him coming so I stopped short of turning down the alley where I live and just as he got to the end where he could see me he slammed on his brakes. He was in shock as he just sat there looking at me, I am pretty sure realizing he could have easily run me over had I not stopped.

Had that girl in the passenger seat been my daughter I would have been tempted to rip him out of the truck and trounce him. She is someone's daughter. I thought about giving him a lecture, but he seemed to be in shock at the moment. So I told him to go easy and went past him down the alley.

Afterward, I thought about what I could have said. About the loss of a child to someone driving like he did and now re-living it. The possibility that if I had not been paying close attention I could be dead and my daughter would be missing a dad and her brother. His horrendous guilt, possibly jail time, and both he and his girlfriend living with the horror of seeing me die over and over in their minds.

Survival is not to be taken for granted. School is around the corner, but so am I. A child may not have heard you coming and stepped right into your path. Go easy. Watch out for us.

— Greg DuBois
Anchorage

Reinbold is Eagle River choice

Fred Dyson, my good friend and former legislator, in his letter (Aug. 14) criticized incumbent Lora Reinbold for State House in Eagle River, when he suggested that she effectively cool off from serving due to false and irrelevant personal issues. To that, I must express my concern about the washout of his integrity, not hers as he wants us to think.

Dyson stated that a policymaker needs "to have integrity," then lays into Rep. Reinbold with a half-dozen personal swipes, demeaning her. Wow. Such character assassination caused me to pause. I was floored and never expected something like this from Fred Dyson. Integrity does not resort to personal attacks fueled by rumor. Totally uncalled for.

Lora Reinbold has served on finance subcommittees admirably trying to cut the budget these last four years. She's led the charge against the PFD grab. And while the House leadership whittled down its principles on budget cutting, she didn't, yet was rewarded by being thrown out of the majority caucus.

She is the fighter with integrity whom the people of Eagle River want. Eagle River may have two great candidates running for State House in the Republican primary, but they have only one choice, Lora Reinbold.

— Eugene Harnett
Eagle River

Where’s our tax credit?

Abolish the PFD. Pay off the deficit. Distribute the remaining funds to every qualified Alaskan. At the status quo the PFD will be eroded to nothing and state will still have the budget deficit.

Abolish the tax credits to large oil corporations promoted by the Republican majority. How about giving tax credits to you and me?

— Arnold Oskolkoff
Kenai

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